OSCE supports dialogue efforts to enhance peaceful development of western Donbas, Ukraine

KRASNOARMIYSK, eastern Ukraine, 30 July 2015 – Over 170 representatives of central and local authorities, members of parliament, civic activists and experts gathered today in Krasnoarmiysk, eastern Ukraine, to discuss most burning issues of development for the western part of Donbas region, affected by recent hostilities.

The discussions were held within the Western Donbas Forum “Reconstruction through Dialogue”, organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator on request from Donetsk Oblast Civil and Military Administration.

The aim was to facilitate discussions between central and local authorities, civil society and expert community on ways of solving the most urgent issues, related to people’s life in the areas affected by the conflict. The participants focused on improvement of economic conditions and tackled urgent environmental challenges, response to humanitarian problems, including needs of internally displaced persons and regime of crossing the conflict contact line, reviewed prospects of local elections and future decentralization reform.

“We do not expect the quick solutions to all of the problems identified. However we do hope that officials, activists and experts will use this opportunity to earmark possible action plans that can bring a positive change,” said Ambassador Vaidotas Verba, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine. “The dialogue should continue as joint efforts with civil society at all levels are crucial to further stability in the region.”

Algirdas Shemeta, country’s business-ombudsman, Hanna Vronska; Deputy Minister for Ecology and Natural Resources, Volodymyr Lapa; Deputy Minister of Food and Agricultural Policy, Tetyana Popova, Deputy Minister for Information Policy, participated in the Forum.

Thematic discussions were facilitated by experts of National Association of Mediators of Ukraine with support and advice provided by the Vienna-based OSCE Secretariat Mediation Support Team. Discussions were also observed by foreign diplomats and representatives of international organizations, for them it is a chance to learn more of the region’s problems so that the assistance provided by donor community is more focused and responsive to actual needs of locals.

As an outcome of this dialogue event, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator will prepare and distribute among participants and governmental authorities a report, summarising the discussions, views expressed and agreements reached. This activity is part of National Dialogue Project, implemented by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator with financial support from governments of Italy and Norway.