| The Dialogue for Reform Project (February 2002-February 2004) was financed by a two-year, $288,000 grant provided by the Bank to the Ministry of Economy and European Integration - the agency responsible for implementation. The overarching goal envisioned for this project has been to improve accountability of public officials and provide opportunities for consultations between these authorities and civil society, as well as to create favorable conditions for the growth of the third sector through improved legislation.
Close to 150 government-sponsored public events were carried out under the aegis of the project, including a number of trainings for civil servants. These trainings helped public employees acquire skills that are essential for effectively communicating with the public. National public hearings were held on problems surrounding Ukraine’s European integration and some 20,000 persons took part.
In addition, the project led to the production of 23 informational/educational films on the State Budget and a concept for information policy on pension reform, as well as a series of large-scale studies were conducted in order to provide consultations with the public and improve the legal environment for the development of civil society in Ukraine. The consultants involved in the project elaborated a number of analytical documents, methodological materials, and recommendations on how precisely to develop the capacity of government institutions to engage the public in the policy-making process.
The Dialogue for Reforms project has made significant progress in expanding the dialogue between the government and civil society. This project has provided an initial basis for developing public participation at all levels of the decision-making process.
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