Alina
Overview of the expert session “Twinning between Ukrainian cities and cities of the world. Opportunities. Challenges. Prospects”
During this expert session, we discussed an important and relevant topic of international cooperation between cities. The speakers, Yulia Chufistova (Member of the Presidium of the Mayors’ Club and CEO of UMEDA Development Agency) and Svitlana Tesic, Co-Founder of Mayors of Europe, shared their expertise on partnerships between cities, including Ukrainian ones, and cities from around the world. They highlighted not only the opportunities but also the challenges that cities face in forming twinning, as well as the prospects of this process for economic, cultural, educational, and environmental development.
The speakers discussed in detail the main stages of implementing a twin city project, from setting goals to evaluating the effectiveness of the partnership. They emphasized the need for careful planning, setting strategic goals, and establishing effective communication between local governments and NGOs.
In particular, they discussed the importance of cultural exchange, economic cooperation, innovative partnerships, and the creation of joint projects in areas such as green energy, infrastructure, technology, and tourism. The speakers also shared practical advice on how to choose partners, avoid common mistakes, and ensure long-term success in partnership agreements.
Key points of the session:
- Opportunities for cities: How Ukrainian cities can benefit from participation in international grants, cultural projects, student exchanges, and business initiatives. Participation in such programs helps to strengthen international ties and expand economic horizons.
- Practical tips for launching sister city projects: Svitlana Tesik shared a step-by-step approach to creating partnerships between cities, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and choosing the right partners. From choosing goals to finding funding, each stage is crucial for the successful development of long-term relationships.
- Innovative partnerships: The session included examples of innovative partnerships based on common interests and sectors. For example, Kyiv and Copenhagen can cooperate in the field of smart cities and green technologies, and Lviv and Porto can develop cultural and tourism projects related to their historical heritage.
- Are there cities ready to help? Challenges and opportunities that arise when Ukrainian cities turn to their international partners for help during the war. This question also became an important part of the discussion, as twin cities often act not only as cultural or economic partners, but also as important humanitarian allies.
- Typical mistakes and how to avoid them: The speakers shared their experience on how to avoid the most common mistakes made by Ukrainian communities when trying to establish partnerships with other cities. The speakers emphasized that an overemphasis on aid can scare away potential partners. It is important to build partnerships based on specific projects and common goals, not just needs.
This expert session provided more than 200 participants with valuable advice on how to maximize opportunities for urban development through international partnerships, even in a difficult period for Ukraine. It also showed the prospects for developing innovative, cultural, and economic ties that can help Ukrainian cities recover from the war and strengthen their role in the international arena.