Can Ukraine´s revolution of dignity succeed?

Sergii Leshchenko and Martin Paulsen (Diku) in conversation with Åse Gilje Østensen (The Norwegian Naval Academy)

Five years after Ukraine´s Revolution of Dignity started with protests on Independence Square in Kyiv, it is time to ask whether the high hopes for reforms and development that inspired the protests can still succeed. After Russia´s annexation of Crimea and with the ongoing war in Eastern Ukraine, the odds appear to be against Ukraine. At the same time, there have also been positive developments.

In this breakfast forum, we will learn more about what has changed in Ukraine, and what can be expected in the years to come. Can the country learn how to deal with corruption? Are the current political leaders trouble- or change-makers?

Sergii Leschenko (1980) is a parliamentarian, blogger, activist and former journalist in Ukraine. He has just published a new book about the fight against corruption in Ukraine «Oligarkenes vekst og fall. Kamp mot korrupsjon i Ukraina (2018)» Between 2000 and 2014 he wrote for “Ukrainska Pravda”,  where he specialized on corruption. He has initiated several campaigns for openness in the Ukrainian parliament, and is a member of the parliamentarian committee for the prevention of corruption. In 2014 he received Fritt Ord and ZEIT-Stiftungs press prize for Russia and Eastern Europe. He is listed as information hero by Reporters without borders.

Martin Paulsen is a senior adviser at the Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education (Diku). Paulsen was formerly associate professor of Russian studies at the University of Bergen, and he is an long-standing expert on Ukraine. He is Chairman of the Board of the Rafto Foundation and sits on the Board for Fritt Ord and Zeit Stiftungs Press Prizes for Eastern Europe.

Tea/coffee and croissants will be served - all are welcome!