South Ukrainian IDP Councils Forum
On September 10–11, 2026, Odesa hosted the South Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils, organized by the Stabilization Support Services Charitable Foundation with backing from the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine (UNHCR). Over 90 representatives from IDP councils across Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Kherson regions gathered to exchange practical experiences, address obstacles in implementing government programs, and explore ways to strengthen their influence at the community level.
Achievements and Challenges of IDP Councils
A key focus was on the tangible outcomes achieved by IDP councils. For instance, in the Kobleve community, the council successfully established transport links connecting temporary IDP housing with the community center. Meanwhile, in Velyka Oleksandrivka, Kherson region, home to more than 2,000 registered IDPs, the council implemented a personalized support system tailored to newcomers' specific needs. These initiatives highlight the councils’ crucial role in driving local change, though they continue to require consistent and systemic support.
“Interregional experience sharing and networking are vital: events like this create an open space to discuss challenges and forge strong connections. IDP councils wield significant influence locally. Today, they can also play a key role in assisting those considering evacuation,”
Marcel van Maastricht
The forum also launched an online voting process for nominees of the national award ‘For the Sake of the Future’. Award categories include:
- Leadership and Advocacy
- Innovations and Initiatives
- Power of Collaboration
- Community Choice of IDP Councils
Olha Dzerzhynska emphasized, “Our shared objective is to find effective solutions. The greatest value of these gatherings lies in the strong relationships and collaborative outcomes you will take back to your communities.”
The Stabilization Support Services Foundation has partnered with UNHCR since July 2022 and continues in 2026 with the project “Strengthening the Capacity of State Institutions and Local Communities to Enhance Ukraine’s Social Protection System.” This initiative prioritizes institutional support for social protection agencies, capacity building for IDP councils, and advocacy campaigns.
Serving as a pivotal step in fostering cooperation among IDP councils from different regions, the forum also identified systemic barriers in implementing government programs at regional and local levels, working together to devise solutions. Yuliia Chaikovska highlighted the advisory council’s role: “Although we lack direct resources to provide aid, we unite government bodies and charitable organizations to maximize support efforts.”
In summary, the South Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils underscored the importance of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint action to improve the lives of internally displaced persons in Ukraine. Events like this strengthen community partnerships, enabling more responsive and effective local support mechanisms for IDPs.
As local councils continue to navigate the complexities of supporting internally displaced persons, the recent international volunteer forum in Lviv provided a platform for over 150 participants to share insights and strategies. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of collective action in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by communities affected by displacement.