From February 24 to 26, the training ‘Written Communication of Public Servants: Plain Language and Easy Reading’ took place. The initiative was implemented by the High School of Public Governance and the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service together with the Presidential Commissioner for Barrier-Free Environment with the support of the United Nations Development Programme. The team of the NGO ‘Educational Human Rights House Chernihiv’ took part in the development of the training programme.

Ukraine is actively integrating the values of barrier-free environment in the public service system, including policies of non-discrimination, accessibility and inclusion, as well as the development of the necessary competencies among civil servants. Special attention is given to the introduction of plain language and easy reading principles that facilitate communication between the state and citizens. This was stated by Nataliia Aliushyna, Head of the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service, who emphasised that these approaches help make information more accessible to all citizens.

Yuliia Lykhach, Head of the High School, emphasised the importance of improving the professional qualifications of public servants in the area of barrier-free accessibility. She noted that the principles of plain language and easy reading make public communications more effective and promote social inclusion.

Nine training programmes have already been implemented at the High School of Public Governance, which cover the topic of barrier-free environment. In 2023-2024, 3,454 civil servants were trained under these programmes, which confirms the relevance of accessibility and inclusion.

This initiative is an important step towards building an inclusive society where every citizen has equal access to information, regardless of their abilities or social status. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing clear and accessible communication for all.