On September 20, the Richelieu Forum of Public Service started. The theme of this year's event was institutional sustainability of the public service in times of war.

During the opening ceremony, the Head of the NAUCS, Nataliia Aliushyna, read out a welcome address from the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, who wished the participants of the event to boldly implement innovative ideas, initiatives and solutions that will bring the public service to a new level and make it more efficient and responsible.

Oleg Nemchinov, Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, also gave a welcome speech, emphasizing that the Ukrainian public administration system is as favorable as possible and open to the implementation of best international practices and strategic initiatives. In particular, it is about reforming the civil service remuneration system, building a culture of integrity and accessibility, and promoting the principles of gender balance.

Nataliia Aliushyna, the head of the NAUCS, as the traditional moderator of the Richelieu Forum, briefly reminded about the long-term history of this event, which in its 15 years of existence has become an international communication platform for the exchange of experience and modern trends in the implementation of the best practices of public administration in the activities of state bodies and local self-government bodies.

"Every year we gather here to discuss, argue, and come up with brilliant ideas... In previous years, dozens of initiatives have been announced here. Here we form visions and trends. And then we turn them into practical cases of the public administration system. They influence the content and form of public administration in Ukraine. Last year, we discussed the architecture of a new model of public service. First of all, we discussed the tools that would strengthen its fundamental strength. A year has passed and everyone has seen that the national public administration system has become stronger. In particular, due to the decisions made at the Richelieu Forum," said the Head of the NAUCS.

According to Nataliia Aliushyna, the issue of institutional sustainability of the public service in times of war is currently relevant. For the second year in a row, the public service has been withstanding the challenges of war with dignity. After all, the state provides all social obligations. It also ensures all the processes that allow the country to successfully resist the enemy.

The Richelieu Forum was also joined by international partners - representatives of the EU, Council of Europe, UNDP, UN Women, NDI, OECD/SIGMA, Hanns Seidel Foundation, DECIDE, EU4Gender Equality, USAID, SACCI, JICA, SURGe, and others.

In addition, the Richelieu Forum was joined by a special guest, Sebastian Junger, a writer, war reporter and psychologist, author of the cult book “The Tribe”.

"It is an honor for me to speak to you today. I support Ukraine for the very simple reason that I stand for human dignity and freedom. And this is exactly what the struggle in your country is about. The whole world is convinced that you will win. This is the only possible outcome in this war. One day we will meet on the peaceful streets of your cities," Sebastian Junger addressed the Forum participants.

Also presented were the photo exhibition "Border Guards: Family and War", the exhibition-document "WINDOWS" of the National Center "Ukrainian House" and the photo exhibition "Flash. Ukrainian Photography Today".