Kyiv, 28 August 2025 – The National Agency of Ukraine for Civil Service and the High School of Public Governance, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and with financial support from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Japan, and other partners, have launched "The Summer School for Coaching Excellence." This annual initiative provides professional development for trainers in Ukraine's public sector, with a special focus on human rights.

In his video address welcoming the participants of the Summer School, Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, highlighted that the war affects everyone in Ukraine, especially members of the most vulnerable groups. Therefore, respect for human rights must remain at the heart of public service work.

"This Summer School helps build a community of dedicated, highly professional, and motivated trainers," Lootsma said. "The war affects everyone in Ukraine. Despite this, we've seen an exceptional level of commitment from public officials to serve the Ukrainian people with dignity and determination."

Nataliya Alyushyna, Head of the National Agency of Ukraine for Civil Service, noted that the Summer School provides a vital space for professional growth in the field of professional development of public servants.

"The Summer School for Coaching Excellence is a space where each of us can find something important and interesting," Alyushyna said. "Here, we learn innovative educational technologies and training methods. We discuss challenges relevant to the public sector – from countering disinformation to ensuring gender equality and implementing principles of integrity."

During the school, UNDP in Ukraine, with financial support from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Japan, led two key training sessions. The first focused on access to information, which is critical for informed decision-making during wartime. This training was designed to strengthen the expertise of both public officials and the trainers who educate them on this topic. Earlier in 2023, UNDP Ukraine, with the support of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, published a "Guide to Access to Public Information for Civil Servants and Local Government Employees." The second session focused on the application of transitional justice approaches in the professional activities of public officials.

Background:

This year, the Summer School is supported by two UNDP projects: "Human Rights for Ukraine, Phase II," funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and "Promoting Transparency and Information Integrity for an Inclusive and Resilient Recovery of Ukraine," funded by the Government of Japan. 

Media enquiries: 

Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications and Advocacy, yuliia.samus@undp.org