UN Global Compact in Ukraine Spotlights Veteran Reintegration in 'WE' Documentary Series

Veteran Reintegration Initiative Featured in Documentary Series 'WE'

According to Главком: The UN Global Compact in Ukraine has launched the documentary series 'WE', showcasing the efforts of ten Ukrainian companies in the field of business and human rights. This project is part of the Business & Human Rights Initiative, supported by the Government of Japan and the UN Development Programme in Ukraine. One featured company is 'Metinvest', which developed a veteran reintegration system that earned it an international award. The series highlights the critical role of the private sector in addressing the profound social challenges arising from the ongoing conflict.

In late 2022, 'Metinvest' began establishing a support system for demobilized employees. Over more than ten years of war, approximately 11,000 of the company's staff have joined Ukraine's Defense Forces. To date, about one thousand veterans have returned to work at 'Metinvest' enterprises, while over 8,000 employees continue to serve in the Armed Forces, National Guard, and other units. Projections indicate that by 2025, Ukraine will be home to over 1.5 million veterans, a number that could rise to 5 million after the war ends.

'Metinvest' Awards and Programs

'Metinvest' won two accolades at the International Brilliance Awards in London, receiving the Brilliance Award in the 'Corporate Wellbeing' category. The company accounts for nearly a third of all veterans who have returned to work at large Ukrainian businesses. Through its 'Steel Force' initiative, 'Metinvest' is also working to train a new generation of specialists.

The company's veteran reintegration system focuses on five key areas:

• Psychological and physical rehabilitation
• Social support
• Professional adaptation and retraining
• Preparing teams for the return of demobilized colleagues
• Assisting mobilized employees and their family members

“We are building not just a project, but an entire ecosystem for veteran reintegration. For us, the return of military personnel is not merely corporate social responsibility; it is part of 'Metinvest's' DNA.”

Tetiana Petruk, a representative of 'Metinvest'

The launch of the 'WE' documentary series underscores the importance of business-society collaboration in the context of human rights and demonstrates how companies like 'Metinvest' can play an active role in the social reintegration of veterans. Given the anticipated increase in the veteran population, such initiatives are vital for creating a supportive environment to help both veterans and society at large adapt. This reflects a growing sense of corporate responsibility in social matters, which can contribute to the country's stability and development in the post-war period.

As the need for veteran support grows, Metinvest is enhancing its rehabilitation initiatives, having already engaged over 400 participants through innovative programs like swimming. This expansion underscores the company's commitment to fostering a holistic reintegration process for veterans returning to civilian life, complementing the efforts highlighted in the 'WE' documentary series.