The core objectives of all changes being introduced in the country are to provide citizens with a new quality of life, to turn the cities into moderns ones with high living standards, to ensure both state and local resources are used effectively, as well as people have jobs, income and confidence in the future. This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman during the International Mayors Summit focused on the topic of municipal innovations.

The Head of Government stressed that one of the main instruments for achieving this goal is decentralization – the process of distributing or dispersing functions, powers to the local authorities and stimulation of community amalgamation.

"We chose the right path. We will see the success of the communities in subsequent years", stressed the Prime Minister.

He drew attention to the fact that success depends directly on the competence of local authorities and its engagement in all processes. Therefore, it is essential to answer the questions why the money and powers were transferred to the ground. And the answer, according to the Head of Government, is pretty clearly.

"Cities should be comfortable to live in. This thesis is overriding. Transformations in all spheres of life are on the agenda. We need to provide citizens with a new quality of life. We will not let any forces to destroy local self-government, no one will stop the processes of decentralization. To this very reason, the cities must have high living standards", underlined the Head of Government.

Background

International Mayors Summit (IMS) was launched in 2016 as a knowledge exchange platform for local government leaders and representatives of the major stakeholders in local development at global level. The event takes place for the second time and offers an opportunity to discuss modern trends in urban development, innovations, best practices and common challenges and solutions in all areas of city life and to share stories of success of Ukrainian cities in various spheres.  This year among the guests of the event are more than 100 mayors, as well as representatives of local government of Canada, Israel, Slovakia, Brazil, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

The summit embraces several directions, inter alia presentations of innovations, discussion of urban planning issues, special workshops, as well as excursions to the technological platforms of Kyiv.