On 16 April 2026, training sessions for consular officers were held, focusing on the implementation of barrier-free policy in the consular service. The training was organized as part of a four-week specialised program for consular officials preparing for official missions abroad by the Hennadii Udovenko Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, in cooperation with the Advisor to the President of Ukraine on Barrier-Free Issues, with expert support from the Council of Europe project “Strengthening the social dimension in Ukraine”.

During the sessions, participants considered the importance of barrier-free policy, particularly in the context of Ukraine’s obligations to the Council of Europe as a party to the European Social Charter, as well as specific aspects of its practical implementation. Particular attention was paid to methodological recommendations for the diplomatic service of Ukraine on ensuring the accessibility of consular institutions and services for all citizens, including people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

Participants were introduced to approaches for integrating the principles of inclusion and accessibility into the daily activities of diplomatic institutions, including identifying and eliminating physical, informational, and communication barriers, as well as ensuring effective communication with diverse groups of consular service users.

A highlight of the event was a practical session dedicated to barrier-free communication in the work of diplomatic missions.

The training contributed to strengthening the professional effectiveness of consular staff and marked another step in the implementation of the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Space in Ukraine.

The event was held with the support of the Council of Europe project “Strengthening the social dimension in Ukraine” implemented within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” for 2023–2026. The Project aims to ensure that general public and people from vulnerable groups, including war-affected population in Ukraine, benefit from targeted social protection and support.