General Assembly of the Association for Communities Participatory Development: 2026

April 29, 2026

📍 On April 22–23, 2026, the General Assembly of the Association for Communities Participatory Development took place in Kyiv.

Today, the Association brings together 23 communities. But it is no longer just about scale. It is about the connection between communities — practical, human, sometimes challenging, yet alive. It is this connection that allows us to keep moving forward and not stop.

The first day was dedicated to reflecting on the outcomes of 2025. We discussed strategic directions, approaches to our work, and the results achieved together with communities. At the same time, it quickly became clear: this was not just a “report presentation.”

Behind the numbers and slides, there was much more. These are stories of communities that are changing. Of people who, even in difficult circumstances, remain engaged in the process — trying, making mistakes, searching for solutions, and moving forward. These are new approaches in education, stronger teams, and more dialogue within communities.

The first day quickly moved from presentations to a genuine, open conversation.

Communities shared their experiences — honestly and without embellishment. They spoke about what worked, as well as the challenges they face every day. In this exchange, there was a strong sense of togetherness — an understanding that communities are not left alone with these challenges.

The first day once again highlighted a simple truth: participation is not only about tools. It is about the ability to stay in dialogue, even when it is difficult.

The second day became a natural continuation of this conversation — but with a clear focus on the future.

We deliberately moved away from the “discuss and disperse” format. Instead, it was a working space where, together with communities, we shaped the directions for 2026–2027 — as a response to the needs and challenges voiced the day before. The discussion quickly shifted to a practical level.

Among the key priorities identified:

1️⃣ Development of civil society organizations — but not in a general sense. There was a strong focus on the idea that without strong local CSOs, it is difficult to talk about meaningful participation. Many communities already have инициативні people, but they lack support, enabling environments, and tools. Strengthening CSOs is not a separate direction — it is the foundation for localizing processes, where decisions emerge within communities rather than being imposed from the outside.

2️⃣ Social cohesion. This was a very grounded and lively discussion, because it is about real people and real situations. The integration of IDPs, work with veterans, and youth engagement are no longer “project topics” — they are everyday realities for communities. The conversation highlighted the need for spaces where these groups can interact, the creation of hubs, and how to ensure that participation is not formal, but truly meaningful for people.

3️⃣ International cooperation. Not as something abstract, but as a very practical demand from communities — access to EU programs, building partnerships, and the opportunity to operate on a broader level. It was clear that communities are ready to go beyond their immediate context, but they need support and a clear framework to do so.

4️⃣ Capacity of local self-government. This discussion was very concrete: public services, digitalization, infrastructure, education, security, and cooperation with businesses — all the areas that directly shape people’s daily lives. It became evident that without systematic work at this level, other changes cannot be sustained.

5️⃣ Relocated communities. This is a complex and highly specific experience that cannot be addressed through standard approaches. It was important to acknowledge that this is not an “exception,” but a distinct direction that requires dedicated attention and tailored solutions.

This was not a strategic session in the classical sense. It was a shared working process in which communities articulated their real needs and expectations, while also defining the role of the Association in these processes.

And this is what matters most. These priorities were not shaped “from above.” They emerged through dialogue with communities. That is why they form the foundation for our future work.

The General Assembly was not only a moment to reflect on the past but also a space for rethinking and planning the next steps. It is from this—dialogue, trust, and a shared vision—that the Association, together with the communities, continues to move forward.