On October 19, 2024, the first major forum “IntegraS: Integration, Adaptation, and Employment of Ukrainian Refugees in Switzerland” took place in Bern. This event brought together representatives from Swiss and Ukrainian organisations, along with Ukrainian refugees, to foster dialogue about the challenges and opportunities of entering the Swiss labour market. The forum served as a crucial platform for discussing common issues, exploring new solutions, and sharing best practices in the field of integration. It attracted over 600 participants, featured 32 speakers, and spanned more than 7 hours, including 3 panel discussions and 3 workshops. During breaks, attendees enjoyed hand-made art by Ukrainian artisans, artworks by Ukrainian artists, and even traditional Ukrainian cuisine.
The forum was organised by the VIDNOVA Ukrainian-Swiss Foundation team with support from Vineyard Bern and the Jewish Culture Center.
The event united three main target groups:
– Swiss organisations focused on integrating Ukrainians with S status into the labor market,
– Ukrainian organisations promoting economic integration of refugees in various cantons,
– Ukrainians residing in Switzerland, interested in employment and integration into local society.
Ambitious Goals for Switzerland
One of the key messages of the event highlighted the Swiss government’s ambitious target to raise employment among Ukrainians with S status from 28% to 40% by 2025. Although challenging, this goal is achievable with effective collaboration among stakeholders. The forum saw the participation of various government agencies, including SEM (State Secretariat for Migration), RAV (regional employment centres), BIZ (career counselling centres), and social services, which shared insights into their roles in the process.
Olesia Tarasenko (Chair of the Organizing Committee, Forum Initiator, President of the Ukrainian-Swiss Foundation VIDNOVA, and Advisor to the Head of the Union of Employers’ Organizations of Ukraine) opened the forum, underscoring the launch of a platform dedicated to the successful integration of Ukrainian refugees into Swiss society. This platform aims to unite representatives from business, government bodies, international organisations, and NGOs, providing a unique space to address critical issues in integration, adaptation, employment, and education, and offering comprehensive support to those looking to develop their careers in Switzerland.
The forum’s opening also included video messages and letters of support from Yulia Zhovtyak (Director of the State Employment Center of Ukraine), Darina Marchak (First Deputy Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine), Anatoliy Kinakh (President of the Ukrainian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (USPP), Head of the Union of Employers’ Organizations of Ukraine (UROU), Head of the Anti-Crisis Council of Public Organizations of Ukraine), and Hanna Krysiuk (Advisor to the Ombudsman for Human Rights on cooperation with the Ukrainian diaspora, owner of the international publication ‘Business Woman’, and President of the ‘Business Woman Club’).
On the Swiss side, the IntegraS Forum was opened by a special speaker, Franziska Teuscher, Director of Education, Social Affairs and Sport at the Berne Municipal Council , who stressed the importance of integrating Ukrainian refugees into Swiss society and the role of educational and social initiatives in ensuring this adaptation. She stressed that the canton of Bern actively supports such events that promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the Ukrainian and Swiss communities, calling for further close cooperation in this area.
First Panel Discussion: Integration Issues and Future of Ukrainians with S Status
The forum kicked off with a panel discussion on employment policies for Ukrainian refugees. The discussion focused on the opportunities provided to Ukrainians with S status for successful integration into the labour market, given the availability of resources. Speakers noted the substantial support from the Swiss government, including funding for language training, educational programs, and social services.
Key messages from the panel:
– S status offers unique integration opportunities if all available resources are fully utilised.
– Government financial support is directed toward integration programs, yet the effectiveness of these programs depends on their adaptation to local conditions within each canton.
– Swiss policy priorities have been focused on language courses for both young people and adults, as well as the integration of children into the school system.
Samuel Wyss (Spokesperson for the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)) emphasised the need for close collaboration between government structures, public organisations, and refugees themselves to achieve the best possible results.
Second Panel Discussion: Employment and Education for Ukrainians in Switzerland
The second panel addressed the practical aspects of federal policy implementation at the cantonal level. Using the example of the canton of Bern, speakers discussed the complexities of the employment process and efforts to increase employment rates among Ukrainians. Key challenges included:
– Insufficient language skills among Ukrainians,
– The complex process of diploma recognition,
– Lack of work experience within the Swiss labor market,
– Cultural differences and limited understanding of the Swiss support system.
Adrian Gerber (Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP), Integration Coordinator for S Status into the Labor Market) and Raphael Ben Nescher (Head of the Office for Integration and Social Affairs of the Canton of Bern, Integration Delegate responsible for the S Program) explained that successful integration begins with acquiring practical experience. The “Stepping Stones” approach (progressing from part-time work to qualified positions) was identified as a key mechanism for economic integration.
Raphael Raetzo (Head of the Regional Employment Agency (RAV) in the canton of Bern and Executive Board Member of the Unemployment Insurance Office) and Therese Caroni (Diversity and Migration Specialist at the BIZ Career Counseling and Information Center in the canton of Bern) elaborated on the support offered by their organisations to assist Ukrainian refugees in their employment journey. Mariana Koch-Zorova (Head of Financial Risk Management at Barry Callebaut, the world’s largest chocolate manufacturer) discussed employment in international corporations, while Hilmi Gashi (Head of Interests Associations at Switzerland’s largest union, UNIA) shared insights on protecting the rights and interests of employees in Switzerland.
Key panel messages:
– Language skills are one of the main barriers to employment.
– Ukrainian integration often requires a willingness to start with part-time or lower-skilled positions.
– BIZ offers reorientation and qualification programs, especially for young people.
– RAV plays a key role in job search assistance, though only a small number of Ukrainians utilise its services in the canton of Bern.
Third Panel Discussion: Successful Cases and Social Initiatives
The final panel focused on the role of Ukrainian organisations in Switzerland, which can actively support federal integration policy. Organisations can not only disseminate information on opportunities but also offer practical support to Ukrainians in job searching. Speakers included Nadiia Olarean (President and Co-Founder of Ukraine Reborn), Inna Malaia (President of BEVEL ON Association), Maria Dvornikova (Co-Founder of Power Hub Zug, Recruiter (HRSE)), Svitlana Manzer (Board Member of the USB Association, Coordinator of Social and Educational Activities, Specialist in Education, Psychosocial Work, and Coaching), Julia Kravchyk (Co-Chair of the Forum Organizing Committee, Head of the Swiss Jewish Community “Jewish Culture,” and Integration Project Manager for Ukrainians in Switzerland), and Olesia Tarasenko (President of the Ukrainian-Swiss Foundation VIDNOVA, Advisor to the Head of the Union of Employers’ Organizations of Ukraine, and Digital Media Owner).
Key directions for action:
– Dissemination of information on integration opportunities and support.
– Advisory support, including psycho-social assistance and coaching.
– Legal assistance in relationships with employers and self-management of finances.
The forum also served as a platform for sharing successful economic integration cases of Ukrainians in Switzerland, highlighting positive outcomes achieved through strategic approaches and cooperation with local organizations. Successful employment cases were presented by Ulyana Zasidkovych, Victoria Viktorova, Olena Tutova, Stanislav Vynogradov, Yana Afian, Vadym Myropolskyi, Taisiia Krasnova, and Olga Skalka.
Workshops and Q&A Sessions
At the end of the forum, participants had the opportunity to join practical workshops focused on specific employment issues, interview preparation, and economic integration case studies. The Q&A sessions provided participants with a chance to get their questions answered and receive specific recommendations from experts.
The moderators of the forum included Svitlana Schweizer (Administrative Secretary of the Security Office of the canton of Zurich), Marius Bühlmann (Co-chair of the forum organising committee, management at Vineyard Bern), Olena Krylova-Müller (President of the USB Association, expert in international development and cooperation), and Svitlana Prokopchuk (Board member of the USB Association, coordinator of the USB Media Club, professional journalist, and TV and radio moderator).
The organisers express their gratitude to Ukraine Reborn and USB for supporting the IntegraS forum.
Closing Statements of the IntegraS Forum
The IntegraS forum once again highlighted the importance of collaboration between Ukrainian and Swiss organisations to achieve success in the economic integration of Ukrainian refugees. The next steps should include:
– Active dialogue between Ukrainian and Swiss parties.
– Cooperation between state structures and civil organisations.
– Exchange of experiences between organisations that support labour integration in various cantons.
The forum called for the continued development of innovative approaches to employment and strengthening partnership ties for the successful integration of Ukrainians into Swiss society.
The organising team extends heartfelt thanks to all partners, speakers, volunteers, and guests of the forum. They look forward to welcoming everyone at future events.
Forum website: https://integras.group/
Telegram channel: https://t.me/IntegraSgroup
Email: forum.integras@gmail.com
Together, we can achieve more!
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