Paris, 7 September 2024 – A high-ranking Ukrainian delegation, featuring mayors and deputy ministers, has completed an insight-packed educational visit to Paris during the Paralympic Games. 

This initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, provided the delegation with an opportunity to learn from Paris’s pioneering efforts in crafting an inclusive and accessible environment – lessons that are especially relevant amid Ukraine’s ongoing war.

Paris has gained a well-deserved reputation as being one of the most accessible cities in the world. The two airports that serve the majority of commercial flights to and from Paris – Charles de Gaulle and Orly – are both equipped with facilities for people with disabilities, including persons using wheelchairs. The inter-urban train service, known as RER, connects the airports to the primary international station in Paris, Gare du Nord. 

The city’s public transportation system is equipped with low-floor buses and trams, and taxis with wheelchair ramps are easy to order. Many of the city’s streets have tactile guide paths for the visually impaired, and the majority of its pavements are smooth and are equipped with curb ramps. 

In addition, many of the public spaces across Paris, from its parks to cultural landmarks, are thoughtfully designed to ensure everyone, regardless of physical ability, can enjoy them. Paris’s commitment to inclusivity also extends to its vibrant cultural landscape, with museums and theaters offering enhanced accessibility features, such as audio guides and sign language tours.

During their stay, the Ukrainian officials engaged with key stakeholders and explored the French capital’s innovative approaches to overcoming accessibility challenges, particularly those implemented during preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The delegation toured newly developed accessible neighbourhoods, adaptive sports facilities, and organizations committed to employing people with disabilities. These engagements provided valuable insights into integrating accessibility within urban planning and public services, underscoring the important role of inclusive design in promoting social cohesion.

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, commented on the visit’s significance: “Learning from cities like Paris, which lead the way in accessibility and inclusion, is crucial for our efforts in Ukraine,” Cilliers said. “The knowledge gained will help us implement similar models to ensure that all citizens can participate fully in community life. As Ukraine rebuilds, these insights will be vital for creating inclusive environments that support resilience and recovery.”

Tetiana Lomakina, Advisor – Presidential Commissioner for a Barrier-Free Environment, emphasized the urgency of creating a barrier-free environment, services, and information right now, in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. “Learning from the experiences and barrier-free solutions implemented by Paris in preparing the city to host the Paralympics will help us ensure that our efforts to rebuild cities and towns take into account accessibility and universal design aspects,” Lomakina said. “For many Ukrainians affected by the war, for older people, for parents with children, and for people with disabilities, accessibility is not just a convenience, it is a matter of survival and dignity. A barrier-free society is where we create conditions for people to live independently and fully participate in public life. This visit has only strengthened our determination to make Ukraine barrier-free for all.”

Anatoliy Fedoruk, Mayor of Bucha – a city that endured profound suffering during occupation – reflected on the visit’s impact on his views. “Seeing how Paris has implemented accessibility initiatives has been inspiring,” Fedoruk said. “Bucha has suffered greatly, and we have a long road to recovery. The ideas and strategies we’ve observed here will guide us in making our city more accessible and inclusive. Accessibility is a cornerstone of our rebuilding efforts, ensuring that all residents, especially those affected by the war, can live with dignity and independence.”

The delegation’s experience in Paris provided not only practical examples of successful accessibility projects but also underscored the broader importance of inclusive policies in fostering resilience and social cohesion. Amidst war and recovery, Ukraine’s pledge to create barrier-free settings carries profound significance – envisioning cities as spaces that embrace diversity and guarantee equity, offering everyone the chance to contribute to and benefit from community life.

The insights gained from this visit will directly shape the implementation of Ukraine’s National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Space by 2030. By integrating the best practices observed in Paris, Ukrainian leaders are committed to building cities that are not only physically accessible, but that are also socially inclusive, embodying a vision of a future where all citizens can thrive. This visit marks a significant milestone in Ukraine’s endeavour to craft a more inclusive and resilient society.

Background:

Initiated by the First Lady of Ukraine and the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, the study visit was coordinated with support from Paris City Hall, the Embassy of Ukraine in France, and UNDP in Ukraine, with financial support from the governments of France and Sweden.

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