How to Make a City Resilient in Times of Turbulence and a Strong Support for People. Serhii Morhunov Presented Vinnytsia's Experience at the International Conference ‘On the Road to URC2025’

On 12 May, Vinnytsia Mayor Serhii Morhunov took part in one of the key international events of the year - On the Road to URC2025, dedicated to the issue of post-war recovery of Ukraine. The discussions focused on how to build a new governance system based on the principles of democracy, transparency and trust between the state, communities and business. For Vinnytsia, participation in this conference is not just a diplomatic step, but a real opportunity to integrate into international initiatives and find new partners to implement projects in various areas of social and economic life.

The conference participants include government officials, representatives of municipalities from different countries, international financial institutions and experts. This event laid the groundwork for a major forum on Ukraine's recovery to be held at the highest level in Rome in July.

During one of the discussion panels, Serhii Morhunov noted that local councils play a crucial role in attracting investment, coordinating the reconstruction process, and forming long-term partnerships with businesses. In his opinion, the experience of involving European banking institutions in financing recovery projects in communities deserves special attention.

Serhii Morhunov presented to international partners the experience of Vinnytsia as a city that, even in times of war, is introducing innovations, developing international relations and the economy.

‘Today, Ukrainian business remains the main investor in the economy, determined but limited in its resources to implement large-scale projects. Therefore, the role of international cooperation, strategic partnerships and trust between communities is growing. For Vinnytsia, as for many Ukrainian cities and communities, the war has shaped priority activities, in our case, security and defence, resilience, and care. These priorities will remain relevant even after the Victory,’ said Serhii Morhunov, ’and that is why our task is to create appropriate ecosystems where people not only work but also develop, feel at home, and have the opportunity to realise their potential in culture, sports, and entrepreneurship. This will enable us to bring our citizens back to Ukraine.’

The conference participants paid special attention to the discussion panel titled ‘Private Sector Participation in the Recovery of Ukrainian Cities in Partnership with Local and Regional Administrations’. The discussion focused on how cities and communities can engage the private sector in implementing sustainable recovery strategies, in particular through public-private partnership (PPP) mechanisms.

Serhii Morhunov also called on European business representatives to engage in cooperation and invest in the recovery of Ukrainian cities. It is also worth noting that the conference has become a platform for meeting potential partners and meeting old European friends of our community.

‘At the conference, I met with both potential partners and those with whom we have long-standing cooperation. In particular, with representatives of the Negrar Hospital, with whom we have implemented important medical initiatives in the past. During a conversation with the hospital's chief representative, we agreed to continue our joint work - this time in the area of rehabilitation. This is extremely important for many people who need support after injuries, both physical and psychological,’ said Serhii Morhunov.

The conference in Verona was not just a platform for discussing the technical aspects of reconstruction - it brought together those who see Ukraine's recovery as more than just infrastructure projects. It was a dialogue about values, trust and partnership. Representatives of governments, municipalities, businesses, and international institutions unanimously acknowledged that it is the local level of governance that drives change and resilience in times of war.

‘The key conclusion of the conference is that cities and communities are a symbol of resilience, hope and revival of Ukraine. Local self-government is not only an organisational structure, but also the foundation of a renewed European Ukraine, which is confidently moving towards reforms, deep decentralisation and integration into the European Union,’ said Serhii Morhunov.