Building communication resilience for future electoral process in Ukraine
On 12–14 May 2026, International IDEA, in cooperation with the Central Election Commission of Ukraine (CEC), conducted a three day training programme on strategic and crisis communications aimed at strengthening the Commission’s institutional communication capacity. The event brought together 25 representatives of the CEC and its Secretariat for practical exercises and discussions focused on communication challenges surrounding future electoral processes in Ukraine.
The programme combined expert presentations, group discussions and crisis simulations focused on international media engagement, crisis response, internal communication systems and coordinated institutional messaging. Participants explored approaches to crisis response, institutional coordination and communication preparedness in complex information environments.
A significant part of the programme was dedicated to scenario-based exercises built around real-life communication challenges. Participants worked through simulations involving information attacks, public communication during crises and institutional coordination, while discussing practical response mechanisms and communication tools.
The programme also featured a session by Alistair Scrutton, Head of Publications and Communications at International IDEA, focused on communication with international audiences and foreign media during electoral processes. Drawing on international experience and practical case studies, the session generated active discussion among participants on media expectations, institutional transparency and crisis communication.
Participants particularly highlighted the practical value of the simulations and real-life case studies, noting the importance of developing communication templates, coordination mechanisms and crisis response approaches in advance of future electoral processes. Discussions also underscored the value of adapting international practices to the Ukrainian context.
The event was organised with the support of the U-VOTE project, supported by Norway and implemented by International IDEA; the REACT-UA project, supported by the Federal Republic of Germany and implemented by International IDEA; and the FAIR-UA project, supported by Canada and implemented by International IDEA, in partnership with the Central Election Commission of Ukraine.
The training forms part of International IDEA’s broader efforts to support the Central Election Commission of Ukraine in strengthening institutional resilience, enhancing preparedness for future electoral processes, and developing strategic communication capacities capable of responding to complex democratic and security challenges in wartime and post war contexts.
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