As we approach the first year since the start of the Ukrainian resistance to the Russian invasion, The Institute of Strategic Risk Management Student Network is proud to host an ISRM Student Network Workshop entitled Ukraine: Post-Conflict Recovery, Reconstruction And Transformation: A Young Generation's View.
The workshop will be led by Dr David Rubens, Executive Director of the ISRM, only this time, he will be the one listening to you. All the attendees will have a chance to share their perspectives and opinions on the challenges and opportunities facing Ukraine in in the aftermath of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War.
The involvement of young people in post-conflict reconstruction is essential for building a more peaceful and prosperous future for all. Engaging them can help foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among the younger generation towards their community and country.
We welcome everyone to join us and participate in this engaging and insightful discussion. This is a great chance for the young generation to discuss and share their thoughts on Ukraine's post-conflict recovery, reconstruction, and transformation.
BACKGROUND OF THE EVENTS:
Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24th, 2022, with infantry, tank, and air support in both Eastern and Western Ukraine. In the following days, the Russian military made significant advances into Ukrainian territory, capturing several key cities and pushing towards Kyiv. The conflict quickly escalated, with both sides accusing the other of war crimes and atrocities.
The Russian invasion has been met with fierce Ukrainian resistance, with Ukrainian civilians also joining the fight. Unfortunately, there have been many forced disappearances, executions, hostage-taking, killing and sexual violence perpetrated by the Russian military.
The conflict has also resulted in significant damage to infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and homes, and has caused a mass displacement of civilians, with many fleeing their homes in search of safety.
The international community condemned the invasion and imposed a range of economic and diplomatic sanctions on Russia.
POST-CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION:
After almost a year of intense fighting, the resistance ot the invasion of Ukraine is still going on. The conflict continues to have a devastating impact on the country, with tens of thousands of deaths, the displacement of millions of people, and significant damage to infrastructure and the economy. The post-conflict transformation of Ukraine will be a long and difficult process, requiring sustained efforts and support from the government, civil society, and international partners. However, there is also a recognition that there is an opportunity to use this critical event to set the foundations for a national transformation across Ukraine’s political, social, economic and educational domains.
One of the key priorities for Ukraine is rebuilding and repairing the damage caused by the conflict. This includes rebuilding damaged homes and infrastructure, repairing damaged roads and bridges and clearing unexploded landmines. We will discuss possible measures and solutions that will be undertaken regarding the post-conflict reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure.
Ukraine is also focused on addressing the social and economic impacts of the conflict. Many Ukrainians were left without jobs or access to basic services, and there is a significant need for mental health support for those affected by the conflict. Post-conflict recovery raises two important questions – What do we need to do? How are we going to achieve that? Ukraine is facing challenges that are undoubtedly difficult, but with sufficient funding and support, there are organisations in both the private and government sectors that can aid in planning and executing these programs.
CONCLUSION:
We encourage everyone from the ISRM Global Student Network to join us in this conversation and share their thoughts or ask questions on this important topic. You will have the opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities of post-conflict transformation in Ukraine.
Given our close relationship with the Ukraine Global Faculty and a number of universities across Ukraine, we are expecting to have a high level of participation from Ukrainian students.
Together, we can explore how to best support the people of Ukraine in rebuilding their communities and creating a sustainable future, and to hear from the students of Ukraine as to what their hopes and aspirations are.
