Ternopil, 25 November 2024 – The city of Ternopil has hosted an event entitled “Go Green Ternopil: A Creative Journey,” which was organised by the United Nations Development Programme Accelerator Laboratory (UNDP AccLab). 

In May 2024, the city of Ternopil started the active phase of its Portfolio Journey under a programme conducted within the EU-Funded M4EG Facility, which is being implemented by UNDP. The goal of the programme is to test several interlinked projects (options) that will assist Ternopil in its successful “green” transition – the strategic direction determined by the municipality. 

Among the programme's key outcomes, Ternopil opened the EcoHub – a collaborative coworking space created to unite those driving the city forward – and updating the city’s Community Development Strategy to support the above-mentioned transition. Additionally, the Portfolio will harness the growth and development potential of the city via research, innovation, and broad community engagement in development processes.  

Serhii Nadal, the mayor of Ternopil, addressing attendees of the EcoHub opening ceremony, said, “Ternopil is confidently moving towards creating a city that harmoniously combines modern technologies, environmental awareness, and comfort for its residents.” 

“We’re proud that Ternopil has become one of the first cities in Ukraine to apply a portfolio approach,” Nadal added. “Thanks to cooperation with the EU, UNDP, and other partners, we are creating a green transformation hub, updating our community development strategy and implementing innovative solutions. This allows us to lay the foundation for a green, modern, and progressive city where every resident will feel positive changes.” 

Meanwhile, the UNDP AccLab through the “Go Green Ternopil” event engaged relevant stakeholders (including local civil society organisations, academia, and businesses) in the city of Ternopil's efforts to catalyse ongoing projects and sustainable practices. The event is designed to boost innovation and creativity in community development by exploring the potential of green transformation hubs to be vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable facilities. 

Christophoros Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine, emphasized that UNDP has been a committed partner in Ukraine’s green and sustainable transition for many years and remains steadfast in this role, embedding the 'Build Back Greener' approach through fostering innovation, driving policy reform, and empowering local communities. 

“Today in Ternopil, we are celebrating the creation of transformative spaces like the EcoHub and reinforcing our commitment to scalable, sustainable solutions that redefine how cities can thrive. This is more than a step forward for the city development – it is a blueprint for a resilient, greener future for Ukraine and beyond,” he added. 

The main part of the “Go Green Ternopil” event consisted of two sessions: 

1. Strategic planning session: Discussions about the green transformation roadmap, with a focus on collaboration and partnerships. 

2. Forming the Green Transformation Hub future development concept session: A discussion about resource mobilization and donor engagement, as well as how to stimulate local NGOs to participate in the hub’s future, and intensify cross-sectoral cooperation. 

In addition to holding these sessions, the event provided a platform to present the progress of the Ternopil Portfolio and the BOOST Ukraine Green Innovation Challenge teams. 

“Go Green Ternopil” also had a separate part dedicated to artificial intelligence and ways to utilise it in an urban development. The highlight of this part was the first-ever presentation of the UrbanistAI tool in Ukraine. 

In parallel, the attendees of the “Go Green Ternopil” event had the opportunity to visit an exhibition showcasing innovative products demonstrating green transformation practices through mobile creative laboratories. The exhibition focused on engaging young women and girls in creative activities and sustainable practices, as featured by the GIZ “ToloCar” project. 

The UNDP Accelerator Laboratory is an innovation development laboratory in Ukraine funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany (BMZ), and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD). 

Background: 

The “green” transition refers to a transition to sustainable and environmentally friendly urban development aimed at reducing the impact of human activity on the environment. This approach involves methods such as innovative technologies, renewable energy sources, rational use of natural resources, and environmentally friendly production and consumption methods. Green transformation is intended to create sustainable infrastructure and social systems that contribute to economic growth, conserve natural resources, and improve society's quality of life. 

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org