PDP II COP Eleanor Valentine and Ukraine’s Minister of Regional Development, Construction and Housing, Anatoliy Blyzniuk signed a Protocol of Cooperation

The agreement covered three key areas: professional continuing education of ministry staff and experts, internships in the ministry, and full participation in issuing documents for public discussion on the government's civic engagement web platform. Both parties expressed appreciation for their previous and ongoing cooperation, with the formal document enabling deeper collaboration. Minister Blyzniuk emphasized his interest in continuing the internship program, which had provided opportunities for 11 young Ukrainians to intern at the ministry from 2009 to 2012. He also requested that PDP II conduct training for ministry staff on problem-solving methods in the legislative process. A new area of cooperation discussed was the ministry's commitment to join the system of electronic discussion of draft normative acts. Minister Blyzniuk viewed this as a modern and effective technology for soliciting broader public feedback on draft policies, laws, and normative acts. This development aimed to enhance civic engagement and public participation in the policy-making process. The Protocol of Cooperation marked a significant step in strengthening ties between PDP II and the Ukrainian Ministry of Regional Development, Construction and Housing. By fostering deeper collaboration, the agreement aimed to promote professional development, public engagement, and effective governance. The ministry's decision to join the electronic discussion system reflected a commitment to transparency and accountability in the policy-making process. This move was expected to facilitate broader public participation and input on draft policies, ultimately contributing to more informed and effective decision-making.