Rivne region hosts first interregional forum on veterans’ policy
The first interregional forum on veteran policy has kicked off in Rivne region, bringing together representatives from 12 regions.
According to Ukrinform, this was reported by the Rivne Regional Military Administration.
“The first interregional forum on veteran policy has kicked off in Rivne region, bringing together representatives from 12 regions. The main goal of the event is to exchange practical experience and find effective solutions for the development of veteran policy,” the statement reads.
As noted, the forum was attended by specialists in veteran affairs from the Rivne, Volyn, Khmelnytskyi, Zaporizhzhia, Zhytomyr, Donetsk, Vinnytsia, Luhansk, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Ternopil, and Kharkiv regions. Also among the participants were members of parliament, representatives of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, local authorities, the public, and the veteran community.
“No one knows exactly what the right veteran policy should be at this point. And it is precisely such meetings that help us better understand the needs of veterans and what we need to do. Veterans policy is not a challenge, but an opportunity for the country’s development. Our task is to support the people who defended the state,” noted Oleksandr Koval, Head of the Rivne Regional State Administration.
Natalia Humeniuk, Director of the Department of Social Policy at the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, noted that veteran policy is cross-cutting: it encompasses healthcare, education, sports, and other areas. Each region faces its own challenges but also develops its own solutions, which are important to share.
As noted, during the forum, participants will review real-world case studies using the “works/doesn’t work” approach and take part in discussions in thematic groups and practical workshops. Key topics include strengthening the capacity of regional structures, supporting the families of missing defenders, developing veteran sports, as well as access to social services and coordination between institutions.
According to the Regional State Administration, participants will also visit a number of facilities in the Rivne region, including the relevant department, the regional hospital for veterans, and facilities for those who have returned from the war.
The forum will last three days. After Rivne region, the work will continue in Ternopil region, and the event will conclude in Khmelnytskyi region. It is expected that the outcome will include coordinated interregional decisions, a list of best practices for scaling up, and a common action plan for communities.
As reported by Ukrinform, a “Space for Caring for Veterans” has opened in the city of Varash, Rivne region.