Learning from crisis, together: what Ukrainian and Swedish volunteers can teach each other

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Ukrainian volunteers, local initiatives and aid organisations had to learn quickly how to keep communities functioning under extreme pressure. Years later, that knowledge is no longer only Ukraine's concern. As Sweden strengthens its own preparedness and resilience, it is a resource worth listening to.

On 5 October, Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) joined the Swedish Red Cross to welcome representatives of the Ukrainian Red Cross in Gothenburg. The meeting brought together organisations supporting people and communities affected by the war for professional exchange.

Volunteers at the centre

One of the central moments of the event was a panel discussion on volunteering during crises and war. The questions were practical: how do you recruit and support volunteers when everything around them is uncertain? How do the principles of the Red Cross Movement work in real life? And what can Ukrainian and Swedish organisations learn from each other?

The HUG team led a workshop on how to empower young people through volunteering. We shared how our projects create a space where young people feel they belong and are supported, build life and professional skills, and start volunteering.  

The core of the method is a path many young people recognise: from connection, feeling that you belong somewhere, to participation, taking part in volunteering and projects, and finally to agency, the sense that you can influence your own life.

Learning from each other make us stronger

Crisis response is built in local communities: by volunteers, small organisations and people who step up when something happens. That is why the exchange between those who work at this level is so valuable.  

Ukraine's experience of responding to the consequences of the full-scale invasion can contribute to stronger preparedness, resilience and community capacity in Sweden. Swedish organisations, in turn, bring perspectives and methods that can strengthen work with Ukrainian communities.

The exchange gave us a chance to learn more about how other organisations and local branches work, connect with people in the field, share practical approaches, and explore opportunities for future cooperation.

A big thank you to the Swedish Red Cross for bringing us together, and to the Ukrainian Red Cross representatives and everyone involved for such a productive and inspiring day. We left with new perspectives, valuable connections and ideas to take forward in our work together.