In November 2024, Ukraine’s first-ever Citizens' Assemblies concluded in the municipalities of Zvyahel and Slavutych. These three-weekend events, spanning October to November, brought together approximately 45 residents from each community. The Zvyahel Assembly focused on "Creating urban spaces as public locations for social interaction and recovery," while Slavutych addressed the theme “How can we improve the household waste management system in our community?” Both Assemblies were organised by the respective City Councils, with expert, methodological, and financial support from the Council of Europe project Strengthening democratic resilience through civic participation during the war and in the post-war context in Ukraine.
Over six days of deliberations, Assembly members, representing a socio-demographic cross-section of the community, worked alongside Council of Europe experts and facilitators to develop actionable recommendations for local governments. These focused on creating urban spaces for social interaction and improving household waste management. The municipal authorities of Zvyahel and Slavutych have expressed their commitment to considering the proposed recommendations.
In Zvyahel, citizens crafted a vision for urban spaces in the community and developed an advocacy action plan for related initiatives. They established eight initiative groups and a civil society organisation to focus on improving public spaces, securing funding, and participating in relevant events. More importantly, the Assembly laid the groundwork for enhanced collaboration between the government and citizens. Officials expressed a willingness to consult with residents, while citizens gained a stronger voice in shaping community decisions. On December 19, 2024, during the 57th session of the Zvyahel City Council, the results of the Citizens' Assembly and the Action Plan for implementing its recommendations were approved by the local authorities of Zvyahel community.
In Slavutych, participants delved deeply into the topic through various activities and discussions facilitated by moderators. As a result of the Assembly, they developed a list of practical proposals to improve waste management policies in the community, which were submitted to local authorities. Moreover, the Assembly inspired participants to advocate for change and take personal responsibility. Some citizens began sorting their household waste and paying attention to product labeling. Many expressed a commitment to raising awareness about waste management issues within their social networks, fostering broader community engagement.
Participants of the Citizens' Assemblies shared their experiences, with one stating: "The Citizens’ Assembly demonstrated that it’s possible to make a difference in the community where you live. It motivated me to take action in creating public spaces and collaborating with like-minded individuals."
Another participant added: “The Citizens' Assembly brought valuable experience in working with other residents and local government initiatives. I now think about starting my project, and I see its importance for myself and the community.”
VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/1045285103
The first-ever Citizens' Assemblies in Ukraine have proven to be a highly effective tool for civic engagement. Many participants expressed a preference for this model over other forms of participation, highlighting its inclusiveness and structured approach. The Citizens' Assemblies in Zvyahel and Slavutych fostered behavioral changes, encouraging responsibility in decision-making and active participation. They also promoted collaboration among participants, spurred citizen advocacy efforts, and laid the groundwork for sustained and active civic involvement. Both municipalities expressed a strong commitment to continuing the use of the Citizens’ Assembly tool in participatory decision-making.
The results and detailed reports on the Citizens' Assemblies processes are scheduled for presentation in early 2025.
