A Joint Initiative for a Resilient Ukraine

ForumCiv and Neo-Eco are partnering to support communities most affected by war, including: internally displaced persons (IDPs), veterans transitioning to civilian life, women building an eco-conscious future and vulnerable groups in need of support. Together, we aim not just to rebuild — but to reimagine a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and rooted in human dignity.

The Project 

Location: Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine
Duration: 18 months
Goal: Empower local communities to tackle challenges, shape decisions, and lead change
Funding: Swedish Institute

Using the Right(s) Way Forward methodology — a proven rights-based approach used in over 10 countries — we provide tools for civic participation, grassroots action, and collaborative dialogue.

The Plan

We identify and train local facilitators — active community members who become catalysts for change. They:

  • Mobilize their communities
  • Facilitate inclusive dialogue
  • Help develop and implement Community Action Plans
  • Act as bridges between citizens, authorities, and other stakeholders
  • Creating inclusive job opportunities

Key Activities:

  • Training community facilitators
  • Hosting dialogue sessions to identify local needs
  • Work with communities to create Action Plans
  • Joint work on community plans for labour market development and inclusive job creation in the city
  • Ongoing support for the work of communities and facilitators
  • Supporting citizen-led initiatives
  • Building trust between residents, IDPs, and local authorities
  • Creating a long-term platform for cooperation and learning

The Methodology: Right(s) Way Forward

A participatory tool that connects rights-holders (community members) and duty-bearers (authorities) to jointly address local challenges.

It includes two core processes:

1. Community Mobilization

Facilitators engage the community in analyzing issues, fostering participation, and building ownership around shared goals.

2. Dialogue for Change

Communities gain the skills to work with officials, navigate governance systems, and influence policy to create real, lasting change.

Read more about the methodology.

The Vision: A Stronger, More Inclusive Society

We’re building a future where every community member has a voice, understands their rights, and has the tools to act. This project helps:

  • Expand access to jobs and economic opportunities
  • Strengthen local leadership, self-organization and community building
  • Encourage dialogue across sectors and among communities
  • Influence decisions that shape urban development

This isn’t a one-off intervention – it’s a step toward long-term, people-driven transformation.

Join us in shaping a just, inclusive, and sustainable Ukraine.