Kyiv, 1 November 2024 – Kyiv has hosted the first “Mykolaiv – City on the Wave” international conference dedicated to the prospects for the sustainable recovery and systemic transformation of the city’s economy.

The conference was organised by Mykolaiv City Council, in cooperation with the Ukrainian Association of Business Support Centres and with the support of Mykolaiv Oblast State Administration. The event was held within the framework of the EU-funded Mayors for Economic Growth facility, and was supported by the "Innovation Facility 2.0" project funded by the Kingdom of Denmark. Both projects are being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

During the conference, a new economic model for the city based on the principles of “blue” and “green” economies was presented, along with the Mykolaiv’s Community Development Strategy and Master Plan. In addition, conference attendees were introduced to key projects for the restoration and transformation of the region’s territories and districts, including:

• an Online platform for the blue and green economy;

• the revitalization of Mykolaiv Shipyard;

• Mykolaiv Industrial Park;

• innovation districts, etc.

Vitalii Kim, the Head of Mykolaiv Oblast State Administration, welcomed conference attendees, saying, “(Mykolaiv) region should become the driver of the blue economy in Ukraine, and Mykolaiv has all the resources to become a solid foundation for this: vast experience, unique expertise, and a sincere desire for the best. The ‘City on the Wave’ conference will be the event to unite all these resources and bring together caring people and organizations to move together to rebuild the city and further develop it.”

Oleksandr Syenkevych, the Mykolaiv City Mayor, added that Mykolaiv was extremely important for Ukraine's economic recovery.  “That is why we have planned an international conference dedicated to the latest approaches to economic recovery of Mykolaiv in the heart of our country, Kyiv,” said Syenkevych. “Thanks to its strong community and historical heritage in shipbuilding and port infrastructure, Mykolaiv is already moving towards a modern, diversified blue economy. It is a new ecosystem based on the principles of sustainable development and the circular economy.”

Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Denmark in Ukraine said: “Initially, Denmark supported Mykolaiv region in the very first winter of the full-scale war. We helped with the water supply, heating, and other basic needs of the population. Now we are in the second phase of our cooperation with the city and the region. We want to restore their economic potential and thus set an example to other international organisations and institutions that it is possible and necessary to cooperate with this region, despite all the challenges that are associated with it.“

Natalia Starostenko, Sector Manager of Regional and Local Development at the European Union Delegation to Ukraine noted: “Mykolaiv is shifting from just rebuilding to building a better, smarter city – even under tough conditions. By teaming up with EU cities and global organizations, Mykolaiv is putting people first, creating innovative projects, and following top European practices. The goal? To attract big investments and secure international funding through initiatives like the Ukraine Facility.“

Jaco Cilliers, Resident Representative of NDP in Ukraine, in his opening remarks to the conference said, “Today’s event marks an important step toward envisioning a future of sustainable recovery and inclusive growth for the City of Mykolaiv and Mykolaiv region. This conference is more than just a discussion – it’s a platform for collaboration. Together with international partners, the private sector, and local leadership, we’re shaping strategies and finding pathways to unlock Mykolaiv’s full potential as a regional hub for sustainable and innovative development.”

In addition to the presentations, the conference included two panel discussions: “The Economic Recovery of a City Based on Innovations and Creative Solutions” and “A Human-Centred Approach to City Transformation and Reconstruction.” Experts participating in both panels – including regional and city leaders, government representatives and donor organisations, businesses and their associations – shared their experience of the important principles on which Mykolaiv's future recovery and transformation should be based.

The event will be held annually and will serve as a platform for cooperation between all stakeholders involved in building the future of Mykolaiv.

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