Empowering Local Democracy for Ukraine’s Renewal
IMPRESSIONS OF THE ACT NOW MAYORS’ CONFERENCE 2023
The conference is held under the patronage of the Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kubrakov, and the Mayor of Gdansk and Chair of the European Committee of the Regions Working Group on Ukraine, Aleksandra Dulkiewicz
In addition to the terrible human costs of Russia’s criminal war of aggression against Ukraine, it has left a trail of destruction, impacting entire cities and villages. However, local self-government in Ukraine has proven to be a stable foundation in times of peace as well as war. The ACT NOW Mayors’ Conference 2023 aims to spotlight the vital role of Ukrainian municipalities for the democratic and resilient development of Ukraine in line with the European Charter of Local Self-Government.
Embracing the unbroken spirit of the country, the conference aims to empower local leaders, to inspire fruitful partnerships as well as to enhance cooperation between European and Ukrainian municipalities, contributing to Ukraine’s EU accession journey. Furthermore, it will help to equip local leaders with the essential skills and methods needed to drive the reconstruction process.
The event will commence with an evening reception on November 8, setting the stage for the main conference taking place on November 9 to November 10, 2023. The conference is hosted by the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels, Belgium.
CONFERENCE CONTRIBUTORS
Nataliia Kholchenkova
Member of Chernihiv City Council, Head of the Department for International Relations and Investment, Ukraine
Stanislav Taran
Project Support Officer, Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR)
Yanina Basysta
Project Coordinator, Eurocities
Kateryna Samboryk
Head of Partnerships, The Ukrainians Media
Viktoriya Yevtushenko
Journalist, Trybuna Sumy & Contributor, Reporters
Thomas Prorok
Director, KDZ Centre for Public Administration Research
Olha Omelianchuk
Journalist, Reporters & Head of communications and Marketing, The Come Back Alive Foundation
Kelmend Zajazi
Executive Director NALAS
Katherine Ivanchenko
Head of Center for Innovations Development, Kyiv, Ukraine
Maria Poloz
Legal Counsel at Centre for Democracy and Rule of Law, Ukraine
Andrej Burnat
Head of the Social Policy Department, Rzeszów City Office, Poland
Nataliya Drozd
Head of NGO Dobrochyn Center, Chernihiv, Ukraine
Maryna Domushkina
Peace and Security Expert, Visiting Fellow, European Council for Foreign Relations
Helfried Carl
Partner & Co-Founder, Innovation in Politics Institute
Martina Boguslavets
Executive Director of the, Anti-Corruption Center ILI
Andrii Bohdan
Mayor of Horodnia, Ukraine
Mattia Nelles
Co-Founder, German-Ukrainian Bureau
Iryna Ozymok
Founder of the International Mayors Summit & Local Economic Development Program Director, Western NIS Enterprise Fund
Bastian Veigel
Programme Director of U-LEAD with Europe
Alban Zogaj
Deputy Mayor of Prishtina, Kosovo
Katarzyna Łaziuk
Deputy Mayor of Mińsk Mazowiecki, Poland
Borys Karpus
Mayor of Novovolynsk, Ukraine
Olena Livitska
Reporter, Reporters & Project Coordinator, Healed Lands
Patrick Molinoz
Chair of the Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs (CIVEX), European Committee of the Regions
Ulrike Hopp-Nishanka
Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Task Force Ukraine, Germany
Marlene Rosemarie Madsen
Deputy Director, Ukraine Service, Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (NEAR), European Commission
Viktoriia Mukha
Member of Kyiv City Council, Ukraine
Georg Milbradt
Special Envoy of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany on Decentralization
Oleksandr Markushyn
Mayor of Irpin, Ukraine
Ivan Fedorov
Mayor of Melitopol, Ukraine
Emiriana Sako
Mayor of Durrës, Albania
Jochen Flasbarth
State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Germany
Oleksandra Azarkhina
Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine
Oleksandr Kubrakov
Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine - Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine
AGENDA & SCHEDULE
Explore the highlights and overview of the conference agenda, offering a glimpse into the enriching experiences and discussions planned for the ACT NOW Mayors’ Conference 2023. Please note the agenda remains subject to potential updates and changes as we continue to collaborate with our partners to create a comprehensive and dynamic programme.
CORE THEMES
The ANMC 2023 will revolve around several core themes that will provide a comprehensive framework for discussions, debates, and knowledge exchange among the diverse group of participants:
Empowering Reconstruction through Local Self-Government
This theme centres on the integral role of local self-government in Ukraine’s reconstruction process. Discussions will highlight the variety of municipalities’ involvement, their role in Ukraine’s EU accession process, as well as the importance of decentralisation reform in ensuring inclusive engagement of municipalities.
Building International Partnerships
This theme highlights the importance of sharing democratic best practices, innovative solutions, and lessons learned. Real world scenarios, including crisis management, resource mobilisation, and community engagement, showcase municipal collaborations. These discussions will underscore the importance of cross-border networks that promote shared values and drive positive change.
Restoring Local Democracy in Post-Conflict and Post-Occupation Scenarios
This theme will address the complexities of restoring local democracy in the aftermath of military administrations and post-conflict occupation. Drawing insights also from other regions, participants will explore strategies for rebuilding democratic institutions, empowering local communities and civil society, and ensuring citizen participation.
Resource Management for Local Reconstruction
Addressing the financial aspects of post-conflict reconstruction, participants will explore the various aspects which contribute to creating a secure investment environment that effectively supports Ukraine’s rebuilding endeavours, emphasising the role of municipalities in this context.
KEY CONFERENCE FEATURES
Renowned for its innovative and interactive design, the ACT NOW Mayors’ Conference brings together a dynamic and diverse group of participants. It provides a unique platform, where mayors, local representatives, high-level decision makers, experts and emerging leaders can connect, collaborate and share their insights and experience.
The ACT NOW Mayors’ Conference 2023 will provide an uplifting and hands-on atmosphere, featuring:
Engaging Keynote Speeches
Gain insights from renowned speakers who bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table.
Thought-Provoking Sessions
Dive deep into the agenda and programme details, exploring topics such as the important role of self-government during wartimes and reconstruction, the transformative power of partnerships in tackling pressing challenges, and much more.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with a diverse community of participants, including fellow mayors, esteemed experts, and dedicated practitioners, who share the passion for driving positive change.
Hands-on Workshops
Acquire practical skills and methods that will empower you to implement effective strategies and create lasting impact within your municipality and beyond.
The conference is held under the patronage of
The ACT NOW Mayors’ Conference 2023 is proud to collaborate with partners sharing our vision for empowering local democracy and driving positive change.
Lead Conference Partner
U-LEAD with Europe: Local Empowerment, Accountability and Development Programme is a multi-donor action of the EU and its member states Germany, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia and Slovenia to support Ukraine on its path to strengthening local self-government.
Main conference partner
Featured conference partner
Content and networking partners
#ANMC2025
