{"id":30334,"date":"2026-06-05T17:00:30","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T14:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/?post_type=event&#038;p=30334"},"modified":"2026-06-05T17:03:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T14:03:15","slug":"legal-development-network-2025-focus-on-sustainability-self-reliance-and-mission-fulfillment","status":"publish","type":"event","link":"https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/en\/event\/legal-development-network-2025-focus-on-sustainability-self-reliance-and-mission-fulfillment\/","title":{"rendered":"Legal Development Network 2025: Focus on Sustainability, Self-Reliance, and Mission Fulfillment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Author: Yuliia Bilyk, Communications Manager at the Legal Development Network<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In 2025, the Legal Development Network (LDN, the Network) updated its strategic documents, developed new operational policies, supported 13 member organizations, and continued to expand its legal aid services. In addition, the LDN launched a series of initiatives aimed at providing expert support to communities and addressing the consequences of the war. The results of all this work are described in detail in <a href=\"https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/zvity\/\" title=\"\">the Network\u2019s 2025 report<\/a>. We highlight the key achievements in this article.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The LDN\u2019s Strategy Through 2029<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On April 16, 2026, at the General Assembly of the Legal Development Network, attended by representatives of 16 member organizations, <strong>the Development Strategy through 2029<\/strong> was approved. The document outlines four areas of focus:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>human rights and access to justice,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>expert and legal support for communities, addressing the consequences of war,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>humanitarian response,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>institutional development of the MPR and its member organizations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The development of the strategy was preceded by six strategic sessions during which member organizations analyzed their work experience and challenges and formulated a shared vision for the Network\u2019s future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By 2029, the Network aims to be represented in all regions of Ukraine, cover at least 10% of local communities, and become a co-implementer of advocacy campaigns in the field of access to justice at the national level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Organizational Development<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2025, the Network\u2019s Board and Executive Directorate developed and updated <strong>38 strategic and operational documents<\/strong>, including internal policies and procedures. This is an important step toward enhancing the organization\u2019s transparency and governance amid ongoing external challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By joining the working group on developing unified standards for legal aid within the UNHCR Protection Cluster and obtaining observer status in the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Network in Ukraine, the Network expanded its presence in international structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, starting in August 2025, the Network became the coordinator of the WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) cluster in the Mykolaiv Oblast \u2014 taking over this role from UN agencies. In this way, the Network transitioned from a service provider to an equal partner in shaping the humanitarian response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Support for Member Organizations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The reduction in international funding following the suspension of USAID programs significantly impacted the ability of civil society organizations to continue their work. In partnership with the GlobalGiving platform, the LDN supported <strong>13 member organizations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flexible funding made it possible to cover operating expenses: rent, utilities, and the purchase of office equipment. For some organizations, this support was essential to their survival.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"715\" height=\"443\" src=\"https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-3.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30307\" style=\"width:500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-3.jpeg 715w, https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-3-300x186.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-3-200x124.jpeg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 715px) 100vw, 715px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Head of the Center for Support of Local Initiatives<\/em> <em>Oleksiy Kormiletskyi<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cFor us as an organization, this support is more than just funding. It\u2019s an opportunity to keep going and not scale back our assistance at a time when people need it most,\u201d<\/em> says Head of the Center for Support of Local Initiatives <strong>Oleksiy Kormiletskyi<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-4-683x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30311\" style=\"width:400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-4-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-4-200x300.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-4-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-4-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-4-133x200.jpeg 133w, https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-4.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Executive Director of the \u201cPodil Legal League\u201d<\/em> <em>Anastasia Ploshchynska<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cGlobalGiving helped us get through this year and keep our organization open. Although we may not have been as active this year as we were a year ago\u2026 we were able to maintain our resilience and continue providing high-quality legal services,\u201d<\/em> says Executive Director of the Podil Legal League <strong>Anastasia Ploshchynska<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Legal Development Network has been actively building infrastructure to simplify access to legal aid and related services:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>updated the online chat,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>expanded the functionality of the case management and analytics system,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>added topics relevant to service recipients to the chatbot,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and trained lawyers in new algorithms for providing consultations and preparing informational materials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The LDN&#8217;s provides uninterrupted support to users who contact us from anywhere in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help member organizations become more self-reliant, particularly in raising funds, the Network, with support from the Mott Foundation, organized a training course for trainers. Twelve experts in various fields \u2014 law, veteran support, CSO development, finance, leadership, digital security, and more \u2014 mastered tools that helped them structure their years of experience and develop high-quality training and capacity-building materials.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-5-1-1024x681.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30314\" style=\"width:600px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-5-1-1024x681.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-5-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-5-1-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-5-1-200x133.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-5-1.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The LDN&#8217;s Director of Organizational Development Iryna Chaika<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cIt is common in society to equate the work of civil society organizations with volunteering. This misconception often influences how and through which channels local organizations secure funding for administrative and program activities, as well as for team and organizational development. About 20% of organizations cover their expenses through social entrepreneurship or by selling educational services and consulting. And this trend is becoming increasingly evident,\u201d <\/em>says The LDN&#8217;s Director of Organizational Development <strong>Iryna Chaika<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cOur task was to help representatives of our member organizations become competitive in the services market. After all, the expertise possessed by civil society activists from grassroots organizations is on par with that of large national organizations or small and medium-sized businesses in terms of quality and substance.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Improving Legal Aid Services<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the end of 2025, LDN&#8217;s lawyers, member organizations, and partner organizations had provided over <strong>277,000 free legal consultations<\/strong>, ensuring access to legal aid for nearly <strong>169,000 citizens<\/strong> in Ukraine and abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In September 2025, an updated online chat launched with a modern interface, a database of quick responses, and detailed analytics. Consultations are provided by <strong>11 experienced lawyers<\/strong> from member organizations. Over the course of the year, <strong>1,576 consultations<\/strong> were provided via the chat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>LawLink AI chatbot<\/strong> gained the ability to automatically generate legal documents and, in 2015, provided 925 consultations across four subject areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>child support,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>compensation for damaged property,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>land leases,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and inheritance matters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting in 2026, the chatbot\u2019s knowledge base has been expanded to include two additional topics: family matters and the protection of IDPs\u2019 rights. Anyone can receive legal advice from the digital assistant 24\/7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the <strong>Pravoman Platform<\/strong>, which provides assistance to Ukrainians abroad, over <strong>160,000 consultations <\/strong>were provided in 2025 to users from eight countries around the world. Since its launch in 2022, the platform has provided over <strong>1.3 million consultations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Twenty-four lawyers from <strong>12 member organizations<\/strong> use the updated CRM system of the Link Platform. This allows them to systematically collect and analyze data on requests, track workload, and track the geographic distribution of inquiries. In addition to recording cases, specialists can mark referrals and redirects. In 2025, lawyers made <strong>42 referrals<\/strong> to other legal aid providers and to government agencies and organizations. In total, specialists processed <strong>5,082 inquiries<\/strong> during the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hotline <strong>0800 331 113<\/strong>, which in 2025 handled legal inquiries from residents of the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions, has been accepting calls from across Ukraine since 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Results of the Initiatives Implemented<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The network helped nine communities in the Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts develop development strategies and other strategic documents for local self-government. Thanks to mentoring support and study visits, the communities not only received high-quality documents but also gained the skills to implement them independently. Consequently, after revitalizing local partnerships, civil society organizations in <strong>the Shevchenkivska Community<\/strong> secured approximately <strong>20 million UAH<\/strong> for infrastructure projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As of the end of 2025, the Link humanitarian response mechanism covered 352 settlements \u2014 that is, 89% of all villages and towns in <strong>25 de-occupied<\/strong> communities in the Mykolaiv and Kherson oblasts. Partners addressed <strong>3,091 needs<\/strong> through the platform. Link\u2019s legal component identified <strong>827 legal needs<\/strong>, over 80% of which have already been met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The network also strengthened the capacity of <strong>13 legal clinics<\/strong> in frontline regions to provide free legal aid. The clinic teams completed a theoretical and practical training program, reviewed approaches to organizing their work under the guidance of experienced mentors, and acquired skills in conducting sociological research to better respond to the requests of legal aid beneficiaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through crowdfunding campaigns on the GlobalGiving platform, the LDN raised $8,552 to develop public spaces in four de-occupied villages in the Shevchenkivska community of Mykolaiv Oblast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plans for 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-5-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30309\" style=\"width:600px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-5-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-5-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-5-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-5-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-5-200x133.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-5-1920x1281.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/ldn.org.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-5.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The LDN&#8217;s Executive Director Olga Nastina<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cDespite the challenges of the war, in 2025 the Network not only maintained its resilience but also strengthened its support for member organizations, the development of legal services, and the trust of our partners,\u201d<\/em> says Executive Director <strong>Olga Nastina<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cOur priorities for 2026 are outlined in the operational plan approved at the General Assembly. The Executive Board will focus on engaging member organizations in programmatic activities, systematic fundraising, and expanding partnerships \u2014 international, national, and local.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key tasks for member organizations: actively using the Network\u2019s brand, sharing information about teams and available expertise, and participating in the implementation of the Strategy through 2029.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Specific goals for the year include<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>expanding the chatbot\u2019s knowledge base to include new legal topics,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>scaling up the Link mechanism: increasing the number of partners and providing humanitarian and legal assistance to more frontline communities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Network also plans to finalize the update of its communication strategy, update the partnership registry, and develop service packages to monetize the organization\u2019s expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This material was created with the support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. The content of this publication is the <em>the \u201cLegal Development Network\u201d public association<\/em><\/em> <em>sole responsibility.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Author: Yuliia Bilyk, Communications Manager at the Legal Development Network In 2025, the Legal Development Network (LDN, the Network) updated its strategic documents, developed new operational policies, supported 13 member organizations, and continued to expand its legal aid services. 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