On October 22-23, 2025, the Southern Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils took place in Odesa. The event gathered representatives from councils, state bodies, and international partners to discuss best practices for protecting the rights of IDPs.

The involvement of international partners highlighted the importance of the councils' work at the national level.

«IDP Councils have become an essential part of Ukraine's democratic landscape, from initial local initiatives to thousands of councils across the country. I see them as a true bridge connecting internally displaced persons and host communities. The forum showcases how new ideas shape recovery and inclusion in regions facing unique challenges,» emphasized Sandra Zifert Stroyem from the UNHCR.

Speakers included Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Iryna Vereshchuk, Head of the Parliamentary Committee for IDP Rights Pavlo Frolov, and Deputy Director of the Odesa Regional State Administration Svitlana Nazarenko.

«The IDP Councils were established to protect the rights of millions of displaced individuals and assist them in integrating into communities through systematic dialogue with authorities and donors. Their work yields tangible results despite fatigue and limited resources,» Vereshchuk noted.

Currently, over 221,000 internally displaced people reside in Odesa region. We are organizing evacuations from Donetsk and providing necessary housing conditions for vulnerable individuals,» Nazarenko added.

A key event of the forum was the discussion panel on how IDP Councils influence government decisions. Leaders from southern regions shared successful advocacy campaign cases.

«Effective interaction between IDP Councils and authorities is based on direct communication and constructive dialogue. Face-to-face meetings build trust and facilitate quicker actions,» stated Oksana Gimishli, Chair of the IDP Council at Odesa District State Administration.

Participants also explored the online platform – the IDP Councils Portal, a centralized resource for IDP Councils across Ukraine.

Other significant events included a panel on involving IDPs and locals in council work and a strategic workshop on the future of IDP Councils by 2027.

«The success of IDP Councils is impossible without partnership and collaboration. Active councils need support from local authorities to be heard and effective,» stressed Valeria Vershinina.

The second day of the forum focused on practical skills. Participants engaged in a quest game titled «How Can the IDP Council Support Displaced Persons?» to reinforce their knowledge and share experiences.

The forum reaffirmed the crucial role of IDP Councils in the integration of displaced individuals and community development while setting priorities for strengthening cooperation with local authorities.

«IDP Councils consist of volunteers who help displaced persons feel cared for and supported. Their work is already yielding significant results in communities,» said Oksana Savitska.

All developments from the four forums will be discussed at the III National Forum of IDP Councils in Kyiv on November 14-15.

The event was organized by the Charity Fund «Stabilization Support Services» with the support of UNHCR.