THE THEORETICAL BLOCK OF THE “COMMUNITY RECOVERY ACADEMY” IS COMPLETED!

The last lecture of the 4th module was delivered by Anton Nikitin, Director of Sustainable Development of Vilnius, the European Green Capital 2025. He spoke in detail about the real-life experience of applying modern solutions for sustainable development and adaptation to climate challenges.

The speaker described the city's strategy aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2030 and gave examples of specific projects. He spoke about the modernization of public transport with the transition to environmentally friendly modes, the creation of a developed infrastructure for cyclists, and the expansion of pedestrian zones that contribute to improving the quality of life of residents. He also paid attention to the integration of green spaces and open areas into urban space, which ensures the comfort and well-being of the community.

An important part of the presentation was the topic of citizen participation in decision-making. We looked at how, through participatory budgeting, public forums, and open dialogues, residents can actively influence the formation of urban space, which allows them to create a city that reflects the true needs and desires of its residents.

The case of Vilnius demonstrates how the integration of modern technologies, strategic planning, and active community participation contribute to the creation of a sustainable and comfortable environment. The lecture also compared the experience of Vilnius with the practices of other European cities, such as Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Freiburg, which emphasizes the impact of global commitments, such as the Paris Climate Agreement, on the development of modern cities.

The knowledge and experience gained can serve as a basis for the practical filling of the community recovery profile!

The Community Recovery Academy project was founded by the Association of Ukrainian Cities and the NGO Mariupol.Reborn to train municipal managers for the recovery period. The project is supported by the UK Government through the UK International Development program and the International Republican Institute IRI Ukraine in partnership with Metinvest and SCM. Educational partners of the project: Metinvest Polytechnic and the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.