Kharkiv Hosts Interregional Forum Addressing Social Change
From September 22 to 23, 2026, Kharkiv became the venue for an interregional Social Change Forum dedicated to tackling the challenges linked to prolonged displacement, social protection during evacuation, and the advancement of community-level services. The event was organized by the Stabilization Support Services Charitable Foundation, with backing from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Ukraine. Approximately 100 participants took part, including representatives from local authorities, regional military administrations, civil society, and international partners.
Key Discussions on Social Protection for Displaced Populations
Discussions centered on critical issues related to the social protection of internally displaced persons (IDPs). In the Kharkiv region alone, over 520,000 IDPs are registered, including 147,000 elderly individuals. Nearly 8,000 people reside in temporary accommodation facilities, primarily seniors, families with children, and persons with disabilities. Inna Tertyshna, First Deputy Director of the Social Protection Department at the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, emphasized the necessity of facilitating the adaptation and integration of evacuees into their new communities.
“Evacuations continue every day, and the numbers keep rising. It is vital for us to ensure these individuals can adjust and become part of our communities,” stated Inna Tertyshna.
The forum also provided a platform for exchanging experiences among attendees. Lyudmyla Musiaka, Director of the Social Policy Department at the Sumy Regional Military Administration, highlighted the shared challenges faced by different regions. “Sumy today stands as a frontline of Ukraine. We confront the same issues as Kharkiv region, so we frequently consult each other on many matters,” she noted, underscoring the importance of cooperation.
Over the course of two days, participants showcased tested models of collaboration between local authorities, social protection services, NGOs, and international organizations. The forum concluded with a compilation of effective practices and actionable ideas for implementation within communities. Claudia Nicoletti pointed out:
“In wartime, elderly people forced to leave their homes face heightened risks of isolation and limited access to housing, healthcare, and social services.”
She stressed that support efforts should focus on restoring independence and social connections.
The Stabilization Support Services Charitable Foundation continues to implement the project "Strengthening the Capacity of State Institutions and Local Communities to Enhance Ukraine’s Social Protection System." Key priorities of this initiative include:
- providing institutional, technical, and advisory-methodological assistance to social protection agencies;
- building the capacities of IDP councils;
- conducting advocacy campaigns to improve relevant legislation.
The next interregional forum is scheduled to take place in Odesa.
UNHCR has been active in Ukraine for over 30 years, with its efforts intensifying following the annexation of Crimea, the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, and the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The agency delivers humanitarian aid to IDPs and war-affected populations, maintaining collaboration with the Stabilization Support Services Foundation since July 2022.
This Social Change Forum in Kharkiv highlights the ongoing urgency of addressing the needs of internally displaced persons amid the war. Cross-regional and international cooperation remains a crucial factor for the successful integration of IDPs into new communities. Sharing proven practices and interaction models can serve as a foundation for improving social services and expanding support for vulnerable groups. Initiatives like this contribute to building resilient communities that can adapt to the evolving challenges facing Ukraine.
As the Kharkiv forum highlighted the pressing needs of internally displaced persons, similar discussions are taking place in other regions. The recent South Ukrainian IDP Councils Forum in Odesa also addressed challenges and strategies aimed at enhancing local support for displaced communities. These collaborative efforts across different regions are crucial in fostering a cohesive response to the ongoing crisis.