New Human Capital Resilience Charter Launched to Support Ukraine

Recognizing the critical need to strengthen Ukraine’s workforce amidst the ongoing conflict, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA) are launching a new Human Capital Resilience (HCR) Charter. This initiative aims to support Ukraine’s people, including returnee workers and veterans, in meeting the challenges posed by the wartime labour market. 

The parties formalized their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on the HRC Charter at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin (URC) on June 12, 2024. The charter will outline a set of principles for employers in Ukraine to address key workforce issues such as veterans’ reintegration, workforce displacement, and skills development.   

Human Capital Resilience 

– The full-scale war has significantly impacted the labour market. Over 6.5 million Ukrainians are currently abroad, according to various estimates. At the same time, Ukraine is experiencing structural unemployment, said Yulia Svyrydenko, Minister of Economy of Ukraine.  

– We believe that through collaboration with the EBRD and FBA, the HCR Charter will improve the labour market, create favourable conditions for Ukrainians to return home, and establish new support mechanisms for employers. Additionally, it will develop training programmes, facilitate the reintegration of veterans and people with disabilities, and cultivate critical skills and competencies. 

Svyrydenko also emphasized that the Charter will serve as a long-term roadmap for human capital development in Ukraine and expressed hope for its swift implementation. 

Veterans Reintegration  

– FBA has extensive experience in various reintegration contexts, and we have witnessed firsthand the importance of private sector engagement in supporting the transition from military service to civilian life for both women and men, said Per Olsson Fridh, Director-General of FBA. 

– The HCR Charter is a valuable tool in facilitating this process, and we are proud to support this initiative in line with Sweden's long-term priorities. We are committed to ensuring that our contribution of international best practices and expertise will enhance its impact, added he. 

A Resilient Workforce  

– Employers in Ukraine, including EBRD clients, continue to play a particularly important role in this process, shaping their human resources policies and practices to address ongoing challenges for the most acutely affected groups, said Barbara Rambousek, Director of Inclusive and Sustainable Development at the EBRD. 

Rambousek further noted that the EBRD has developed this new initiative to support the employers in delivering more holistic actions to restore a more resilient, qualified, and productive workforce in the country.