Kyiv Forum to Tackle Ukraine’s Wartime Democracy, EU Reforms and Role of Veterans

On 17 November 2026, Kyiv will host the “Resilience in Action: People, Rights, and the State” forum. Participants will discuss how Ukraine can respond quickly to wartime threats while keeping government open and accountable and making sure democratic processes continue to work. The forum is organised by the National Interests Advocacy Network (ANTS) and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD). “We can’t put democracy on hold during wartime. If we do, we risk losing what we’re fighting for. The generation defending Ukraine today should help shape the country tomorrow. And as Ukraine moves towards EU membership, it has answers to offer to challenges that affect all of Europe.”— Hanna Hopko, Chair of the Board, ANTSJOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. The forum will bring together ambassadors from Ukraine’s partner countries, government officials, members of parliament, experts, veterans, journalists and editors. As Ukraine prepares for EU membership, veterans and young people are looking for ways to put their experience to work in their communities and in public institutions. “Rebuilding Ukraine is about more than repairing buildings. Above all, it’s about rebuilding trust between people and institutions. Democracy is not a luxury during wartime. When people have a say in decisions, those decisions have the public support they need to stand up to even the toughest challenges.We’re organising this forum to bring together government representatives, veterans, young people and members of the media.” — Vasyl Sehin, Director of WFD in Ukraine. Other Topics of Interest Funds from foreign-owned businesses under Russian management are reportedly financing drones, military vehicles and electronic warfare equipment for troops fighting in Ukraine. The programme features three panel discussions on how Ukraine can strengthen democracy during wartime: European Integration: Reforms, Public Consensus and Democratic Pluralism. Which reforms should come first? How can we tell whether they’re working, and how can the public have a say? How can Ukraine maintain broad support for EU membership when people disagree about how fast reforms should move or how they should be carried out? Veterans and Young People: New Voices and a Shared Responsibility for Democracy. The discussion will look at practical ways for veterans and young people to get involved, from internships in local government to helping design local programmes and shape national policy. A Ukrainian diplomat will give a keynote address online. The panel will bring together representatives of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and Parliament, serving military personnel and civil society representatives. Independent Media: Trust, Freedom of Speech and a Culture of Democratic Dialogue. How can newsrooms stay independent and keep the trust of their audiences? How can people get the information they need while security risks are taken into account? What role does journalism play in the conversation between the public and those in power? The editor-in-chief of The Day newspaper will open the session, followed by a discussion with media representatives. About the organisers The Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) is a UK public body that works to strengthen democracy and open societies around the world. It works with political parties, parliaments and civil society organisations to make democratic systems more inclusive, accountable and transparent. Together with local partners, WFD works in at least 50 countries and territories. The National Interests Advocacy Network (ANTS) is a civil society organisation that works on Ukraine’s recovery, helps build international support for the country during the war and supports its Euro-Atlantic integration. ANTS experts analyse the work of public institutions and track how Ukraine is meeting its commitments under the EU–Ukraine Association Agreement. The network also helps develop a new generation of leaders. More than 700 young people, local leaders and activists have taken part in its training programmes. Kyiv Post is the Forum’s International Media Partner. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 90% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.