ACPD Presented Ukraine's Experience of Democracy in Times of War at the Caux Democracy Forum

10 липня 2026

The team of the Association for Communities Participatory Development (ACPD) took part in the Caux Democracy Forum in Switzerland—an annual international gathering that brings together representatives of civil society, public institutions, international organizations, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to explore responses to today's democratic challenges.

As part of the Forum, ACPD facilitated a three-session workshop, "Managing Democracy in Times of Crisis," dedicated to Ukraine's experience of strengthening democracy and civic participation during the full-scale war.

During the first session, ACPD's Organizational Director, Kateryna Maltseva, shared the Association's experience of working with Ukrainian communities and presented the principle that lies at the heart of ACPD's approach:

"Without dialogue, it is impossible to build trust between local authorities and community members. And without trust, it is impossible to build a strong democracy."

The second and third sessions focused on personal transformation and the role individuals play in strengthening democracy.

During the second session, ACPD Executive Director Leonid Donos shared his personal journey and reflected on choice, responsibility, and the inner transformation that shapes leadership, especially in times of uncertainty.

The conversation continued in the third session, where ACPD Communications Manager Mariam Poloyan shared her personal story of deciding to remain in Ukraine after the beginning of the full-scale invasion, taking her first steps in the civil society sector without prior experience, and how those experiences transformed her understanding of democracy.

These personal stories became the starting point for an open dialogue among participants. Representatives from different countries shared their own experiences, reflected on the challenges their societies face, and discussed what helps them continue taking action even in difficult times.

For ACPD, participating in the Forum was not only an opportunity to present Ukraine's experience to an international audience but also a valuable space for mutual learning.

The participants' questions, diverse perspectives, and open discussions encouraged us to reflect more deeply on our own work and reminded us that many of the challenges communities face around the world share common roots.

Despite different contexts, dialogue, trust, and people's willingness to take responsibility remain the foundation of democratic development.

The Caux Democracy Forum once again demonstrated that Ukraine's experience is an important part of the global conversation on democracy. Open exchange of ideas and experiences helps us find approaches that transcend national contexts and contribute to stronger, more resilient democratic societies.