First conference Alumni Education for Victory: Development under constant threat and ongoing war

On 28–29 November 2025, we held the first Education for Victory Alumni Conference — “Development under Constant Threat and Ongoing War.”

The event brought together more than 50 participants from four cohorts of the programme: public officials, civil society leaders, top managers, community representatives, and partners who continue driving change in Ukraine despite the persistent security threats.

The conference became a new platform for exchanging experience, reflecting on lessons learned, and jointly shaping strategies for Ukraine’s development in conditions of prolonged instability. It also marked the beginning of what will become an annual tradition of Education for Victory Alumni gatherings.

A highlight of the programme was a series of lectures delivered by long-standing partners from LSE IDEAS, the London School of Economics and Political Science’s foreign policy think tank and one of the world’s most influential centres on diplomacy, development, and governance.

Prof Chris Alden — “Regional Diplomacy and the New Geography of Power”

Dr Rode focused on how cities and communities can remain functional and resilient even when crises are prolonged and systemic. He outlined approaches to integrated urban governance, rapid infrastructure recovery, and strengthening social trust.

Prof Chris Alden — “Regional Diplomacy and the New Geography of Power”

Professor Alden examined the growing role of regions and cities as emerging actors in global politics. He emphasised the importance of “city diplomacy” during wartime and the potential of Ukrainian regions to shape a new architecture of international partnerships.

Dr James Morrison — “Local Ideas, Global Competition”

Dr Morrison explored how local ideas and leadership can serve as drivers of economic growth and institutional resilience. Ukrainian communities, he noted, are an example of how local models can generate global solutions in an increasingly fragmented world.

The conference not only reconnected alumni but also created new formats of collaboration within the network. Participants developed joint initiatives, discussed key challenges of state-building, explored models of economic resilience, and reflected on approaches to strengthening local leadership.

We will soon share new projects and opportunities that emerged from this meeting.

Education for Victory continues to unite those who work for Ukraine’s development — even under constant threat.