No Recovery Without the Inclusion of People with Disabilities: NAPD Participated in the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025

July 10–11, the International Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 (URC2025) is taking place in Rome. Representing the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine (NAPD) at this important international event are Oleksandra Nazarenko and Ruslan Topchan.

The conference brings together representatives of governments, international organizations, civil society, and businesses to discuss recovery strategies for Ukraine amid the ongoing war and in the context of European integration. One of the key topics is ensuring inclusion in all recovery processes.

NAPD was invited to participate in a dedicated side event focused on inclusive recovery. During the event, NAPD representatives shared the organization’s vision for the active involvement of organizations of people with disabilities in Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts.

Ukrainian veteran Ruslan Topchan, in his speech titled “No Recovery Without Inclusion,” raised several systemic issues:

• the lack of adequate medical, rehabilitation, and psychological support for newly injured individuals — both military and civilian;
• inaccessibility of infrastructure, transportation, and public services
• isolation and insufficient integration of people with disabilities in employment, education, and decision-making processes;
• lack of coordination between government agencies and civil society organizations in recovery efforts;
• the need to rethink the role of veterans with disabilities — not as recipients of aid, but as active contributors to rebuilding the country.

NAPD continues to work to ensure that Ukraine’s recovery is fair, accessible, and safe for all. The Ukraine of the future is an inclusive Ukraine.