Kyiv, 19 June 2025 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) organized a high-level workshop today for Ukrainian parliamentarians focused on advancing a national development vision tailored to Ukraine’s unique needs, challenges, and aspirations.

Initiated by the Working Group on Legal Regulation of Strategic Planning and Future-Generation Policy, the workshop brought together a wide range of stakeholders – including members of parliament, government representatives, think tanks, civil society, and young people – as well as experts from Finland, the UK and the Philippines, to exchange ideas and contribute to shaping Ukraine’s long-term development vision.

The working group, established in 2024 under the Committees on Economic Development and Digital Transformation, is co-chaired by leading members of the Inter-Factional Union “Strategic Foresight of Ukraine”. It unites Members of Parliament and senior representatives from the Cabinet, as well as the Ministries of Economy, Education, Environmental Protection, Social Policy, and Community and Territorial Development.

The parliamentary working group plays a key role in coordinating efforts across sectors and political lines to formulate a shared development framework. This includes identifying strategic goals for Ukraine’s post-war recovery, green transition, digitalization, social resilience, and alignment with global sustainable development trends. As part of this work, the group is also developing a legislative and institutional framework for future generations, grounded in sustainability principles – including plans to launch a dedicated Parliamentary Committee for Future Generations after the elections, and to position Ukraine as a regional leader in anticipatory governance.

Oleksandr Korniienko, First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, emphasized the importance of this collaborative effort. “This workshop marks a pivotal moment for Ukraine as we collectively lay the groundwork for a future-oriented policy framework,” he said. “By engaging diverse voices and drawing on international best practices, we’re building a robust foundation for sustainable development and resilient governance.”

With participation from development experts and policymakers from countries including Finland, UK, and the Philippines, parliamentarians exchanged ideas and experiences from an international perspective, which enriched the participatory dialogue on institutional approaches, long-term planning mechanisms, and how national visions can be anchored in legislation and public consensus. 

Viktoria Podgorna and Oleksii Zhmerenetskyi, Members of Parliament of Ukraine and Co-Founders of the Inter-Factional Union “Strategic Foresight for Ukraine,” highlighted the group’s commitment. “Ukraine already needs its own model for future-oriented governance,” Podgorna said. “This perspective from the future is also crucial for identifying the best ways to respond to the current situation – and, accordingly, for finding the most effective policy solutions and tools to strengthen our government capacity, resilience, and national security today.” 

Podgorna’s colleague Zhmerenetskyi added: “Our collaboration aims to integrate foresight into every level of governance, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for all Ukrainians.”

The workshop featured a special address by UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu, who reaffirmed UNDP’s continued support for Ukraine’s recovery and sustainable development: “Even in the face of extraordinary challenges, Ukraine is taking steps to think long-term and invest in better policymaking,” Xu said. “By investing in foresight and long-term thinking, Ukraine is strengthening its democratic institutions and ensuring that policymaking reflects both present and future generations.”

Dr. Suzana Anghel, a policy analyst from the Policy Foresight Unit of the European Parliament, shared insights from European experience. She stressed the importance of using strategic foresight in the pre-legislative phase, calling it an “opportunity rather than yet another administrative burden.” She paid tribute to Ukraine's proactive approach to embedding long-term thinking into governance, as well as protecting future generations.

Oleh Maksymiak, Board Member of the National Youth Council of Ukraine, conveyed the perspective of Ukrainian youth. “When we talk about the future of our country, we must turn to the vision of those for whom we are creating this future,” he said. “Ukrainian youth envision a future founded on security with real guarantees, a democratic state respecting human rights and free from corruption, and a vibrant culture fostering responsibility.”

Background:

This initiative is part of UNDP’s broader support to national institutions in Ukraine, strengthening governance, strategic planning, and inclusive recovery efforts. The Policy and Programmatic Coherence Unit (PPCU), together with the Democratic Governance team, and the Accelerator Lab, is helping to connect different parts of government and support the integration of foresight into Ukraine’s policymaking processes. 

Media enquiries:

Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org