Kyiv, 15-17 May, the most active Kyiv NGOs and representatives of Kyiv public authorities participated in the Academy of civil participation in the framework of implementation of the project “Promoting civil participation in democratic decision-making in Ukraine” – a unique interactive training course, a laboratory for creating new connections between authorities, NGOs and citizens, and for generating good practices in order to see democracy in action.

The Academy trained the participants in mechanisms to engage in a policy dialogue and provided opportunities to learn from international good practices on involving citizens in decision-making and on public consultation. Through the Academy of Civil Participation, the Council of Europe offers support to public authorities at all levels in Ukraine to help implement the Guidelines for civil participation in political decision-making, creating opportunities for civil participation, building mutual trust and cooperation between public authorities and civil society and laying the foundations for a sustainable platform for inclusive policy dialogue between NGOs and the public authorities, in pursuit of genuine civil participation in decision-making.

The participants of the Academy in Kyiv improved their competencies and skills in participatory policy-making and citizen engagement throughout the decision-making cycle and at all levels of participation. NGOs jointly with public authorities worked on the development action plans in specific policy areas: launching of the campaign to encourage supermarkets to offer and promote using plastic-free shopping bags; improving the municipal system of the provision of services for children and young people with disabilities; enhancing the city rules for pets; developing the Kyiv communication strategy – the basis for a dialogue and partnership between Kyiv authorities and citizens in the decision-making process.

The project “Promoting civil participation in democratic decision-making in Ukraine” is implemented in pilot municipalities in Ukraine and is aimed at improving local practical frameworks to enable more effective and wider citizens’ engagement in the decision-making process, and on building capacity and expertise of public authorities and NGOs.

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