Medicine, Heat and Water Supply, and Other Joint Projects: How Vinnytsia is Expanding International Cooperation at ReBuild Ukraine 2025

'Today, most of our internal resources are directed towards supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and this is our unconditional priority. But that is precisely why we must actively engage external participants – those who can strengthen our capabilities, help complete important infrastructure projects, and support a sector that directly affects people's quality of life. This is a normal and sensible path for a community that wants to develop even in such difficult conditions,' says Vladislav Skalskyy, Deputy Mayor of Vinnytsia.

Projects in the areas of water and heat supply and the modernisation of healthcare facilities remain key for the city. It was precisely these areas that the delegation worked on at the international event.

During the exhibition, many meetings were held with companies working on infrastructure solutions. Among them were representatives from Germany, Austria, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden and other countries.

Among the twenty communities that presented their initiatives in Warsaw, Vinnytsia demonstrated one of the most comprehensive packages. The city council team presented projects in the fields of medicine, heating, water supply, social infrastructure and urban development. These include the construction of a multifunctional hospital, a sports and rehabilitation complex, the expansion of the Crystal Innovation and Technology Park, the modernisation of the heating system, the reconstruction of sewage treatment facilities with heat recovery, and the restoration of the former cinema building at 4 Soborna Street.

On the first day of the exhibition, a delegation led by Deputy Mayors Vladyslav Skalskyy and Roman Furman, together with representatives of the Department of Reconstruction, held talks with donors, investors and government organisations from various countries.

The morning began with a meeting with representatives of Taiwan, a region with which Vinnytsia is actively developing professional and friendly ties.

'About a month ago, Vinnytsia welcomed a delegation from the Taiwanese Representative Office in Ukraine. We continue to cooperate with them, as we value not only their interest, but also the practical experience they are willing to share. Our doctors have already completed internships in Taiwanese clinics, which gives them the opportunity to adopt modern standards of management, patient care, and equipment use. Such things are especially important today, because the full-scale war has limited access to many development tools that were once commonplace,' says Vladyslav Skalskyy, deputy mayor of Vinnytsia. ‘We are aware that some of the lost opportunities will have to be restored practically from scratch. Therefore, we are open to cooperation with various countries and institutions that have successful experience in the fields of medicine, infrastructure, energy, and ecology. Gradually, a critical mass of partners is forming who understand the needs of our communities well and are ready to join real projects.’

In Warsaw, the parties additionally discussed support for the Mother and Child Centre municipal clinical hospital. Representatives of the Taipei Office in Poland confirmed their readiness to expand cooperation, in particular to continue internship programmes. On 17 November, the mayor of Vinnytsia signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Taipei Representative Office in Poland.

One of the main topics of the presentation was the reconstruction of sewage treatment facilities – a large-scale environmental and energy project. It involves the launch of a biogas plant, the installation of solar power generation, the modernisation of existing infrastructure and the use of modern water treatment technologies. This will reduce the load on the Pivdennyi Buh River and improve the environment.

'This is not just an upgrade of equipment – it is a paradigm shift: from passive dewatering to active restoration of ecological balance. The improved quality of wastewater discharged into the Pivdennyi Buh River will contribute to the restoration of the river's natural ecosystems: increased biodiversity, water purification by tens of percent, reduced concentration of harmful substances, and stabilised oxygen levels. This, in turn, will improve water quality downstream — for agriculture, natural areas and, ultimately, for the health of all residents of the river basin,' says Roman Furman, deputy mayor of Vinnytsia.

A separate area of work concerned the modernisation of heating networks. Vinnytsia presented a comprehensive approach to improving energy efficiency, reducing losses and stabilising hot water supply. Around 40,000 residents will receive better quality services thanks to the installation of modern individual heating units.

The project to build a multifunctional hospital complex also attracted considerable attention from foreign companies. Finland's Nordic Hospital Development Alliance is exploring the possibility of joining this project.

Representatives of the German Ministry of Economy were interested in the development of industrial parks, water strategy and urban mobility. The Vinnytsia stand was one of the most visited, attracting hundreds of potential partners: donors, investors, government agencies, and international organisations.

The main outcome of Vinnytsia's participation in ReBuild Ukraine 2025 was the establishment of new contacts and the transition of projects to the technical development stage. The city is moving from presentations to practical solutions that will improve the quality of life of the community and strengthen its resilience during the war and post-war period.