Odesa Forum Recap: Reintegration of War Veterans as a Collective Effort
On April 22, Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) in partnership with the National Council on Health and Safety (NCHS) hosted the Forum-Exhibition focused on the “Reintegration of Veterans as a Collective Efforts: From Individual Solution to Systemic Change in Southern Ukraine”, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders committed to supporting war veterans.
The event focused on connecting veterans with employment opportunities while supporting psychosocial adaptation of veterans. It bought together representatives of government institutions, local authorities, business, international humanitarian organisations, local civil society groups, veteran hubs, and veterans themselves – creating a collaborative platform aimed at addressing reintegration challenges and identifying scalable, practical solutions.
A total of 125 participants took part in the discussions, with many bringing a wealth of prior experience working with veterans on integration initiatives. Attendees included human resource directors and company executives, along with experts in corporate veteran policies and team management.
Local authorities, veteran entrepreneurs, successfully employed veterans, career counsellors, reskilling specialists, business representatives, and coaches were also present.
Themes Discussed
There were two main topics that were unpacked further. The first thematic area focused on the economic reintegration of veterans, highlighting pathways to employment through reskilling and upskilling programmes, entrepreneurship support, and inclusive business practices. Participants emphasised the importance of private sector engagement, particularly in shaping veteran-inclusive corporate policies and creating sustainable job opportunities.
The second thematic area explored psychosocial adaptation as a foundation for productivity, addressing the transition from military to civilian life.
One session that was well-received, was the “Opportunity Space” expo zone, in which a variety of providers and programmes that are designed to support veterans, were given space to market their offer or services. Exhibitors presented initiatives in education and vocational training, employment and entrepreneurship support, psychological and social assistance, medical and legal services, and adaptive sports and rehabilitation tools.
Panel's Recommendations & Suggested Actions
The discussions underscored the need to transform combat experience into a source of resilience and motivation, while also recognising the critical role of family support systems as well as community and employer awareness in ensuring long-term reintegration. The panel members presented consolidated recommendations and actionable solutions, helping to align stakeholders around key priorities. It mapped systemic barriers and service delivery gaps, which outlined critical weaknesses and areas requiring interventions across the system.
Based on this analysis, the panel members were able to develop a joint roadmap outlining the following actionable recommendations:
- establishment of a one-stop information service
- development of an information booklet on services available for veterans in the south
- creation of business platforms for veteran initiatives in business and civil society sector
- education of employers and business owners on trauma-informed communication with veterans
- strengthening of multi-sectoral cooperation, as well as clearly defined roles and responsibilities across sectors.
Overall, the event demonstrated a strong commitment to coordinated actions among all involved stakeholders.
Takeaways From the Event
The Forum reaffirmed that veterans’ reintegration is a shared, long-term process requiring coordinated efforts between veterans, communities, government, the private sector, civil society, and international partners. It also highlights the importance of transparency and inclusivity in building an effective and sustainable support system, while reinforcing the need for collaboration to close gaps, strengthen support networks, and foster mutual understanding across all stakeholders involved.
The event is a part of a NP’s wider strategy to ease social tensions, address stereotypes and stigma faced by veterans, while bringing greater visibility to their experiences in civilian life. NP creates opportunities for direct engagement between civilians, former service members, authorities and business to encourage dialogue and mutual understanding.
In practical terms, the event created immediate value by connecting veterans with verified contacts, available programmes, and clear next steps in employment, education, and support services. Participants left informed and actively integrated into a functioning ecosystem of opportunities that extend beyond the forum.
We thank all participants, partners, and contributors who made this event impactful and forward-looking. Continued collaboration remains key to building a sustainable support system for veterans and their families.