For the fourth consecutive year, the event has brought together representatives of international and Ukrainian humanitarian organizations, government authorities, local self-government bodies, embassies, donors, and the volunteer community. This year, the conference gathered around 500 participants.

During the panel discussions, participants addressed key challenges in the humanitarian sector, support for local organizations, partnership development, accessibility, inclusion, and future aid strategies in Ukraine.

For our team, it is especially important that:

• international partners continue to confirm their readiness to support Ukraine;
• the topic of localization and strengthening local NGOs is becoming not just a concept, but a real practice;
• the principle of “not competitors, but partners” is increasingly promoted within the humanitarian sector, as cooperation and consortiums significantly strengthen the effectiveness of assistance;
• more attention is being paid to Ukrainian identity, culture, and history in social and charitable projects;
• accessibility and barrier-free environment issues are becoming one of the key areas requiring a systematic approach, expertise, and professional training at the local level.

Such events are not only about discussions, but also about opportunities to find new partners, exchange experience, strengthen expertise, and jointly shape the future of Ukraine’s humanitarian sector.

We sincerely thank the organizers for the invitation and the opportunity to join this important professional dialogue.

The 4th Annual International Conference “Ukrainian Leadership in Aid” was jointly organized with Alliance UA CSO and Refugees International. Financial support for the conference was provided by the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and UK Aid Direct.