The International Federation of Social Workers in Europe (IFSW Europe), led by President Ana Radulescu, in collaboration with the President of the Kamenets Podilsk District Council, Mykhailo Simashkevich, hosted an event commemorating a year of joint endeavors. This partnership has been instrumental in strengthening the field of social work and social services in Ukraine, promoting resilience in the face of the challenging backdrop of war.
Furthermore, the event aimed to underscore the significance of social work and social services in Ukraine as essential in promoting the well-being and overall quality of life for people and communities during and after the war.
The presence of esteemed guests, including People’s Deputy Mykola Stefanchuk, Advisor to the Prime Minister Olga Lugach, Deputy of the Regional Council Valentin Sokolyuk, and Representative of the Khmelnytsia Regional Military Administration Catherine Burduvalis, emphasized the event’s national and local significance. Their participation signified the recognition of social work’s importance in addressing critical issues and shaping social policy, as well as the state’s commitment to supporting the welfare of the people.
People’s Deputy Mykola Stefanchuk’s attendance at the event symbolized its national significance. As a respected figure in Ukrainian politics, his presence highlighted that the event was not merely a regional affair but a matter of national importance. His involvement underlined the event’s relevance on the broader political landscape, emphasizing its role in addressing critical social issues. This recognition from a national leader reinforced the event’s significance in shaping social policy at the national level.
It is indeed a significant development that Mr. Deputy Mykola Stefanchuk has accepted Mrs. Ana Radulescu, President of IFSW Europe, as a promotor for the development of social policy and social work at the Ukraine Parliament level. This decision reflects a proactive approach towards addressing critical social issues and shaping policies that can positively impact the well-being of the people of Ukraine. Having a dedicated promotor and supporter for the development of social policy at the parliamentary level is a promising step towards ensuring that the concerns and needs of the most vulnerable in society are effectively addressed. It also signifies a recognition of the importance of evidence-based policymaking and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in the legislative process.
Additionally, the event was honored to have Olga Lugach, Advisor to the Prime Minister, in attendance. The participation of Advisor to the Prime Minister Olga Lugach was particularly noteworthy. Her presence underscored the commitment of the government to support the welfare of the people. As an advisor to the Prime Minister, she brought with her not only a message of support but also the weight of the government’s dedication to the event’s objectives. The conveyed message from the Prime Minister further solidified the government’s endorsement of the event’s goals, particularly in the development of social support systems.
Valentin Sokolyuk, a Deputy of the Regional Council, brought a vital local perspective to the event, demonstrating the event’s connection to the grassroots level and its potential impact on the region’s development.It emphasized the event’s connection to grassroots-level governance and its potential impact on the region’s development. His presence highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in advancing social services and welfare, bridging the gap between national policies and local implementation.
Moreover, the event benefited from the insights of Catherine Burduvalis, a Representative of the Khmelnytsia Regional Military Administration. The insights provided by Catherine Burduvalis, a Representative of the Khmelnytsia Regional Military Administration, were invaluable. Her presence shed light on the specific challenges faced by the region during times of war. It emphasized the need to consider building support systems that are adaptive and responsive to the unique circumstances of regions affected by conflict.
That is why so important that we could bring together more than 30 heads of local government in Ukraine (district councils and oblasts) and they have actively participated in events related to creating and implementing support for people. The event served as a platform for meaningful discussions, collaborations, and solutions, all of which will significantly influence the future of social services in Ukraine. It highlighted the vital role of local governments, including district councils and oblasts, in building and implementing support systems for people. These entities, being closest to the communities they serve, can tailor policies and services to address local needs effectively. Their engagement with local communities ensures that policies are inclusive and responsive to the specific challenges faced by each region.
At the event, social workers and local officials responsible for social support development were in attendance. A team representing IFSW Europe was present, including:
Paola Pontarollo (Member of IFSW Europe Executive Committee)
Herbert PAULISCHIN (IFSW Europe Project Coordinator for Ukraine and IFSW Europe Representative to the United Nations)
Enric Torras (IFSW European Representative to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights – FRA).
The international team included Mihai Mihaiescu Aniuk, key facilitator of international support, with Zsolt-Levente Rákos representing ASproAS (The Association of Social Workers in Romania) and Mariana Tintarean representing the Federation of Social NGOs in Transylvania.
In a time of war and uncertainty, the collective efforts of social work professionals, government officials, and local representatives demonstrated a commitment to building a resilient and supportive society for the people of Ukraine. This event serves as a beacon of hope and progress in the ongoing journey toward enhancing the well-being and social services available to people and communities in Ukraine.
For more information, visit: https://www.ifsw.org/social-work-in-ukraine/