District councils in Ukraine are in the process of finding their new role in the local self-government system. Oleksii Riabykin, Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories, explained in an interview with the Decentralisation portal how they can become an effective tool for coordinating and supporting communities.

According to the Deputy Minister, an analysis of strategic planning for regional development has revealed that regions frequently operate in isolation from one another. The strategies of neighbouring regions are not aligned, and there are no shared objectives or performance indicators.

‘How can we discuss the harmonious development of regions and macro-regions when they are moving independently of each other? This is an area in which district councils could play a key role,’ stated Deputy Minister.

In his opinion, district councils can coordinate community activities, agree on strategic directions, stimulate inter-municipal cooperation, and consolidate resources for joint projects.

‘The role of the district council is invaluable: it can balance competing interests and help communities implement joint initiatives to achieve better results,’ underlined Mr Riabykin.

Oleksii Ryabikin says that district councils are currently in the process of forming a new identity and finding their own role.

‘Many professionals work there who could actively engage in this process. The Ministry is ready to support districts and regions in rethinking the role of district councils, as well as providing them with the administrative and institutional capacity to perform this coordination function effectively.’

Read the full interview with Oleksii Riabykin HERE