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Prof. Maria Koinova Gives a Keynote at the First Diaspora Lab at the Ukraine Recovery Conference
Picture taken by Annabelle Gehm
Two impactful days at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome (10–11 July 2025) left Professor Maria Koinova and many other participants with a deep sense of appreciation for the resilience and commitment demonstrated by governments, international organizations, civil society, and businesses—all united in their support for Ukraine’s recovery amid immense destruction.
A standout moment was the inaugural Diaspora Lab organised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), where Professor Koinova was invited to deliver the academic keynote address. The Lab convened an exceptional group of other speakers from IOM, Ukraine’s Ministry of National Unity, the Centre for Economic Recovery, the Ukrainian World Congress, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, OECD, GIZ (German Society for International Cooperation), Chatham House, and a range of Ukrainian civil society organizations: Association of Young Ukrainians/Italy, Razom/USA, Open Platform/Alliance of Ukrainian Associations/Germany, Foundation Ukraine/Poland, Promprylad Foundation/Ukraine, the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations, as well as the International Trade Center, and the Global Center for Economic Growth at the University of Chicago.
In her keynote, Professor Koinova underscored the importance of interpreting evidence from other contexts with caution, given Ukraine’s distinct trajectory. Much of the existing research on effective diaspora engagement stems from countries recovering from intra-state conflicts—such as those in the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Syria. Ukraine’s case, however, is different. It is enduring a conventional war following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022—an act of aggression against a sovereign state. Additionally, Ukraine has been granted a fast-tracked path toward EU accession, opening institutional opportunities unavailable to that extent to other post-conflict states. This process is further propelled by a population—both within and beyond Ukraine—that is deeply committed to democratic values and national sovereignty.
As the Diaspora Lab aimed to initiate a process for the formation of a diaspora alliance, Professor Koinova emphasised several key priorities to guide this process:
1. Professionalize the sector of Ukrainian organisations abroad to enhance their capacity and credibility.
2. Broaden access by recognising diaspora communities as key stakeholders and co-creators in Ukraine’s recovery policies.
3. Support the establishment of a robust, diaspora-facing ministry to coordinate engagement efforts.
4. Facilitate implementation of the new law on multiple citizenships to strengthen transnational ties.
5. Integrate the principle of translocalism to deepen and diversify diaspora engagement across borders.
6. Expand the geographic scope of engagement beyond Europe to include the Americas and countries in the Global South.
At URC2025, Professor Koinova also launched a new comprehensive report:
“Engaging the Ukrainian Global Community for Ukraine's Recovery: Democracy and Human Rights Dimensions,” jointly published by the University of Warwick and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). The report is co-authored by Professor Koinova with contributions from ICMPD’s Roman Makukha and Magda Sabadello.