The Interregional Forum on International Inter-Municipal Cooperation was held in Kopychyntsi, the Ternopil region.

Organised with the support of the Navkolo Charitable Foundation, the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities, the Cities4Cities platform, the Polaris programme, and other international partners, the event highlighted the key role of partnerships in community development during wartime and for reconstruction.

Why is international cooperation critically important for communities?

The Forum participants agreed that developing international contacts is not only a form of assistance, but also a strategic tool for strengthening the capacity of local self-government. Such partnerships enable:

• Access to knowledge and innovation: European and global municipalities have extensive experience in areas such as energy efficiency, waste management, transport and social services.
• Attracting investment and resources: Partnerships often open the way to funding for joint projects, technical assistance, and grants.
• Strengthening resilience: Sharing knowledge and receiving support from international partners helps communities respond more effectively to challenges, including those related to the aftermath of war.

During the forum, Viacheslav Nehoda, Head of the Ternopil Military State Administration, emphasised, ‘The development of international contacts and partnerships is an important factor in strengthening the capacity of Ukrainian communities, especially in wartime. It is during such meetings that new initiatives are conceived, a shared vision for development forms, and the role of local self-government is reinforced.’

Mutually beneficial cooperation: What can Ukrainian communities share with the world?

It is important to understand that inter-municipal diplomacy is a two-way process. Ukrainian communities operating under martial law have accumulated valuable experience that could benefit municipalities around the world.

Bohdan Kelichavyi, Mayor of Kopychyntsi and Head of the International Relations Platform of the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities, expressed this idea:

‘Today, inter-municipal partnerships are about more than just assistance. It is about combined strength. Ukrainian communities have become unique experts in resilience, crisis management and reconstruction. Our experience is a currency that we can share with our European partners, offering them as much as we receive ourselves. Together, we are building a united Euro-Atlantic rear where every municipality is a vital link in the security and development chain.’

This practical experience has the following specific dimensions:

• Crisis management and adaptation: experience in the rapid transformation of services and organisation of humanitarian logistics, as well as supporting IDPs and restoring critical infrastructure after damage.
• Sustainability and civic engagement: models of effective engagement with the population, volunteer movements, and businesses to overcome crises.
• Innovation under constraints: developing and implementing solutions in the areas of security, digitalisation, and public utilities during wartime.

This experience turns Ukrainian communities into valuable partners for European municipalities, who are also dealing with issues such as energy security, migration crises, and other threats.

How to establish effective international partnerships?

Experts and practitioners have identified a number of key steps for communities:

1. Self-analysis and setting goal: Make sure you have a clear understanding of your needs and what you have to offer. What are the strengths of your community? What do you want to achieve through the partnership?
2. Be active and use platforms: Instead of waiting for offers, reach out to European partner cities directly yourself or through existing networks such as Cities4Cities.
3. Openness to dialogue: Partnership is a two-way process. It is important to be ready not only to receive, but also to share your achievements and ideas.
4. Project approach: The most effective cooperation is built around specific projects, ranging from school renovations to joint initiatives for developing renewable energy.

‘Inter-municipal diplomacy is particularly important today. Community leaders are actively working to develop partnerships that benefit Ukraine as a whole, not just certain territories. Acting for a common result is a true manifestation of patriotism,’ said Viacheslav Nehoda.

Thus, the Forum reinforced the understanding that international inter-municipal cooperation is a powerful tool for both survival and future development. By strengthening these ties, Ukrainian communities receive support and become active participants in the global dialogue on the future of local self-government.