We used to point out that Zakarpattia is a reliable rear during the russian-Ukrainian war, where many socially important initiatives are being implemented. The region has also become a place of consolidation of civil society in the international dimension. This was confirmed by a large partnership meeting of the Foundation of France (Fondation de France), which was held in Uzhhorod and brought together more than 40 representatives of 18 public institutions from different parts of Ukraine. In particular, the Zakarpattia Oblast was represented at the event by the Medical Aid Committee in Zakarpattya, which, together with the European Cooperative "Pro Longo maï", co-organized an important communication platform.

The areas of activities implemented by the participants of the meeting relate to humanitarian, psychological and legal support of the population, including persons with disabilities, children, internally displaced persons, development of local self-government, civil society, energy efficiency, educational space, culture of philanthropy and charity, environmental protection, rights of prisoners and captured persons, etc. Some initiatives of domestic non-governmental organizations were supported by the Fondation de France. For example, over a year of cooperation, the Fondation de France helped the Medical Aid Committee in Zakarpattya to purchase a building for a shelter in Tyachiv, medicines and medical equipment for Ukrainian hospitals, generators, pumps and water tanks that were useful to rescuers and affected civilians. In addition, we jointly organized training for Ukrainian professionals working with vulnerable segments of the population.

The format of the meeting in Uzhhorod included a presentation of successful project implementation experience, interviews with organizations, group work, plenary discussions, and comprehensive communication between participants and organizers, which allowed not only to get to know each other better, but also to identify a range of problematic issues that have a destructive impact on NGOs. Among other things, participants talked about the risks of professional burnout, the importance of forming sustainable ties between civil society institutions, the urgency of advocating for Ukraine’s requests at the European level in times of war, etc. Working in small groups, participants formulated key positions on the operational needs of organizations, the potential for joint work with donors, and expectations of direct cooperation with the Fondation de France. In the future, these voiced theses will form the basis for building various formats of interaction.

After the two-day meeting in Uzhhorod, the participants visited Tyachiv region to familiarize themselves with the activities of the Social Abilitation and Rehabilitation Centre "Parasolka" and the functioning of the shelter – institutions cared for by the MACZ. The partnership meeting ended in Nyzhnye Selyshche in Khust region, where the guests talked to IDPs – residents of the shelter there, the building for which was also purchased by the Committee, and visited several social enterprises launched during the full-scale war. It is important to emphasize that the shelter in Nyzhnye Selyshche was created, among other things, thanks to the Committee’s cooperation with the NGO "Zakarpattia Local Development Association", and its activities are supported by a local initiative group working with IDPs.

Almost all the organizations participating in the meeting emphasized the development of civil society in their work. We believe that the event is fully consistent with this mission, expanding the functional and geographical boundaries of this important process for each country. We are grateful to the Fondation de France for the implemented initiative and long-term support of socially relevant projects, including in Ukraine!