SOCIETAL
Progressive Forum 2024: The Call for Justice, Pro Movement, and the SD Platform's Anniversary
On December 14, the annual event of the SD Platform, Progressive Forum, took place in Kyiv. Dedicated to the twelfth anniversary of the organization's founding, this year's event was held under the theme: #Call4Justice. A packed program, top-tier guests and speakers, two panel discussions, an open mic session, and group workshops awaited participants throughout the day. This material summarizes the main event of the SD Platform for the year.
Oleksandr Bulin
coordinator of the analytical department of the SD Platform
Welcome Addresses
The forum began with greetings from friends and partners of the SD Platform: Member of the British Parliament from Labour Party and Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty; Chair of the S&D Group in the European Parliament, Iratxe García Pérez (who had visited Kyiv just before the forum); MEP and shadow rapporteur on Ukraine, Thijs Reuten; and Oskar Ernerot, Secretary-General of the Olaf Palme International Center, a reliable partner in organizing the forum.
In their speeches, the speakers congratulated the SD Platform on its 12th anniversary and reaffirmed their steadfast support for Ukraine.
The forum began with greetings from friends and partners of the SD Platform: Member of the British Parliament from Labour Party and Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty; Chair of the S&D Group in the European Parliament, Iratxe García Pérez (who had visited Kyiv just before the forum); MEP and shadow rapporteur on Ukraine, Thijs Reuten; and Oskar Ernerot, Secretary-General of the Olaf Palme International Center, a reliable partner in organizing the forum.
In their speeches, the speakers congratulated the SD Platform on its 12th anniversary and reaffirmed their steadfast support for Ukraine.
First Panel: Is Peace Near for Ukraine and the Trump Factor
The morning panel focused on the prospects for a peace process in the Russian-Ukrainian war and the potential impact of Trump returning to power. The speakers included five leading Ukrainian international relations experts:
The morning panel focused on the prospects for a peace process in the Russian-Ukrainian war and the potential impact of Trump returning to power. The speakers included five leading Ukrainian international relations experts:
- Mykola Kapitonenko – Associate Professor at the Institute of International Relations, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
- Dmytro Tuzhanskyi – Director of the Central European Strategy Institute, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Head of the Protocol.
- Iliia Kusa – International affairs expert, coordinator of foreign policy initiatives within the Progressive Networking framework.
- Iryna Dudko – Doctor of Political Science, professor, and American studies scholar.
- Ivan Nahorniak – Candidate of Political Science, expert on European integration, and SD Platform coordinator.
Mykola Kapitonenko, with his characteristic skepticism, explained the improbability of achieving swift peace in Ukraine, even if a ceasefire agreement were signed. In his view, even if international partners impose certain terms for peace on Ukraine, the agreement will likely be unstable and temporary. The structure of the conflict, proxy war conditions, and the high political cost of concessions in the era of nationalism all contribute to the conflict's protracted nature.
Dmytro Tuzhanskyi emphasized that the "key to peace" lies in Moscow. In his opinion, from Putin’s perspective, Trump and the USA are not mediators in the war but primary players in a major geopolitical game. He noted that Ukraine’s strategy should be short-term, focusing on events after January 20—the U.S. presidential inauguration date.
Iliia Kusa commented on the swift collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, a partner of Russia. According to him, this event will not significantly influence Ukraine's situation. He also suggested that a possible ceasefire in 2025 will not equate to achieving peace but will mark a shift to a new relationship phase with Russia.
Iryna Dudko explored the potential implications of Trump's return to power. She highlighted Trump as a political phenomenon and stressed the importance of considering the influence of U.S. career bureaucracies and Congress, which plays a significant role in shaping foreign policy.
Ivan Nahorniak noted that the EU is undergoing serious transformation today. Discussions on joint defense policies and including Ukraine in the sixth cluster of negotiations on security issues indicate that Ukraine is perceived as a state capable of strengthening the European Union.
Dmytro Tuzhanskyi emphasized that the "key to peace" lies in Moscow. In his opinion, from Putin’s perspective, Trump and the USA are not mediators in the war but primary players in a major geopolitical game. He noted that Ukraine’s strategy should be short-term, focusing on events after January 20—the U.S. presidential inauguration date.
Iliia Kusa commented on the swift collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, a partner of Russia. According to him, this event will not significantly influence Ukraine's situation. He also suggested that a possible ceasefire in 2025 will not equate to achieving peace but will mark a shift to a new relationship phase with Russia.
Iryna Dudko explored the potential implications of Trump's return to power. She highlighted Trump as a political phenomenon and stressed the importance of considering the influence of U.S. career bureaucracies and Congress, which plays a significant role in shaping foreign policy.
Ivan Nahorniak noted that the EU is undergoing serious transformation today. Discussions on joint defense policies and including Ukraine in the sixth cluster of negotiations on security issues indicate that Ukraine is perceived as a state capable of strengthening the European Union.
Second Panel: The Call for Justice in Ukrainian Society
The second panel discussion focused on the growing demand for justice among Ukrainians. The speakers included:
The second panel discussion focused on the growing demand for justice among Ukrainians. The speakers included:
- Marcin Walecki – Director of the National Democratic Institute in Ukraine.
- Pavlo Frolov – Member of Parliament of Ukraine, Chair of the Temporary Commission on Supporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
- Dmytro Kysylevskyi – Member of Parliament of Ukraine, Deputy Chair of the Economic Development Committee.
- Roman Kudriavtsev – Serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, SD Platform Coordinator.
- Tasha Lomonosova – Social issues expert from the Cedos Analytical Center.
- Oleh Skovorodnikov – Head of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Organization of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine.
Marcin Walecki emphasized that the demand for social and political justice is a common trait across the post-communist region. He noted that Ukraine actively fights corruption, though this process requires improvement.
Pavlo Frolov and Dmytro Kysylevskyi highlighted the challenges associated with the electoral process and economic recovery. They stressed the importance of protecting Ukrainian manufacturers from dumping practices and supporting the domestic market.
Roman Kudriavtsev warned against the popular notion that "military personnel will return and restore order," calling it a misconception. He stressed the importance of fulfilling the public's demand for justice to prevent societal radicalization.
Tasha Lomonosova and Oleh Skovorodnikov underscored the significance of social justice and protecting workers' rights, particularly during the ongoing challenges posed by the war.
Pavlo Frolov and Dmytro Kysylevskyi highlighted the challenges associated with the electoral process and economic recovery. They stressed the importance of protecting Ukrainian manufacturers from dumping practices and supporting the domestic market.
Roman Kudriavtsev warned against the popular notion that "military personnel will return and restore order," calling it a misconception. He stressed the importance of fulfilling the public's demand for justice to prevent societal radicalization.
Tasha Lomonosova and Oleh Skovorodnikov underscored the significance of social justice and protecting workers' rights, particularly during the ongoing challenges posed by the war.
Open Mic: Request4Justice
The final segment of the forum was an open mic session, where SD Platform members, participants, and representatives of partner organizations shared their perspectives. Among the speakers were:
The final segment of the forum was an open mic session, where SD Platform members, participants, and representatives of partner organizations shared their perspectives. Among the speakers were:
- Kateryna Nykinyuk – Educator and small entrepreneur, member of the NGO “Progresylni.” She highlighted that entrepreneurship inherently requires active engagement in societal and political processes.
- Yurii Turovets – Educator and deputy of the Khmelnytskyi City Council. As the head of a homeowners’ association (HOA), he discussed its importance as a democratic tool for community self-organization, enabling each resident to participate in decision-making and feel a sense of involvement.
- Yevheniia Shelest – Educator and coordinator of the NGO “Progresylni.” She emphasized education as Ukraine's strategic weapon and the foundation for addressing challenges in various sectors. She also noted the hardships faced by Ukrainian educators, including burnout and the need to seek additional employment.
- Anastasiia Koriagina – Coordinator of the SD Platform's IDP Department. She shared her experiences with SD Platform events, which provide opportunities for young IDPs to connect, share stories, and learn from each other.
- Artem Ripenko – Doctor of Law and coordinator of the legal direction within the Progressive Networking framework. He highlighted the significance of legal reforms in Ukraine, noting that, in some respects, Ukraine’s legal framework is even more advanced than those in the EU or the U.S. However, he stressed the importance of implementing these reforms effectively.
Final: Group Work and Conclusions
At the conclusion of the forum, participants worked in thematic groups to develop ideas in the following areas:
The proposed initiatives will be implemented by the SD Platform and its partners in the coming year.
At the conclusion of the forum, participants worked in thematic groups to develop ideas in the following areas:
- Pro Educators.
- Pro Youth.
- Pro Inclusion.
- Pro Rule of Law.
- Pro HOAs.
- Pro Trade Unions.
- Pro Local Governance.
The proposed initiatives will be implemented by the SD Platform and its partners in the coming year.
Presentation of the Pro Movement
The highlight of the forum was the presentation of a new initiative, the Pro Movement, by SD Platform founder Bohdan Ferens. According to him, the call for justice demands immediate action from the most active segments of Ukrainian society, despite the ongoing war. Veterans, their families, and the most vulnerable citizens require assistance and support, particularly in terms of social protection. This goal cannot be achieved without creating a broader social movement that unites proactive, professional, and progressive individuals who foster positive changes in society, including through political participation.
The highlight of the forum was the presentation of a new initiative, the Pro Movement, by SD Platform founder Bohdan Ferens. According to him, the call for justice demands immediate action from the most active segments of Ukrainian society, despite the ongoing war. Veterans, their families, and the most vulnerable citizens require assistance and support, particularly in terms of social protection. This goal cannot be achieved without creating a broader social movement that unites proactive, professional, and progressive individuals who foster positive changes in society, including through political participation.
The Pro Movement is based on shared beliefs and a commitment to action.
1. Acceptance of Reality
The war between Ukraine and Russia will eventually end. However, citizens should not be misled into believing that life will return to its pre-war state.
Russia will remain a neighboring threat, and confrontation in one form or another will persist. Ukraine must confront this harsh reality and adapt to live with it.
Ukraine’s priority should be creating conditions that promote changes in Russia's leadership. New leaders in the Kremlin must be willing to condemn the war against Ukraine as a tool of opposition to the West and be ready for constructive dialogue.
Every war ends with negotiations. Ukraine and its partners must focus on strengthening their positions to achieve the most favorable terms.
1. Acceptance of Reality
The war between Ukraine and Russia will eventually end. However, citizens should not be misled into believing that life will return to its pre-war state.
Russia will remain a neighboring threat, and confrontation in one form or another will persist. Ukraine must confront this harsh reality and adapt to live with it.
Ukraine’s priority should be creating conditions that promote changes in Russia's leadership. New leaders in the Kremlin must be willing to condemn the war against Ukraine as a tool of opposition to the West and be ready for constructive dialogue.
Every war ends with negotiations. Ukraine and its partners must focus on strengthening their positions to achieve the most favorable terms.
2. No Waiting for "Post-War"
Politicians often speak about addressing issues "after the war," postponing critical challenges. However, many of these problems existed before the war and cannot wait.
The war-induced challenges already poison daily life and must be tackled now. Delaying action risks making the post-war period more challenging than the war itself.
Politicians often speak about addressing issues "after the war," postponing critical challenges. However, many of these problems existed before the war and cannot wait.
The war-induced challenges already poison daily life and must be tackled now. Delaying action risks making the post-war period more challenging than the war itself.
3. Renewal of Political Elites
Political and social institutions must become pillars of the state and ensure stability both within the system and in society. Discredited political figures of the past should step aside.
Society should demand value-based political forces and responsible electoral behavior. The rebooting of political institutions, particularly parliament, is a key objective.
A democratic system must remain the foundation of the state, and balance among government branches must be restored.
Political and social institutions must become pillars of the state and ensure stability both within the system and in society. Discredited political figures of the past should step aside.
Society should demand value-based political forces and responsible electoral behavior. The rebooting of political institutions, particularly parliament, is a key objective.
A democratic system must remain the foundation of the state, and balance among government branches must be restored.
4. Economic and Social Recovery
Ukraine’s economy has suffered greatly due to the war, requiring time, resources, and decisive actions for recovery.
The priority must be supporting and modernizing national industries, creating new jobs with decent working conditions. Small and medium-sized businesses should receive support through accessible loans, tax benefits, and development programs.
Measures must be implemented to protect vulnerable groups, including veterans, educators, youth, pensioners, and workers. This includes social programs, access to rehabilitation services, and opportunities for professional development and education.
A comprehensive economic recovery plan will ensure stability in the medium term and create conditions for sustainable growth.
Ukraine’s economy has suffered greatly due to the war, requiring time, resources, and decisive actions for recovery.
The priority must be supporting and modernizing national industries, creating new jobs with decent working conditions. Small and medium-sized businesses should receive support through accessible loans, tax benefits, and development programs.
Measures must be implemented to protect vulnerable groups, including veterans, educators, youth, pensioners, and workers. This includes social programs, access to rehabilitation services, and opportunities for professional development and education.
A comprehensive economic recovery plan will ensure stability in the medium term and create conditions for sustainable growth.
5. Ukraine as a Part of the World
Ukraine must find its place in the global community as a confident and reliable partner.
European and Euro-Atlantic integration must be pursued realistically, understanding the interests of other states, and used as a tool to safeguard national interests. Empty slogans must give way to concrete actions focused on combating corruption, upholding the rule of law, and promoting social justice.
Foreign policy must undergo significant modernization, including new approaches and personnel changes. Ukraine should build predictable and mutually beneficial relations with neighboring countries.
Deepened cooperation with international partners should be grounded in realistic interests rather than unattainable dreams.
Ukraine must find its place in the global community as a confident and reliable partner.
European and Euro-Atlantic integration must be pursued realistically, understanding the interests of other states, and used as a tool to safeguard national interests. Empty slogans must give way to concrete actions focused on combating corruption, upholding the rule of law, and promoting social justice.
Foreign policy must undergo significant modernization, including new approaches and personnel changes. Ukraine should build predictable and mutually beneficial relations with neighboring countries.
Deepened cooperation with international partners should be grounded in realistic interests rather than unattainable dreams.
Bohdan Ferens announced that opportunities to join the Pro Movement will soon be available through personal involvement and expanded networking partnerships with veteran organizations, small and medium businesses, trade unions, educational institutions, local governments, and Ukrainian communities abroad.
Progressive Forum 2024 provided a unique platform for like-minded individuals from across Ukraine to share their hopes, challenges, and ideas. The SD Platform, as it has for the past 12 years, continues to work toward ensuring that every citizen’s voice is heard, and their call for justice is realized.
The atmosphere of the event is partly conveyed by the photos, which can be viewed here
Once again, we thank all our partners, especially the Olof Palme International Centre for their support in organizing this event.
27.12.2024
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