In March–April 2026, the Swedish–Ukrainian Polaris Programme: Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine organised two interregional study visits that brought together representatives of local self-government bodies and regional associations from across the country.
Delegations from Rivne, Volyn, Lviv, Chernivtsi and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts took part. The main objective of the visits was to consolidate the positions of local self-government associations, exchange practical experience, build partnerships, and identify effective solutions for hromada development.
Rivne Oblast: security, education and partnership
The first visit took place on 26–27 March in Rivne Oblast. Participants explored the work of Bilokrynytska and Velykoomelianska hromadas, where they saw successful examples of developing security and educational infrastructure, as well as implementing energy-efficient solutions. A key event was a roundtable discussion focused on interregional cooperation between local self-government associations.
Serhii Pylypchuk, Head of the Rivne Association of Amalgamated Territorial Hromadas, emphasised that such meetings catalyze new projects: “For us, it is important not only to present our own experience, but also to hear from colleagues and find joint solutions.”
Chernivtsi Oblast: social services, youth and business engagement
The second visit took place on 16–17 April in Chernivtsi Oblast. Participants visited Mamaivtsi and Nedoboivtsi hromadas, where they learned about modern approaches to delivering social services, developing youth policy, and cooperating with businesses.
As part of the visit, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Rivne Association of Local Self-Government Bodies “Amalgamated Territorial Hromadas of Rivne Oblast” and the Chernivtsi Oblast Association of Local Self-Government Bodies “Bukovyna Hromada Development Agency”. This opens up new opportunities for joint initiatives, hromada development, and the exchange of best practices.
Nataliia Katriuk, Head of Mamaivtsi hromada, noted: “Experience exchange between hromadas enables faster implementation of effective solutions and helps avoid common mistakes. This significantly strengthens the capacity of local self-government.”
Serhii Opalko, Head of Vyriv hromada, also highlighted the potential of interregional cooperation: “Such initiatives create a network of strong hromadas that support one another. In these challenging times, this is a key element of resilience and development.”
The interregional study visits proved to be an effective tool for sharing practices, building partnerships, and developing joint initiatives. At the same time, they form part of the systemic support that the Polaris Programme provides to local self-government associations to strengthen their capacity and consolidate their positions. This format contributes to more effective advocacy of hromada interests at the national level and the identification of sustainable development solutions.
