Over the past four years, resilience has become one of the most prominent terms in the European policy discourse. Yet its meaning has continuously evolved. As the international order has been reshaped by geopolitical tensions, wars, political interference and technological transformation, both resilience and preparedness have been redefined to reflect new challenges and policy priorities.
But what do they mean at the grassroots level? And what’s the community’s approach to resilience?
“Resilient communities do not simply endure; they react,” was Benedetta Perego’s response to this pivotal question. But when the national and institutional context drifts away from the principles of democracy and the rule of law, and both national and international institutions fail to provide adequate protection, the responsibility for defending rights increasingly falls on individuals and small-scale actors willing to make personal sacrifices.
This drift away from norms and institutions once considered universal appears to be unfolding before our eyes, as reflected in the sanctions and legal actions currently targeting judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Ms Perego stresses that “In such contexts, where formal institutions are weakened, resilient communities become more than desirable — they become essential. Adult education can make people aware of the rights they possess, as well as the instruments at their disposal to protect those rights. It can encourage people to build communities and coalitions into grassroots movements that effectively utilize channels of redress.’’
When the context in which communities live is dictated by war, despair and destruction, resilience adopts a different meaning. “People need to survive. They have to constantly think about how to save energy or how to cook without electricity,’’ Oleg Smirnov commented.
Resilience needs to be adaptable, flexible and multi-layered. But so needs to be the response from the institutions.
Military resilience will not create a sustainable environment in which communities and societies can thrive.
“Education has a transformative role. ALE centres are in the front line in supporting communities. There are multiple examples of online classes programmes, working in bomb shelters and supporting displaced people/war veterans. Centres reallocated their work online and continue to be a core part of the community and be trusted by locals, even when some of the work is done online with communities who move abroad or stayed in the occupied territory’’, Oleg Smirnov added.
Yet, the risk is asking too much to communities in terms of reinventing themselves, finding their own resources and strengthening their own capacity building.
Musa Kirkar explained how the pressure on NGOs around Europe is real and increasing. “We are asking too much from communities. The question is not to abandon resilience, but to connect it better with active participation. Communities can only be resilient if given support. Resilience can be problematic when used to hide the lack of resources. NGOs are key players to promote civic participation, as they know the local needs of their territories. However, they are currently also fighting for their survival.’’
The conversation is closely linked to the ongoing debate on the legitimacy of European NGOs and their right to advocate on behalf of citizens. Increasingly, politics has become a tool for division rather than a means of bringing people together. This domino effect extends far beyond the European level, reaching national and local communities alike.
Referring to the case of Ukraine, Irena Lipowicz explained how resilience cannot be built alone: ‘’It has to be linked to solidarity, where individuals count on the help of the neighbours and the communities, and where people reinvent themselves in dramatic situations’’. We need more cooperation than division, but there is always a risk to be aware of:
‘‘International support will remain essential for many years. However, resilience risks turning into dependency if local actors are not given genuine decision-making power. The most resilient and sustainable reconstruction will be one in which international support amplifies local knowledge, leadership and initiative rather than substitutes for them. Education has a crucial role to play by equipping people not only with skills but also with the confidence and capacity to become architects of their own recovery.’’ Oleg Smirnov
The panel discussion’s takeaway is strong but simple: resilience shouldn’t become a substitute for political responsibility. Communities can adapt, innovate and support one another, but they cannot replace functioning democratic institutions. Adult learning has a unique role to play — not only by equipping people with skills, but by strengthening the civic participation, trust and solidarity that resilient societies ultimately depend on.