Citizen Engagement in Parliamentary Democratic Practices during Wartime: Ukraine's Experience

Parliaments have a vital role as democratic institutions in addressing society’s challenges. Engaging citizens, including youngsters, in decision-making is essential to building public trust, increasing the legitimacy of decisions, and achieving participatory, inclusive, and responsive governance.

An engaged, well-educated citizen is at the heart of strong democratic societies. Civic education is needed for younger generations to build civic competencies, which will ensure their growth as responsible citizens. Creating an environment in which youth feel their voice counts is crucial.

It is especially important today when Ukrainians are fighting for an independent democratic future. What’s more, war brings incredible challenges for parliamentary work, civil society, and democracy. Russia systematically deports Ukrainian children from the occupied territories, destroys educational infrastructure, forces Ukrainian students to study in shelters, etc., and Ukrainian civilians, including children, often are victims of Russian missile attacks.

However, even in the face of a brutal, unprovoked Russian war, Ukrainians continue to develop their democracy. Here are just a few examples of institutions and activities that, with USAID “RADA: Next Generation” Program’s support, increase the engagement of citizens and youth in the policy and decision-making processes in Ukraine.