Spring SD-Digest
During spring the SD Platform has been actively working at the national and local levels. We restarted the work of the offices, updated the strategy of the structural units, held a number of events and meetings, and approved the first draft of the principles of just restoration, which will be the focus of our team's attention throughout 2023.
SD-Events. April-May
March 25 to 26-th
SD Campus «Progressive Leadership: Strengthening Resilience in Hard Times»
SD Campus is a branded format of SD Platform, during which 50 activists from different regions of Ukraine had a chance to learn about the ideas of social democracy, developed principles for a just recovery of Ukraine, and drafted local action initiatives.
The SD Campus was also joined by friends of the SD Platform from the EU countries who shared their experience in building social democratic youth organizations, implementing educational projects, and communicating the principles of social democracy:
SD Campus «Progressive Leadership: Strengthening Resilience in Hard Times»
SD Campus is a branded format of SD Platform, during which 50 activists from different regions of Ukraine had a chance to learn about the ideas of social democracy, developed principles for a just recovery of Ukraine, and drafted local action initiatives.
The SD Campus was also joined by friends of the SD Platform from the EU countries who shared their experience in building social democratic youth organizations, implementing educational projects, and communicating the principles of social democracy:
Christopher Lindvall (Member of the SSU Federal Council), Jessica Rosenthal (Federal Chair of Jusos/ Member of the SPD Bundestag), Paula Karvalho (International Secretary of the Social Democratic Party of Sweden), Inga Naslund (Program Manager for Eastern Europe at the Olof Palme International Center).
- Magdalena AnderssonLeader of the Social Democratic Party of Sweden and former Prime Minister of Sweden– «SD is about active problem solving, building a powerful progressive society that will ensure a decent life for itself».
– «The SD is not only about ideology because everyone has their own opinion and not everyone can agree with it, even within the party, but they have a common foundation on which they rely». - Felix HettDirector of FES Kyiv– «Leadership is about the responsibility to make important decisions in difficult circumstances and to unite different opinions. Thus, on February 27, 2022, the fourth day of the war in Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called an emergency meeting of the German parliament. During his speech, the leader of the Social Democratic Party of Germany, despite the diverse political structure of the Bundestag, declared a new era, the necessity to support Ukraine and an increase in defense spending to 2% of GDP».
March 29
The arrival of the delegation of the SD faction of the European Parliament to Kyiv
Activists of the SD Platform met in Kyiv with representatives of the delegation of the Social Democratic Group of the European Parliament led by the President of the group, Irache Garcia Perez.
The participants of the meeting honored the victims of the Russian war, discussed ways to strengthen the resilience of Ukrainian society and ensure a fair and inclusive recovery.
The arrival of the delegation of the SD faction of the European Parliament to Kyiv
Activists of the SD Platform met in Kyiv with representatives of the delegation of the Social Democratic Group of the European Parliament led by the President of the group, Irache Garcia Perez.
The participants of the meeting honored the victims of the Russian war, discussed ways to strengthen the resilience of Ukrainian society and ensure a fair and inclusive recovery.
March 31 to April 2
SD Congress
An all-Ukrainian congress of activists of the SD Platform, during which we worked out strategies for development and action plans, updated the list of coordinators and contact persons, presented 10 principles of just restoration and a strategy for reforming the concept of membership in the SD Platform.
SD Congress
An all-Ukrainian congress of activists of the SD Platform, during which we worked out strategies for development and action plans, updated the list of coordinators and contact persons, presented 10 principles of just restoration and a strategy for reforming the concept of membership in the SD Platform.
The main directions of the SD Platform in 2023 will be:
1. strengthening sustainability and ability to influence;
2. developing and disseminating the principles of just restoration;
3. education to develop the political culture of society, promotion of political pluralism and democratic values;
4. supporting the European integration;
5. volunteering and humanitarian support in times of war.
A crucial aspect of the Congress was the presentation of the principles of a just restoration of post-war Ukraine:
1. Security priority
We recognize that ensuring the security of Ukrainians is a prerequisite for prosperity and progress.
2. Strengthening institutional capacity with a focus on the parliament
We believe in strengthening institutional capacity to ensure good governance.
3. Rejecting unprincipled and immature pre-war policies
We reject unprincipled and immature policies that have led to corruption and irresponsibility.
4. Political pluralism and democracy
We believe in promoting political pluralism and democratic values, ensuring freedom of speech, assembly and association, and protecting labor rights, minority rights, and rights of marginalized groups.
5. Ensuring social protection of veterans and their families
We prioritize comprehensive social assistance to veterans and their families, including healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, as a symbol of our gratitude for their sacrifice.
6. Creation of new jobs, decent working conditions and opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses
We are committed to creating jobs and encouraging entrepreneurship by providing favorable conditions for the development of own businesses, and small farms and investing in education and career coaching.
7. Zero tolerance for corruption in the recovery process
We demand that the reconstruction process be transparent and free of corruption, with strict measures to prevent and eradicate corrupt practices.
8. Inclusive and safe infrastructure
We are committed to investing in modern and safe infrastructure that is accessible to all citizens, including those living in remote areas, and that supports economic growth and social development.
9. Free and accessible education, including vocational education
We are committed to providing free and accessible education for all citizens, with a particular focus on vocational education that meets the needs of the labor market.
10. Ensuring an effective and balanced European integration process
We recognize the importance of European integration and determine the need for this process to be effective and balanced, with due regard for national interests and the needs of local communities.
1. strengthening sustainability and ability to influence;
2. developing and disseminating the principles of just restoration;
3. education to develop the political culture of society, promotion of political pluralism and democratic values;
4. supporting the European integration;
5. volunteering and humanitarian support in times of war.
A crucial aspect of the Congress was the presentation of the principles of a just restoration of post-war Ukraine:
1. Security priority
We recognize that ensuring the security of Ukrainians is a prerequisite for prosperity and progress.
2. Strengthening institutional capacity with a focus on the parliament
We believe in strengthening institutional capacity to ensure good governance.
3. Rejecting unprincipled and immature pre-war policies
We reject unprincipled and immature policies that have led to corruption and irresponsibility.
4. Political pluralism and democracy
We believe in promoting political pluralism and democratic values, ensuring freedom of speech, assembly and association, and protecting labor rights, minority rights, and rights of marginalized groups.
5. Ensuring social protection of veterans and their families
We prioritize comprehensive social assistance to veterans and their families, including healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, as a symbol of our gratitude for their sacrifice.
6. Creation of new jobs, decent working conditions and opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses
We are committed to creating jobs and encouraging entrepreneurship by providing favorable conditions for the development of own businesses, and small farms and investing in education and career coaching.
7. Zero tolerance for corruption in the recovery process
We demand that the reconstruction process be transparent and free of corruption, with strict measures to prevent and eradicate corrupt practices.
8. Inclusive and safe infrastructure
We are committed to investing in modern and safe infrastructure that is accessible to all citizens, including those living in remote areas, and that supports economic growth and social development.
9. Free and accessible education, including vocational education
We are committed to providing free and accessible education for all citizens, with a particular focus on vocational education that meets the needs of the labor market.
10. Ensuring an effective and balanced European integration process
We recognize the importance of European integration and determine the need for this process to be effective and balanced, with due regard for national interests and the needs of local communities.
April 3
The event «Cross-political network Ukraine-Denmark».
SD Platform activists in cooperation with Danish youth organizations explored the foundations of democracy, analyzed youth participation in shaping democracy in Ukraine, and developed their own events for the implementation of democratic values.
The event «Cross-political network Ukraine-Denmark».
SD Platform activists in cooperation with Danish youth organizations explored the foundations of democracy, analyzed youth participation in shaping democracy in Ukraine, and developed their own events for the implementation of democratic values.
April 8
Artem Mosiychuk's coaching session for SD Campus participants
We discussed how to motivate the team, what tools should be used, and how to become a progressive leader.
Artem Mosiychuk's coaching session for SD Campus participants
We discussed how to motivate the team, what tools should be used, and how to become a progressive leader.
April 9
Event «Sources of funding for youth initiatives».
The event was focused on the sources and details of funding youth initiatives. The participants discussed various governmental and non-governmental programs to support civil society initiatives, and the practical aspects of preparing a grant application.
Event «Sources of funding for youth initiatives».
The event was focused on the sources and details of funding youth initiatives. The participants discussed various governmental and non-governmental programs to support civil society initiatives, and the practical aspects of preparing a grant application.
April 14
The first event of the renewed Board of Directors of the SD Platform in Zaporizhzhia
The participants had the opportunity to master their skills in team building, project management, investment crowdfunding, and crisis management, and then develop their projects aimed at ensuring a just restoration of post-war Ukraine.
The first event of the renewed Board of Directors of the SD Platform in Zaporizhzhia
The participants had the opportunity to master their skills in team building, project management, investment crowdfunding, and crisis management, and then develop their projects aimed at ensuring a just restoration of post-war Ukraine.
April 25
Dmytro Mamayev, International Secretary of the SD Platform, participated in a panel discussion on the role of youth in Eastern Europe
Together with their colleagues from Poland, Germany and other European countries, the participants discussed the impact of the war on Ukrainian youth, the vision of a just post-war recovery and ways to accelerate European integration.
Dmytro Mamayev emphasized the need for further support for Ukrainian IDPs in Europe and the implementation of the principle of solidarity in practice.
Dmytro Mamayev, International Secretary of the SD Platform, participated in a panel discussion on the role of youth in Eastern Europe
Together with their colleagues from Poland, Germany and other European countries, the participants discussed the impact of the war on Ukrainian youth, the vision of a just post-war recovery and ways to accelerate European integration.
Dmytro Mamayev emphasized the need for further support for Ukrainian IDPs in Europe and the implementation of the principle of solidarity in practice.
April 28 to 30-th
SD training: «Progressive Leadership and Just Recovery»
The participants had the opportunity to hone their skills in team building, project management, investment attraction, and crisis management, and then develop their own projects aimed at ensuring a just recovery of post-war Ukraine. In three days, the participants attended interactive lectures on launching the SD office, leadership components, and European integration. They improved their skills in shooting and editing promotional videos, immersed themselves in the history of social democracy and developed new events in the regions on the topic of inclusion.
SD training: «Progressive Leadership and Just Recovery»
The participants had the opportunity to hone their skills in team building, project management, investment attraction, and crisis management, and then develop their own projects aimed at ensuring a just recovery of post-war Ukraine. In three days, the participants attended interactive lectures on launching the SD office, leadership components, and European integration. They improved their skills in shooting and editing promotional videos, immersed themselves in the history of social democracy and developed new events in the regions on the topic of inclusion.
May 20
«Youth Takes Steps Towards the Future»
The participants learned about the values of social democracy, improved their public speaking and publicity skills, and learned about the basics of project management, crisis communications, and the promotion of the Ukrainian-language cultural environment.
This event was the first in the "Just Recovery: Creating a Barrier-Free Environment" campaign: participants discussed the issue of inclusion in Odesa and drafted possible solutions.
«Youth Takes Steps Towards the Future»
The participants learned about the values of social democracy, improved their public speaking and publicity skills, and learned about the basics of project management, crisis communications, and the promotion of the Ukrainian-language cultural environment.
This event was the first in the "Just Recovery: Creating a Barrier-Free Environment" campaign: participants discussed the issue of inclusion in Odesa and drafted possible solutions.
May 20
«Youth and War: Why are Local Changes Important?»
In cooperation with the youth council of Terebovlia, SD Platform activists presented the results of an online survey, discussed the needs of young people in the field of youth policy, and developed projects in the community.
«Youth and War: Why are Local Changes Important?»
In cooperation with the youth council of Terebovlia, SD Platform activists presented the results of an online survey, discussed the needs of young people in the field of youth policy, and developed projects in the community.
May 21
Brunch «Electoral processes»
During the event in Kyiv, the participants discussed practical aspects of organizing an election campaign, opportunities and challenges of post-war elections, peculiarities of organizing electoral processes in the de-occupied territories, and prospects for holding elections during the war.
Brunch «Electoral processes»
During the event in Kyiv, the participants discussed practical aspects of organizing an election campaign, opportunities and challenges of post-war elections, peculiarities of organizing electoral processes in the de-occupied territories, and prospects for holding elections during the war.
May 23
Celebration of the «160th anniversary of the Social Democratic Party of Germany»
SD Platform activists joined the celebration of the 160th anniversary of the Social Democratic Party of Germany, where they had the opportunity to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Vice-President of the European Parliament Katarina Barley and International Secretary of the youth wing of Jusos in der SPD René Faust.
Celebration of the «160th anniversary of the Social Democratic Party of Germany»
SD Platform activists joined the celebration of the 160th anniversary of the Social Democratic Party of Germany, where they had the opportunity to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Vice-President of the European Parliament Katarina Barley and International Secretary of the youth wing of Jusos in der SPD René Faust.
May 24
«STUD.MARATHON» by SD Platform Kryvyi Rih
The Kryvyi Rih office of the SD Platform launched a series of meetings with students of universities and colleges in the city.
The team presented the activities of the SD Platform, and the NGO "Progresylni" to the youth of Kryvyi Rih National University and Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University, conducted project management training, and discussed the involvement of youth in democratic processes.
«STUD.MARATHON» by SD Platform Kryvyi Rih
The Kryvyi Rih office of the SD Platform launched a series of meetings with students of universities and colleges in the city.
The team presented the activities of the SD Platform, and the NGO "Progresylni" to the youth of Kryvyi Rih National University and Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University, conducted project management training, and discussed the involvement of youth in democratic processes.
May 25
Open lecture on «Key aspects of cooperation with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development»
Kateryna Penkova, state expert at the Directorate for Coordination of State Policies and Strategic Planning of the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
During the lecture, the participants learned about the principles of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, its role in the post-war rebuilding and European integration of Ukraine.
Open lecture on «Key aspects of cooperation with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development»
Kateryna Penkova, state expert at the Directorate for Coordination of State Policies and Strategic Planning of the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
During the lecture, the participants learned about the principles of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, its role in the post-war rebuilding and European integration of Ukraine.
June 5
Meeting with Roberta Metsola
Interns from the SD Platform in the European Parliament within the S&D Group had a unique opportunity to meet with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and discuss the situation in Ukraine and further joint efforts to strengthen the resilience of the democratic world.
Meeting with Roberta Metsola
Interns from the SD Platform in the European Parliament within the S&D Group had a unique opportunity to meet with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and discuss the situation in Ukraine and further joint efforts to strengthen the resilience of the democratic world.
June 6
On the night of 6 June, a dam of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station, located about 5 km from the town of Nova Kakhovka (Kherson region), was destroyed by Russians.
The Kakhovka water reservoir held about 18 million cubic meters of water. As a result of the dam's destruction, tons of water rushed downstream, flooding dozens of towns and villages, destroying rare species of animals, land irrigation systems, and interfering with water supplies to the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
To support the affected civilians, SD Platform launched a humanitarian aid fundraising campaign.
On the night of 6 June, a dam of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station, located about 5 km from the town of Nova Kakhovka (Kherson region), was destroyed by Russians.
The Kakhovka water reservoir held about 18 million cubic meters of water. As a result of the dam's destruction, tons of water rushed downstream, flooding dozens of towns and villages, destroying rare species of animals, land irrigation systems, and interfering with water supplies to the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
To support the affected civilians, SD Platform launched a humanitarian aid fundraising campaign.
Analytics
THE VISION OF THE PROGRESSIVE YOUTH
THE VISION OF THE PROGRESSIVE YOUTH
Youth and War
Olha Yasmo
The full-scale Russian invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine has been going on for over a year now, but discussions on eliminating the consequences of the war have been carried out since its first months. One of the most painful topics has been the personnel issue: who should build a "new" Ukraine in accordance with the trends of our time? One of these driving forces is Ukrainian youth, over 70% of the representatives of which, according to a CEDOS, are ready to be engaged in the rebuilding process.
In her article, SD Platform activist Olha Yasmo thoroughly analysed the youth as a driving force in the process of post-war rebuilding of Ukraine and the measures to strengthen its influence.
In her article, SD Platform activist Olha Yasmo thoroughly analysed the youth as a driving force in the process of post-war rebuilding of Ukraine and the measures to strengthen its influence.
Military context: what to expect at the front?
Volodymyr Solovyan
By the end of May, it can be stated that the Russian command's plan for a winter attack failed due to the persistent resistance of Ukraine's defenders.
The course of hostilities has proven Russia's inability to restore its military offensive potential for a strategic attack in the near future. As a result, the Russian command focused its main efforts on tactical objectives, the overall goal of which was to form a defensible front configuration on the eve of a Ukrainian counterattack.
Learn more about the military situation in Bakhmut and the prospects for a Ukrainian counterattack in Volodymyr Solovyan's traditional review.
The course of hostilities has proven Russia's inability to restore its military offensive potential for a strategic attack in the near future. As a result, the Russian command focused its main efforts on tactical objectives, the overall goal of which was to form a defensible front configuration on the eve of a Ukrainian counterattack.
Learn more about the military situation in Bakhmut and the prospects for a Ukrainian counterattack in Volodymyr Solovyan's traditional review.
Re.Housing for Ukraine: current challenges and prospects
Yuriy Myronenko
On April 28, 2023, Russia attacked the small town of Uman in the Cherkasy region. The terrorist missile strike killed more than 20 people, and completely demolished 14 apartments, and 14 more are in poor condition, making living impossible.
On June 6, 2023, the blowing up of the Kakhovka Dam left more than 2,500 houses underwater, including more than 1,400 in Kherson in particular, and the consequences have not yet been fully assessed.
These two Russian terrorist attacks are just two episodes of the terrible catastrophe in which the Ukrainian people have been living for a year and a half, not taking into account the ongoing hybrid war in the east that has been going on since 2014.
During the past 18 months, Russian troops have destroyed a number of Ukrainian cities: Bakhmut, Volnovakha, Popasna, Maryanka, Lysychansk, and Sievierodonetsk, turning them into ruins. Mariupol, Chernihiv, Irpin, and Bucha are just a small list of cities that have been destroyed by Russian aggression.
The Russian war has led to a huge housing and social crisis, which the government, communities, and experts have been trying to solve for a year.
Find out more about the current state of housing policy, the risks and opportunities, and what has already been done in Yuriy Myronenko's article.
On June 6, 2023, the blowing up of the Kakhovka Dam left more than 2,500 houses underwater, including more than 1,400 in Kherson in particular, and the consequences have not yet been fully assessed.
These two Russian terrorist attacks are just two episodes of the terrible catastrophe in which the Ukrainian people have been living for a year and a half, not taking into account the ongoing hybrid war in the east that has been going on since 2014.
During the past 18 months, Russian troops have destroyed a number of Ukrainian cities: Bakhmut, Volnovakha, Popasna, Maryanka, Lysychansk, and Sievierodonetsk, turning them into ruins. Mariupol, Chernihiv, Irpin, and Bucha are just a small list of cities that have been destroyed by Russian aggression.
The Russian war has led to a huge housing and social crisis, which the government, communities, and experts have been trying to solve for a year.
Find out more about the current state of housing policy, the risks and opportunities, and what has already been done in Yuriy Myronenko's article.
Right turn: why are populists and conservatives on the march in Europe?
Andriy Matviychuk
In recent years, European countries have faced significant political changes. Many countries have witnessed the rise of conservative nationalist and populist right-wing political parties in the political arena. The first right-wing populist wave swept across the European Union from 2015 to 2020.
In 2019, the trend seemed to decline, and social democratic forces came to power in many European countries. However, over the past year, the political landscape has been changing: right-wing and populist parties have won in Sweden, Finland, and Italy.
What is the reason behind this trend and what are the prospects for the progressive political movement - find out in Andriy Matviychuk's article.
In 2019, the trend seemed to decline, and social democratic forces came to power in many European countries. However, over the past year, the political landscape has been changing: right-wing and populist parties have won in Sweden, Finland, and Italy.
What is the reason behind this trend and what are the prospects for the progressive political movement - find out in Andriy Matviychuk's article.
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