Development of the Civil Protection System: A Joint Responsibility of the State and Civil Society
A two-day forum on Humanitarian Architecture and Development of the Civil Protection System in Ukraine was held in Kyiv. The event was organised by the Ukrainian Red Cross in partnership with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES).
The forum marked an important practical step forward, bringing together representatives from parliament, government agencies, academia, international partners, and civil society to strengthen national emergency response capacity and enhance cooperation among all stakeholders in civil protection, particularly in support of the affected civilian population.
The Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross stated:
“Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, our organisation has transformed from a humanitarian aid provider into a strategic partner of the state in the field of civil protection. Today, we are the only humanitarian organisation officially integrated into the Unified State System of Civil Protection. Joint activities and responses with the SES are already underway in 14 regions, and we have plans for further expansion. Together with the SES and the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities, we are combining our efforts to strengthen community capacities.”
Volodymyr Demchuk, Deputy Head of the SES, emphasised:
“The synergy between government agencies and civil society enables us to complement each other in emergency response rather than compete. This is the European approach, demonstrating that an effective response is impossible without the involvement of NGOs and volunteers. Together with the Ukrainian Red Cross, we are building such a sustainable and coordinated system.”
The forum identified priority areas for further action in the field of civil protection:
- Deepening cooperation and trust between all participants in the civil protection system — including the state, civil society organisations, academic institutions, and international partners. Coordination and complementarity of efforts, rather than competition, are key to an effective response.
- Institutional recognition of the role of civil society — volunteer initiatives and humanitarian organisations should be fully integrated into the national response system at all levels, from the community to central government.
- Alignment with European standards — adapting the Ukrainian civil protection system to the requirements and approaches of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism through the involvement of civil society in joint programmes, exercises, and events.
- Strengthening local capacities — developing security infrastructure, establishing security centres and voluntary civil protection units, alongside systematic work with the population to improve emergency preparedness.
- Building a unified response architecture — creating a sustainable and coordinated system based on transparency, openness, mutual responsibility, and a focus on people’s needs.
The forum confirmed that an effective civil protection system is achievable only through partnership between the state, communities, and civil society. The Ukrainian Red Cross and the SES are joining forces to ensure a safe future for every community.
