KYIV, 27 June 2024 – The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has unveiled the results of an organisational audit on national and civic identity. 

The presentation and a public discussion titled “National and Civic Identity: Senses, Values and Narratives,” saw participation from civil society organisations, public authorities, and international organisations. Following the presentation, group work sessions were held with the aim of determining collaborative directions to implement the Strategy for Affirming Ukrainian National and Civic Identity.

The results of the audit will be used enhance collaboration among key stakeholders in implementing policies related to national and civic identity. The audit results have already been used to develop strategic documents – including the abovementioned strategy.

The audit was conducted by the Centre for Economic Analysis in Medical and Social Spheres (CIVITA). It was initiated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, supported by UNDP in Ukraine, and funded by the Government of Japan.

The audit involved analysing media content, reviewing documents from relevant state and local government agencies, and holding roundtable discussions and public forums. The study also considered the experiences of five countries: Poland, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Germany, and the Czech Republic.

Key recommendations from the audit include:

• Systematic and active development of the International Ukrainian School network.
• Organisation of new national school history quizzes and competitions.
• Initiatives to increase youth involvement in volunteering activities.
• Focus on interregional exchanges, such as trips for children and young people to notable locations outside their regions.
• Restoration of memorial sites in Ukraine where genocides and crimes against humanity have occurred.

At the presentation, Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Oleh Nemchinov emphasised the audit's importance in developing legal frameworks and policies on national and civic identity. 

“Our primary task as a government is to create favourable conditions and establish cross-sectoral cooperation at both national and regional levels to implement state policy on national and civic identity,” said Nemchinov. “The audit highlights both the ‘advantages’ we can leverage and the ‘shortcomings’ we need to address to enhance our effectiveness."

Acting Minister of Youth and Sports Matviy Bidnyi said that promoting national and civic identity was a priority for the ministry. 

“The audit is a significant step towards making effective state-level decisions,” Bidny said. “We hope all partners from various sectors will utilise the findings and recommendations. The ministry has already implemented several proposals in the draft State Target Programme for Affirming Ukrainian National and Civic Identity until 2028.”

Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Ukraine Christophoros Politis highlighted the importance of shaping a shared identity based on democratic values and confirmed UNDP's commitment to supporting government and non-government efforts in this area. 

“The UNDP in Ukraine recognises the importance of forming a strong national and civic identity as a component of Ukraine's resilience,” Politis said. “By collaborating with the government, youth, and civil society organisations in promoting democratic values as integral to Ukrainian identity, the UNDP is fostering an inclusive and cohesive society.”

More information about the audit (in Ukrainian) can be viewed here.

Media inquiries: Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications, UNDP in Ukraine; email: yuliia.samus@undp.org