Strengthening Urban Capacities for a Green Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine

The resurgence of conflict in Ukraine since February 2022 has led to forced population movements, leaving cities scarred, and environments and infrastructure damaged. As the country embarks on reconstruction and recovery, it is vital to support these ambitions with a longer-term outlook that includes further advancing, scaling-up and consolidating recovery efforts across the country towards a more sustainable future. This requires a resilient and enabling environment that establishes cohesive frameworks and systems for a long-term effectiveness and know-how to Build Back Better. Building capacities within institutions including stakeholders, civil society and among different levels of government, both vertically and horizontally, and stimulating collaboration through modalities of learning and exchange is a crucial component to establishing this enabling environment. Empowering local actors in Ukraine to lead recovery and reconstruction efforts in the projected future is key for a sustained and resilient recovery and long-term development. Strengthened capacities, skills and know-how, in particular among decision-making bodies and the built environment professionals, will help address immediate urban recovery and reconstruction efforts while informing pathways towards resilient urban solutions also in the medium to long term perspective. In parallel, relevant systems and instruments, including policies, regulatory frameworks and systems for governance, are critical components of the enabling environment needed. These and other factors provide the foundation also in the context of decentralisation of mandates and powers for urban governance and management to local levels, while taking EU norms and standards into consideration. Spatial and urban planning competence tailored to local level needs and aspirations, are thus key factors for advancing and accelerating urban recovery and reconstruction processes.
This networking event aims to bring together experts, government representatives, academia, practitioners and other stakeholders to explore the critical role and benefits of enhancing capacities in conflict and post-conflict recovery and urban reconstruction contexts. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, this event will delve into key topics related to institutional frameworks, urban governance and management systems, technical skills, and collaborative efforts necessary for effective recovery and sustainable development.