Lviv is expanding its network of international partnerships: an agreement on cooperation has been officially signed with Bergen, the second largest city in Norway. The document was signed at the Lviv City Council by the Mayor of Lviv, Andrii Sadovyi, and the Mayor of Bergen, Marit Warncke.

According to Andrii Sadovyi, partnerships with European cities are not a formality for Lviv, but a practical tool for development:
‘We greatly appreciate the support of our European partners. Cooperation with Norwegian cities always yields tangible results. Today, we are turning a new page that will lead to many joint projects.’

Mayor of Bergen, Marit Warncke, emphasised that cooperation with Lviv has a deeper meaning than merely an exchange of experience:
‘For us, this is an opportunity to support Lviv and contribute to the common struggle for peace, freedom, and democracy. Thank you for your resilience.’

The partnership agreement covers cooperation in the following areas: human rights and democracy, arts, science and culture, medicine and rehabilitation, environmental protection, business development and civil protection. During the meeting, the parties also discussed the first practical steps and potential joint projects.

Andrii Sadovyi paid special attention to the presentation of the UNBROKEN humanity ecosystem, which is a comprehensive space for the treatment, provision of prosthetics and rehabilitation of children and adults affected by russian aggression. According to the Mayor, this approach can benefit not only Ukrainian communities, but also cities and countries outside Ukraine.

Andrii Sadovyi paid special attention to the presentation of the UNBROKEN humanity ecosystem – a comprehensive space for treatment, prosthetics, and rehabilitation of children and adults who have suffered as a result of Russian aggression. According to the Mayor, this approach can be useful not only for Ukrainian communities, but also for cities and countries outside Ukraine.

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, a major port and cultural centre, and the capital of the Vestlandet region. The city is known for its historic Hanseatic waterfront, Bryggen, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is also an important centre for the fishing industry, tourism and the ‘gateway’ to the Norwegian fjords.

Having signed the agreement, Bergen has joined Lviv’s extensive network of partner cities, which includes Vilnius, Krakow, Wrocław, Graz, Reykjavik and Turin, Uppsala, to mention a few. This new partnership represents another step towards fostering international cooperation between Ukrainian communities, as well as facilitating joint efforts in the areas of development, sustainability, and recovery.