Supporting Reintegration: UNBROKEN Forum Focuses on Habilitation for Ukraine’s Veterans
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has faced an unprecedented rise in the number of veterans and civilians affected by war-related trauma. According to recent estimates, the country may soon have over 1 million veterans, along with thousands of individuals who have sustained physical and psychological injuries.
In this context, the focus on habilitation - not only restoring lost functions but enabling new skills, roles, and a meaningful life after trauma – becomes critically important.
Addressing these challenges, on April 4, 2025, the UNBROKEN rehabilitation center in Lviv hosted the forum "Habilitation: Finding a New Lifestyle After Trauma," bringing together around 200 experts, government officials, civil society leaders, and members of the medical and business communities.
Empowering Recovery Through Education and Entrepreneurship
One of the Forum’s focal points was the importance of education and entrepreneurship in post-traumatic rehabilitation. In his keynote speech, Eduardo Moreira, UNIDO’s International Coordinator, emphasized:
“Education is a cornerstone for veterans transitioning to civilian life, allowing them to gain new skills and find meaningful employment. By equipping veterans with entrepreneurial skills, we not only support their personal rehabilitation but also contribute to Ukraine’s economic growth.
We are proud that UNIDO, through its projects, supports such initiatives and Ukraine on its path to recovery.”
The Restart: From Idea to Veteran Business training program, developed under UNIDO’s project with the support of the people of Japan, became a vivid illustration of real-life change.
Nazar Podoliak, a baker from Lviv, joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the first week of Russia’s full-scale invasion. After a year and a half at the frontline, he experienced significant vision loss and was deemed unfit for further service. However, the invisible wounds – depression and panic attacks – turned out to be the greatest challenge.
At the UNBROKEN Center, Nazar received psychological support and had the opportunity to participate in the Restart entrepreneurship course.
The experience was transformative:
“I saw a new light in my own eyes thanks to my ideas! The course showed me that it’s not just dreaming - it’s possible to make it real. We received so much knowledge and encouragement,” Nazar shared.
Inspired by his progress, Nazar’s fiancée Alina also joined the course:
“I saw a huge change in Nazar. From random kitchen conversations about ‘someday’ dreams, we started moving towards real action. It felt like a huge step forward from zero.”
Today, Nazar and Alina are planning to open their own beauty salon. Beyond business ambitions, the course has played a critical role supporting psychological healing – an outcome as important as economic empowerment itself.
The Broader Horizon: Art, Inclusion, and Holistic Rehabilitation
Beyond business skills, the forum explored other critical dimensions of habilitation:
the role of art and theatre in recovery, inclusive employment practices, the importance of physical activity, and specific support programs for women from military families.
Panelists emphasized that true recovery goes beyond physical healing – it requires emotional resilience, social reintegration, and the ability to envision a meaningful future.
Shaping an Inclusive and Sustainable Future
With the support of partners like UNIDO, Ukraine is building a recovery model based on inclusivity, empowerment, and economic participation.
UNIDO’s involvement in initiatives like the UNBROKEN Forum reflects a broader commitment: to help create a future where every individual - regardless of the injuries or traumas they have endured– has a real chance to rebuild, thrive, and contribute to a stronger Ukraine.