On 24–25 April, the Sweden-funded Polaris Programme – Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine hosted the forum “The Role and Impact of Regional Associations on the Progress of the Decentralisation Reform and Recovery Processes in Ukraine”.
The event became an important platform for strengthening cooperation between regional associations and finding joint solutions for hromadas. It also marked one of the first attempts in Ukraine to bring together regional associations from across oblasts into a shared space for dialogue, experience exchange, and development of coordinated approaches. The forum gathered leaders of 14 regional local government associations, representatives of four national associations, regional authorities, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and experts.
Associations from Rivne, Lviv, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, Sumy, Khmelnytskyi and Volyn oblasts took part in the event.
The key theme was the formation of a shared strategy among regional associations to achieve sustainable outcomes in decentralisation and to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery.
In his opening remarks, Aider Seitossmanov, Team Leader of the “Support for Self Government Associations” direction of the Polaris Programme, stressed:
“Cooperation between associations at all levels is critical to achieving successful decentralisation and driving Ukraine’s recovery forward.”
Ihor Hnatusha, Head of the Regional Centre for the Development of Capable Hromadas in Zaporizhzhia, highlighted the vital role of associations during wartime:
“Regional associations are the voice of our hromadas. Today, more than ever, it is crucial to work as a united team, support local initiatives at all levels, and implement the changes that will make Ukraine stronger.”
Participants discussed the challenges faced by frontline and rear hromadas, and explored how active cooperation between associations and authorities can help overcome them. The discussions underlined the need for effective support for decentralisation across all levels of local government, especially in the context of restoring war-affected territories.
Serhii Pylypchuk, Head of the “Association of Amalgamated Communities of Rivne Oblast”, stated:
“It is a great honour for us to host the first Forum of Regional Associations of Ukraine here in Rivne. Today, we shared not only our successes, but also our challenges. There were no better or worse, stronger or weaker – we are all equal and accountable to our residents, to our hromadas, and to Ukraine. Regional associations must shape joint positions and work together toward shared success.”
Magnus Lilleström, Senior Advisor to the Polaris Programme (SALAR International), highlighted the strategic importance of regional associations:
“These associations are essential not only for each individual hromada, but for the development of local self-government as a whole. At the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions, we are convinced of their crucial role. They help coordinate efforts in decentralisation reforms and support Ukraine’s integration into the EU – where local governments will be at the forefront of implementing EU legislation.”
Thanks to mutual learning and coordinated efforts, regional associations are becoming key actors in reform processes – from infrastructure development and resource mobilisation to improving the conditions for sustainable hromada growth.
At the end of the forum, participants adopted a Resolution emphasising the need to build a systemic, transparent, and sustainable model of regional association operations. The resolution also proposes to:
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Develop a joint roadmap for regional associations, focusing on synergy and sustainability;
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Launch knowledge-sharing and training programmes for association leaders and staff;
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Support initiatives to jointly draft strategic documents for involvement in post-war recovery processes;
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Expand communication tools to share best practices and engage hromadas in association-led initiatives.
Watch the forum coverage by Rivne1 TV:
