The British think tank Chatham House argues in a report published on Wednesday that civil society can play a “crucial role” in Ukraine’s recovery to prevent abuse and corruption.
“The country’s citizens must be confident that their government is truly serving the public interest and Ukraine’s international partners must be sure that the resources they promise are allocated for the greatest benefit of the country and its people,” writes the author, Orysia Lutsevych.
According to the Deputy Program Director for Russia and Eurasia and head of the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House, civil society can be important, for example, in ensuring the integrity of public procurement for infrastructure projects by monitoring the fight against corruption.
Other lines include working with war-affected children or supporting veterans, internally displaced persons and returning refugees.
Since the beginning of the war, citizens’ groups have been involved in reconstruction and relief work.
However, a UK Think Tank survey of Ukrainian civil society organizations reveals that many find themselves marginalized by national authorities and in recovery planning and implementation.
“Ukraine and its international partners must not miss the opportunity to harness the skills, motivation and resilience of citizens,” warns Lutsevych.
The report, titled “Allowing civil society to participate in the recovery of Ukraine”, stresses that the struggle continues and that it will take time to finalize a reconstruction plan.
While anticipating opportunities, he also warns of the risk that “new interests will emerge around the defense sector, in the awarding of contracts for reconstruction work, or that areas of the economy currently under state control will be transferred to private operators.” .
The study is published a week before the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2023 in London, between June 21-22.
The event will continue the one held in Switzerland, in Lugano, last year, with the aim of mobilizing international support for the economic and social stabilization of Ukraine and recovery from the effects of the war.
The Conference will seek to raise funds for emergency support for immediate needs and financing for the participation of the private sector in the future reconstruction process.
The event should include, in addition to political representatives of countries and international financial institutions, members of the private sector and civil society.
The day before, June 20, Chatham House will hold an expert seminar also on Ukraine’s post-war recovery.
Source: TSF
