For eleven years now, the people of Ukraine have been fighting for victory and a just peace in Russia’s protracted war against the country. Despite constant threats and ongoing vulnerability, people remain the key drivers of change and Ukraine’s greatest asset. Their dignity and active engagement are shaping the future of a new, European Ukraine.
The document A Vision of Resilience 2.0. The Human Dimension is dedicated to the topic of human-centered recovery. This is the second edition of the Vision, created in March 2025 as a result of expert discussions initiated by the International Renaissance Foundation in partnership with civil society. It contains specific proposals for the Government of Ukraine, local authorities, and international partners to support human development.
While the first version, A Vision of Resilience 2024, defined the basic principles of recovery—human-centeredness, participation, and good governance—the new edition expands on these concepts. It places at its core the experience, needs, and security of each individual as a foundation for resilience, successful recovery, and Ukraine’s future integration into the European Union. Recovery here is not simply rebuilding, but creating conditions for a dignified life, participation in decision-making, and access to quality services.
“Today is the 1132nd day of resilience since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion. For eleven years, Ukraine has not only been defending its right to exist but also demonstrating to the world what it stands for: the rule of law, human rights, democracy, and dignity. The foundation of our resilience is our values. It is the individual. That is why we called our presentation ‘The Human Dimension’—because a person is at once the highest value, the goal, and the driving force behind everything we do,” said Inna Pidluska, Deputy Executive Director of the International Renaissance Foundation, at the opening of the Vision presentation.
The document was presented on March 31 during the expert discussion A Vision of Resilience 2.0. The Human Dimension of Recovery, held as part of the lead-up to the Ukraine Recovery Conference scheduled for July 10–11 in Rome.
Read more about the key findings of the study in this article.
What hinders resilience—and how to overcome it
The war has revealed weaknesses in government policies related to basic needs and human rights. A Vision of Resilience 2.0 identifies the main obstacles to Ukraine’s sustainable recovery and offers clear solutions.
Security remains a priority during wartime. Despite Ukrainians’ adaptability, the lack of shelters and weak communication of safety measures by the state diminish people’s sense of security. Participation in public and economic life has declined. A clear national strategy for building shelters and effective communication will help restore people’s confidence and contribute to the revitalization of business and community life.
In times of crisis, human rights, justice, and human-centeredness become especially critical. Public demand for justice requires policies centered on the individual, ensuring equal opportunities for all. Fostering dialogue, ensuring transparency in decision-making, and promoting government accountability will strengthen societal resilience, reduce polarization, and protect the most vulnerable.
Low levels of citizen engagement in decision-making remain a challenge to governance and democracy. People need transparent mechanisms for participation that allow them to influence decisions and rebuild trust in institutions. The creation of effective advisory bodies and continuous communication between authorities and communities is a necessary step forward.
Many communities still lack sufficient self-sufficiency and social cohesion and remain largely dependent on external support, limiting their autonomy. The document proposes boosting local entrepreneurship, supporting complete production cycles, and strengthening horizontal networks. These steps will help communities become more independent and better prepared to respond to future crises.
How to support people and communities on the path to resilience
A Vision of Resilience 2.0 offers clear recommendations on how to support people and communities in wartime. The document outlines a range of key priorities aimed at strengthening the human dimension of resilience. These include:
- strengthening social cohesion;
- improving access to the labor market;
- addressing demographic challenges;
- reintegrating veterans;
- promoting gender equality;
- restoring critical social infrastructure and expanding access to services;
- fostering inclusiveness and barrier-free environments;
- supporting cultural development and protecting cultural heritage.
Special attention is given to the adaptation of veterans and internally displaced persons (IDPs). The document recommends comprehensive programs offering medical, psychosocial, and professional support for veterans, encouraging veteran entrepreneurship, and creating conditions for IDPs to integrate into new communities through access to housing, employment, and services.
To encourage young people and adolescents to return to and remain in Ukraine, the Vision proposes targeted housing programs, quality education and healthcare, and support for youth-led entrepreneurial and educational initiatives. It emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where young people see real opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The document also highlights the importance of public dialogue within communities and with the Ukrainian diaspora. It proposes the creation of safe public spaces for communication, the development of mediation practices, and the support of amateur cultural initiatives to reduce conflict and strengthen cohesion. Active cooperation with the diaspora will also reinforce international support for Ukraine.
Security and infrastructure development are treated as separate, urgent priorities. The Vision calls for the construction of shelters, the creation of barrier-free environments, and the restoration of essential healthcare and education facilities to make communities safer and more livable for all.
This vision, rooted in the human dimension, offers a roadmap for building a resilient Ukraine. A Vision of Resilience 2.0 provides comprehensive analysis and strategic guidance to help Ukrainian institutions lay the foundation for sustainable, human-centered recovery, where dignity and well-being are at the heart of every decision.
This document was created by the International Renaissance Foundation with financial support from Norway (Norad) and Sweden (Sida), in partnership with East Europe Foundation, as part of the “Impulse: Empowering Civil Society for Ukraine’s Resilience and Recovery” project. The content of this document is the sole responsibility of the International Renaissance Foundation and does not in any way reflect the views of the Government of Norway or the Government of Sweden.
