Kyiv, 10 October 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched the Universal Design School (UD School), an innovative and urgently needed initiative that will contribute to the inclusive recovery of Ukraine, focusing on rebuilding with accessibility at the core. 

In addition to the hands-on project work, the Universal Design School offers an educational programme that includes workshops, lectures, and case studies led by experts in accessibility and inclusion. Each group of participants will be guided by a mentor who will help them design practical solutions that adhere to international standards of universal design, focusing on improving key sectors such as healthcare, education, public services, and culture. Through the school’s programme, participants – architects, designers, urban planners, and civil engineers – will work in interdisciplinary teams to address real-world challenges, ensuring that public spaces, buildings, and services are designed for everyone, including people with disabilities.

As the school launches, 70 participants from across Ukraine out of more than 300 applicants have been selected to work on real-world projects in 13 locations, including Kyiv, Rivne, Slavutych, Lviv, Poltava, and other Ukrainian cities. The selected projects, which include a wide range of public spaces – medical facilities, schools, cultural heritage sites, and public institutions – will make these critical structures accessible to all, including people with disabilities.

The Universal Design School is a vital response to the post-war reconstruction needs of Ukraine, where thousands of people, including those affected by war-related disabilities, are now living in a landscape that demands an inclusive and sustainable recovery. The school aims to provide participants with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to integrate universal design principles into rebuilding efforts, guaranteeing that new and rehabilitated structures are barrier-free.

Christophoros Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, emphasized the pivotal role of the School in Ukraine’s recovery: “The launch of the Universal Design School could not have come at a more important time,” Politis said. “As Ukraine embarks on the difficult journey of rebuilding its war-torn cities and communities, we have a unique opportunity to ensure that inclusivity is central to these efforts. Universal design is not just a technical guideline – it’s a philosophy that places people’s needs at the forefront of planning and development. Whether it’s a hospital, school, or cultural landmark, our goal is to build spaces where everyone can live and thrive with dignity.”

Tetiana Lomakina, Advisor – Presidential Commissioner for Barrier-Free Environment, also emphasized the significant impact of universal design in today’s context: “Every space has one goal – to provide the opportunity to live, work, study, rest, and shop – basic actions that should be available to everyone without exception. Universal design takes into account the diversity of people and their basic needs, offering solutions that make spaces not only inclusive but also fair,” Lomakina said. “We must understand that universal design, like accessibility, is not a luxury or an additional feature, but a requirement for developers. It’s about social responsibility within communities, a strategic approach to Ukraine’s development, and the consistent transformation of spaces and society.”

The UD School will run through December 2024, culminating in a presentation of the final projects. These projects are expected to leave a lasting mark on the recovery landscape of Ukraine, providing tangible, accessible solutions that enhance the quality of life for all citizens, regardless of their physical abilities.

Background: 

The Universal Design School has been organized as part of the Mine Action Project in Ukraine, which is being implemented by UNDP with the financial support of the government of Sweden.

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org