Kyiv, 10 December 2024 – Today’s “Communities and Cities Friendly for All” event, bringing together public officials, experts, and civil society leaders to spotlight innovative projects developed by graduates of the Universal Design School, was a significant milestone in Ukraine’s journey toward inclusivity. 

The initiative, set up by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the support of the Government of Sweden, aims to integrate accessibility into Ukraine’s post-war recovery and urban development. The showcased projects reflect a bold vision for inclusivity, addressing the needs of people with disabilities, the elderly, and those affected by the consequences of war.

Tetiana Lomakina, Advisor-Presidential Commissioner for a Barrier-Free Environment, underscored the transformative role of creating barrier-free environments: “A barrier-free environment is not just a technical requirement; it is the foundation of a fair and humane society,” Lomakina said. “It allows people to move freely, access services, and fully participate in their communities. In the context of Ukraine’s recovery, it is essential to ensure that every new project, every reconstructed building, reflects this principle. Accessibility is a shared responsibility that paves the way for equal opportunities and strengthens our social fabric.”

Christophoros Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine, highlighted the importance of prioritizing inclusivity in rebuilding efforts: “As Ukraine rebuilds, we’re not just reconstructing buildings and roads – we’re rebuilding lives,” Politis said. “Accessibility must be at the heart of our recovery efforts, ensuring that every person, regardless of ability, can live with dignity and participate fully in society. By embedding inclusivity into every project, we’re laying the foundation for a future where resilience and equity go hand in hand.”

The Universal Design School equips participants with the skills to address real-world challenges through innovative solutions. This year’s graduates, including architects, urban planners, and accessibility consultants, have designed 13 projects that range from making cultural landmarks and educational institutions more accessible, to creating inclusive recreational areas and residential spaces. These conceptual designs provide a practical roadmap for scaling universal design principles across the country.

Local leaders also shared how their communities have benefited from the initiative. Mayor of Slavutych Yurii Fomichev expressed pride in his city’s participation: “Creating spaces that are accessible to everyone is about more than infrastructure – it’s about fostering inclusion and belonging,” Fomichev said. “Slavutych’s involvement in this initiative has been a transformative experience, demonstrating how inclusive approaches can unite communities and improve the quality of life for all residents.”

The significance of inclusivity was echoed by Oleksandr Budko (Teren), a Ukrainian veteran and advocate for accessibility: “These projects are not only about physical accessibility; they represent a vision for a society where independence and respect are guaranteed for all,” Budko said. “Universal design is a promise to create spaces where every person, regardless of circumstance, feels valued and included.”

The event underscored the urgent need to make inclusivity a core principle of Ukraine’s recovery. Millions of Ukrainians, including war survivors and veterans, face daily barriers in accessing public spaces and services. Universal design offers not only solutions to these challenges but also a framework for building a society that reflects fairness and equality.

Projects presented at the event included proposals to make cultural landmarks like Kyiv’s National Opera accessible to all, transform Rivne’s Hydropark into an inclusive recreational space, and redesign a rehabilitation centre in Kyiv to ensure dignity and comfort for people with disabilities. These initiatives illustrate how universal design is not just a technical adjustment but a strategic approach to fostering social cohesion, economic recovery, and the overall well-being of communities.

By showcasing these projects, the “Communities and Cities Friendly for All” event highlighted how universal design can be a catalyst for change in urban planning, public policy, and societal development. It also demonstrated the power of collaboration between local governments, civil society, and international partners in achieving a barrier-free Ukraine. As these efforts scale up, they set a precedent for how inclusivity can drive not only recovery but also resilience and sustainability for future generations.

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