The Permanent Representative Tamila Tasheva spoke within the framework of the programme block “Communication support for de-occupation” at the seminar “Strategic communications for local governments”, organized by the Partnership for a Strong Ukraine Foundation, Chemonics, the Centre for Strategic Communications and Information Security and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine. 

During the event, the Permanent Representative presented the Strategy of Cognitive De-occupation of Crimea and shared with the participants the Mission’s vision of strategic communications and their role in the de-occupation and reintegration of Crimea. In particular, she spoke about the work of the Cognitive De-occupation Council, which operates on the basis of the Mission and is working on developing a clear action plan for the work to be carried out before, during and after de-occupation – a roadmap for “cognitive demining”. 

Ms. Tasheva provided the seminar participants with a detailed overview of the document’s structure and described its basic goals, principles and components. What is the meaning of the terms “cognitive de-occupation” and “cognitive demining”, how to mentally return people to the space of Ukraine, what risks and expectations should be taken into account to ensure that the process of de-occupation of Crimea is as safe as possible – these and other topics were raised and discussed during the presentation.

“Any activity should be accompanied by well-planned communication, which is an integral part of the de-occupation process. Accordingly, we need to work a lot with strategic communications, because it is the ability to speak with one voice, that is, to be coordinated. Therefore, proper communication can ensure the synchronisation of actions of various stakeholders, mobilise human and financial resources both within Ukraine and internationally, and most importantly, counteract disinformation and hostile propaganda. Even today, we have to deliver the main messages – the freedom and security that awaits people after the liberation of the territories. And, of course, the fact that the future in Crimea will improve, because there are absolutely all the prerequisites for this,” the Permanent Representative stressed.

We are thankful to the hosts of the event for the invitation and the opportunity to share the priority steps of the Strategy for the Cognitive De-occupation of Crimea.