Cooperation Memorandum Signed
A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine. The signatories were the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development, the Ministry of Education and Science, and the Donetsk and Zakarpattia Regional State Administrations. This agreement is part of the national 'Side-by-Side' project, which has united 1,170 communities across Ukraine. The 'Side-by-Side' project has also established 1,135 partnerships and generated a total financial impact of 380 million hryvnias in aid. The project was initiated by the President of Ukraine.
Key Areas of Partnership
The partnership outlined in the Memorandum focuses on comprehensive support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Specific plans include:
- Providing housing for IDPs;
- Ensuring access to social infrastructure;
- Creating opportunities for retraining and vocational education;
- Assisting relocated educational institutions from Donetsk by securing premises, dormitories, and modern equipment.
Furthermore, the Memorandum aims to facilitate the construction, restoration, and repair of infrastructure and social housing for IDPs from Donetsk Oblast.
This project has united people from all over Ukraine to jointly overcome the challenges of war and support each other under difficult conditions. This initiative is a symbol of mutual aid in trying times. We continue to resist full-scale aggression, demonstrating to the world an example of unprecedented unity. I thank the communities for their resilience, fortitude, and willingness to act together.
Oleksii Kubra, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration
The signing of this Memorandum is a significant step toward supporting IDPs in Ukraine, especially amid the ongoing war. The 'Side-by-Side' project not only provides financial assistance but also fosters community partnerships, which can strengthen social cohesion and resilience. This initiative is a critical part of Ukraine's domestic response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the Russian invasion. Implementing the measures outlined in the Memorandum has the potential to improve living conditions for IDPs and help restore infrastructure in conflict-affected regions.
As Ukrainian regions unite to tackle the challenges faced by displaced individuals, new partnerships are being established with foreign communities to enhance support systems. These collaborative efforts highlight the importance of solidarity and shared resources in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Such initiatives not only provide immediate assistance but also foster long-term relationships that can benefit various sectors, including education and infrastructure development.