Together with the County Administrative Board of Västernorrland, the County Administrative Board of Värmland has been tasked by the Swedish Government with developing regional-level cooperation with Ukraine. As part of this initiative, a partnership has been established with the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine. The aim is to draw on Ukraine’s experiences since the full-scale Russian invasion and to contribute to the country’s reconstruction. The cooperation covers a range of areas, with a strong focus on mutual learning. Examples of areas of cooperation include civil defence, energy, healthcare, culture, and education. Several organizations and stakeholders from Värmland will take part in the collaboration.

How are human rights affected during war and reconstruction? What does international law mean in practice when it is challenged? And what can Swedish actors learn from Ukraine’s experiences while at the same time contributing to the country’s future?

The seminar will explore issues of freedom, democracy, and mutual learning at a time when Europe’s fundamental values are being put to the test.