Istanbul, Türkiye, 5 December 2024 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the City of Bratislava have signed a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance development activities supporting cities across Europe and Central Asia. Coordinated through UNDP's Istanbul Regional Hub, this partnership focuses on addressing urban challenges through innovative systems approaches, strategic learning portfolios, and participatory governance models.

Together, UNDP and the City of Bratislava will work on driving urban transformation through collaborative practical solutions to make cities in Europe and Central Asia better places to live. The partnership will focus on several key areas: improving city services and management, creating digital tools that make it easier for residents to access services and participate in city decisions, improving the use of alternative and innovative finance mechanisms for innovative urban projects, strengthening how cities respond to crises, and designing public spaces. Beyond these specific areas, the partnership will build knowledge networks between cities across the region, organize events and workshops for sharing expertise, and develop new ways for cities to work together on solving urban challenges, all in support of the sustainable development goals for 2030.

"This partnership marks an important step in our regional approach to urban development challenges," said Steliana Nedera, Manager, UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub. "By collaborating with the City of Bratislava, we can leverage shared expertise and experience to develop solutions that will benefit cities across Europe and Central Asia, fostering innovation and sustainable development throughout the region."

"I'm excited about our new partnership with the United Nations Development Programme. It is an opportunity for us to work closely with other cities across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, share our experiences, and pick up fresh ideas to make our communities more sustainable and resilient,” noted Matúš Vallo, Mayor of Bratislava. “Bratislava is looking forward to learning alongside our peers, exchanging insights, and finding practical ways to create greener, more inclusive urban spaces that truly serve everyone."

Through the partnership, UNDP is also planning to strengthen local crisis response capabilities and promote inclusive urban development that addresses the needs of all generations. Special attention will be given to creating sustainable environments that prioritize children's safety and family well-being, ensuring cities become more resilient and livable for all residents.

The agreement with the City of Bratislava builds on UNDP’s longstanding collaboration with the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic through several projects since 2009. These initiatives have facilitated the Ministry’s knowledge-sharing in public finance management and supported the innovative urban governance models and alternative financing mechanisms across the region.