On September 26, 2024, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko delivered an opening speech at the presentation by the "Strategic Foresight of Ukraine" inter-factional union. The event was organized by the Parliament in collaboration with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and financially supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Ukraine.
During the event, participants were introduced to the results of a foresight study on Ukraine's post-war reconstruction and future. The creation of a digital tool for engaging citizens in discussions about Ukraine's future was also announced.
In his speech, Oleksandr Korniienko discussed how Parliament can forecast the future. "The next stages in the development of the inter-factional association, which focuses on foresight and future-oriented issues in the Verkhovna Rada of the 9th convocation, are crucial for us. We aim to establish a future affairs commission within this convocation. This idea existed before the full-scale invasion began. Of course, the future now depends on the situation at the front and on the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, this should not prevent us from discussing the future, particularly in the economic and demographic spheres," noted the First Deputy Chairman.
He emphasized that all parliaments worldwide engage in forecasting, and that initiating and shaping national development policies can occur through legislative activities. "I believe it is logical and right that parliaments worldwide engage in forecasting, as they pass legislative initiatives that shape specific policies and outcomes," Oleksandr Korniienko said.
During a separate discussion, participants focused on key foresight activities supporting the European Parliament. It was noted that future-oriented policies can serve as the foundation for political dialogue.
