On March 20, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mariana Betsa joined online presentation of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Review “Ukraine’s Strategic Response to the Displacement Crisis: Return, Reintegration and Reconnection,” organized within the framework of the OECD–Ukraine Programme. 

The event took place in Stockholm in a hybrid format and focused on supporting displaced persons, their return and reintegration, as well as maintaining connections with Ukrainians worldwide as a key component of Ukraine’s recovery. 

At the beginning of her remarks, Mariana Betsa outlined the scale of the challenges caused by Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine. 

She emphasized that the Ukrainian community around the world is an important strategic partner of the state in countering Russian aggression, advocating for Ukraine’s interests and providing humanitarian assistance to the country. 

“For Ukraine, it is important to maintain connections with Ukrainians abroad no matter where they are. Without the support of our citizens, who are currently abroad, it will be impossible to ensure the sustainable recovery of Ukraine,” emphasized Mariana Betsa. 

The diplomat emphasized that the return of Ukrainians must be strictly on a free will basis and depend on the creation of appropriate conditions, above all: safety, access to housing, education, and employment. 

Mariana Betsa also informed participants about Ukraine’s steps to strengthen ties with its citizens abroad, including the introduction of the instrument of multiple citizenship, which is intended to help preserve their connection to the Ukrainian state and facilitate their future return home. 

She highlighted the importance of a comprehensive reintegration policy that will take into account the needs of different categories of citizens. 

The Deputy Minister expressed her gratitude to the OECD for its ongoing support of Ukraine and for conducting a comprehensive and substantive study conducted in close cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and relevant government agencies. 

This document is an important analytical resource, intended to support the development of public policy regarding the return of citizens, their reintegration and the reestablishment of ties with Ukrainians abroad. 

The event was also joined  by Sweden’s Minister for Migration Johan Forssell, EU Special Envoy for Ukrainians Ylva Johansson, OECD Deputy Director of the Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs Mark Pearson, Ukraine’s Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity Denys Uliutin, Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity for European Integration Ilona Havronska.