On 28–29 April 2026, the regional forum “ASC: from political dialogue to practical steps” took place in Zhytomyr. The event was organised by the Polaris Programme: Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine in cooperation with the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Hromadas.
The forum brought together representatives of local self-government bodies, the Zhytomyr Oblast Military Administration, heads of Administrative Service Centres (ASCs), and experts to discuss systemic challenges and develop concrete solutions to address them.
During the first part of the event, hromada heads joined discussions on the development of the administrative services system. The focus was not only on current issues, but also on their root causes – the distribution of powers between the state and local self-government, approaches to administrative service fees, and the role of ASCs as service-oriented institutions.
Participants explored the balance between centralisation and decentralisation of services, the accessibility of services across different sectors, and management approaches to ASC development. Particular attention was paid to the role of hromada heads in ensuring service quality, cooperation with ASC teams, and building capable teams.
Interactive discussions became a key element of the forum, enabling participants to move from exchanging views to shaping shared approaches. The “World Café” format ensured the engagement of all participants in in-depth work on key challenges – from service quality and staff motivation to effective interaction with residents and businesses.
The forum also featured the presentation of results from the use of the e-service “ASC Development Roadmap”, developed by the Polaris Programme, by hromadas of Zhytomyr Oblast. The tool enables a comprehensive assessment of the state of ASCs and helps identify priority areas for their development.
The second day focused on practical work with hromadas. Participants used electronic tools to assess ASC performance and developed roadmaps for the advancement of administrative services. A particular focus was placed on ensuring access to services for military personnel, veterans and their families, as well as on implementing the Law of Ukraine “On Administrative Procedure” in the day-to-day work of ASCs.
The forum confirmed that effective development of the administrative services system is only possible through a combination of political support, sound management decisions, and practical tools. The joint efforts of hromadas, experts, and the oblast level create a foundation for systemic change – from strategic vision to tangible improvements directly experienced by residents.
