In February, Kharkiv hosted the “Second Forum of Starostas of Unbreakable Kharkiv Oblast” – a platform for professional dialogue between central and local authorities on wartime challenges and practical solutions to strengthen hromada capacity.
The Forum was initiated by the Association of Local Self-Government Bodies of Kharkiv Oblast, the Kharkiv Oblast Council and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in partnership with the Swedish–Ukrainian Polaris Programme: Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine.
he event brought together Members of Parliament of Ukraine, starostas and heads of territorial hromadas of Kharkiv Oblast, representatives of state authorities and local self-government, civil society, international partners, and local governance experts.
“Kharkiv Oblast’s resilience is not only about withstanding attacks. It is about preserving institutions, fostering local leadership, maintaining social cohesion and looking ahead. That is why strengthening the starosta institution is one of the priorities of the Polaris Programme – because a strong starosta institution means trust in local authorities and genuine participation of residents in decision-making,” said Susanna Dellans, Polaris Team Leader and SALAR International Representative in Ukraine.
Starostas remain the first to respond to residents’ needs, ensuring continuous communication between people and authorities and facilitating the prompt resolution of urgent issues – especially in frontline areas.
Following the Forum, participants emphasised the need for continued systematic support to starostas and for developing solutions aimed at the recovery and sustainable development of hromadas.
