On 2 August 2019, MinRegion and the National Democratic Institute for International Relations signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in conducting public consultations and activities in the elaboration of the State Regional Development Strategy and local Regional Development Strategies for the period 2021-2027.

This was announced by Vyacheslav Nehoda, First Deputy Minister of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Communal Services of Ukraine.

“New development strategies are underway in the regions. We expect that these will be modern and effective tools, not formal documents. It is important for the new oblast leadership to understand the importance of this work, take the issue of strategic territorial development seriously. But in order to create a quality strategy, it is important not only to talk to local authorities, but also to involve business and civil society organisations in the dialogue, which sometimes know more about the problems and prospects of the region than local authorities. Therefore, we consider the public consultation format appropriate and will facilitate such dialogues on the ground. We expect that as a result of these activities in the pilot oblasts, the public and entrepreneurs will feel that they are involved in the development of the region, will have the desire to help the local authorities implement important regional development projects,” said Vyacheslav Nehoda.

Under the terms of the memorandum, public consultations on preparation of regional development strategies for 2021-2027 will be held in the Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Zaporizhzhia, Zakarpattia, Kirovohrad, Cherkasy and Kyiv Oblasts by the end of October 2019. International experts will also assist in elaboration of a new State Regional Development Strategy.

Natia Jikia, director of the National Democratic Institute for International Relations in Ukraine, said: “Public consultations are a relatively new tool for Ukraine, but it has long and successfully been used in the world as one of the mechanisms for involving citizens in decision-making. And we are ready to share with you the best experience. In particular, we will be assisted by the All-Ukrainian Public Association “Republic” Institute”, which already has experience in conducting public consultations in cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.