A new programme – the School of Cities and Communities – was launched in Kyiv at Kyiv School of Public Administration named after Serhiy Nyzhnyy. The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of local governments, contribute to the training of modern public administration professionals, and foster partnership between the state, communities, the business sector, and international partners.

 

 

Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine – Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, welcomed the participants.

 

 

‘A strong state begins with strong communities, professional leaders, and people who are willing to take on responsibility. Nowadays, Ukraine is defending its state, restoring what has been destroyed, and laying the foundation for future development – all at the same time. Therefore, we need new knowledge, modern approaches to governance, and strong teams in communities. I am convinced that the School of Cities and Communities will become a space where new governance decisions will be shaped, partnerships will be established, and a new generation of leaders will emerge to develop Ukrainian communities,’ said Oleksii Kuleba.

 

 

Oleksii Riabykin and Kostiantyn Kovalchuk, Deputy Ministers for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, also joined the opening ceremony and panel discussion.

The event brought together nearly 300 participants: representatives of central government authorities, regional military administrations, local governments, the business community, experts, and international partners.

 

 

The participants discussed the key challenges that communities face in the context of war and recovery. In particular, two thematic discussions were held on the implementation of regional and municipal resilience plans, interagency cooperation, and the development and implementation of national veteran policy at the local level.

 

 

The School of Cities and Communities will function as a platform for training, analysis, expert support, and the exchange of practical experience among communities. Its activities will focus on developing management skills, preparing recommendations for municipalities, and strengthening the capacity of communities to implement recovery and development projects