Roundtable Discussion "Specialist in Supporting War Veterans and Demobilized Individuals" of the Committee on Social Policy and Veterans' Rights Protection of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

A field roundtable discussion titled "Specialist in Supporting War Veterans and Demobilized Individuals" was held at Karazin University under the auspices of the Committee on Social Policy and Veterans' Rights Protection of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

On February 6, in the safe space of Karazin University, a field roundtable discussion on "Specialist in Supporting War Veterans and Demobilized Individuals" took place. The event began with a moment of silence.

The panel discussion featured speeches from members of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, including Taras Tarasenko, Yevhen Pyvovarov, and Maria Mezentseva, as well as Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine Yuliia Kirillova, Deputy Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Vita Kovalska, Deputy Mayor of Kharkiv Yurii Shparaha, Deputy Head of the Kharkiv Regional Council Valeriia Dziuba, and Head of the Social Policy Department of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Serhii Kucherenko.

During the panel discussion, several key presentations were delivered:

• Member of Parliament Taras Tarasenko presented the results of a survey, outlining proposals to improve the work of specialists supporting veterans.
• Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine Yuliia Kirillova discussed the "Formula for a Dignified Return to Civilian Life" project, highlighting the challenges veterans face during their adaptation process.
• Deputy Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Vita Kovalska shared insights on the implementation of various veteran support programs in the Kharkiv region.
• Deputy Mayor of Kharkiv Yurii Shparaha presented a report on "The Implementation of Veteran Policies in the Kharkiv Municipal Territorial Community."

The second part of the event was opened by the Rector of Karazin University, Tetiana Kahanovska, with a presentation titled "Karazin University's Initiatives in Supporting Veterans."

"If we used to say that a university is about education, research, and enlightenment, today we understand that its core mission is social responsibility. The war will end with our victory, and we will all have a great deal of work to do — not only in rebuilding structures but in restoring trust among people, belief in justice, and hope for the future. We must create all necessary conditions for education, psychological rehabilitation, employment, and social adaptation of veterans, incorporating modern international approaches and global experience," said Tetyana Kaganovska.

She emphasized that Karazin University promptly responded to the needs of veterans. In 2023, with the support of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, the university established the Veteran Development Center to train veteran assistants, facilitate their successful adaptation to civilian life after military service, and develop programs and initiatives for social, economic, psychological, and legal support. Future plans include creating new educational programs tailored to veterans’ needs, opening KARAZIN ReHab to all veterans, launching an information platform for veterans and their families, and engaging military personnel’s children in cultural and artistic activities.

Dean of the School of Sociology Olena Muradian also spoke, delivering a presentation on "Social Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Military Personnel, Veterans, and Individuals Affected by Military Aggression: The Role of a Veteran Support Specialist." She emphasized that veteran reintegration is not just a personal responsibility but a collective duty of society.

"Over the past two years, we have radically revised the educational programs at the School of Sociology, adding more psychology courses, career development disciplines, and legal studies. At the specialty level, we are actively encouraging prospective students to choose social work as their field of study," noted Olena Muradian.

This roundtable was of great importance in addressing current challenges. Throughout the discussions and presentations, numerous solutions and proposals for future work were identified. Karazin University takes pride in organizing and participating in such significant events. We must remember that there are no "other people’s problems" — each of us plays a role in shaping our present and future.