Forum of Social Change 2025 Took Place
The Forum of Social Change 2025 took place in Kamianets-Podilskyi and was organized by the Platform for Social Change. The event brought together representatives of local communities, education, social entrepreneurship, public authorities, and the civil society sector for open dialogue and joint reflection on the next steps in community development.
The Forum of Social Change served as a platform for networking, experience sharing, and shaping a shared vision for the future. Approximately 50 participants from various sectors attended the event, including representatives from education, social entrepreneurship, public authorities, social service providers, faith-based and civil society organizations, as well as partners and friends.
All participants represented communities from the Khmelnytskyi region, including Horodok, Kamianets-Podilskyi, Krasyliv, Zhvanets, Teofipol, Chemerivtsi, Dunaivtsi, Orynyn, Khmelnytskyi, Rozsoshanska, and Bilohiria, as well as the cities of Lviv and Chernivtsi.
A key element of the event was the World Café format. Participants worked at six thematic tables, rotating topics and groups, and shared their experiences and perspectives. Discussions focused on practical questions: where it is worthwhile to invest resources in communities and social initiatives, and which approaches require reevaluation.
The format of open dialogue enabled participants to hear diverse viewpoints, learn from one another, and generate shared insights to inform future work.
“Ecosystem Heroes” Awards
An important part of the Forum was the “Ecosystem Heroes” awards ceremony, which recognized individuals and organizations that made a significant contribution to community development and social initiatives throughout the year.
This year’s award recipients were:
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Inspiration of the Year — Alona Shybunko, Epiravlyk snail farm
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Ambassador of Social Initiatives — Kamianets-Podilskyi State Institute of Educational and Rehabilitation
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Idea Driver of the Year — Mykola Ostrovskyi, member of the Yahidnyi Rai cooperative
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Youth Leader of the Year — Lesia Malanchak, UspishnyiYa project
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Innovation of the Year — Oksana Kalinovska, Dunaivtsi Lyceum No. 4
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Leader of Social Entrepreneurship Initiatives — Mariana Ovcharuk, Soap Stories plant-based cosmetics store
Time Capsule and Looking Ahead
The Forum concluded with a Time Capsule, where participants shared their dreams, expectations, and visions for the future of the social change ecosystem. These messages will be preserved and revisited at future gatherings to reflect on how ideas evolve into real impact.
The Forum of Social Change, organized by the Platform for Social Change, marked the beginning of new partnerships, continued dialogue, and joint efforts toward community development.
