Overview of the expert session «Twinning between Ukrainian cities and cities of the world. Opportunities. Challenges. Prospects»

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.