Kyiv, 29 August 2025 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the School of Universal Design have completed the theoretical training modules of the Barrier-Free Routes School, an initiative launched at the request of the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine with financial support from the Government of Japan.

A total of 61 participants from 15 municipalities across Ukraine successfully completed the intensive four-day training programme. The initiative brought together communities of various sizes, including Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Zhytomyr and Rivne, providing them with knowledge, tools, and mentorship to design inclusive, people-centred environments. In the coming months, participants will continue to develop practical projects for barrier-free routes in their home communities under the guidance of the school’s mentors, with final presentations scheduled for November.

Tetiana Lomakina, Advisor – Presidential Commissioner for Barrier-Free Environment, emphasized the broader societal impact: “Barrier-free design is not only about infrastructure but, above all, about values. When communities embrace its principles, they shape a society founded on dignity, equality, and responsibility. Especially now, during repairs and reconstruction, it is essential that every public space reflects these principles and provides people of all ages, with different experiences or health conditions, the opportunity to live independently, move safely, and fully participate in community life.”

The school is part of the Ministry’s flagship programme “Movement Without Barriers,” which aligns with First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska’s “Without Barriers” initiative. It aims to ensure that municipalities across Ukraine can provide accessible routes that connect key public spaces with essential infrastructure.

Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development Nataliia Kozlovska stressed that participation in the flagship project is both a sign of leadership and a great responsibility, as it involves finding new solutions and responses to complex challenges, often within the context of outdated urban development.

“Today’s realities demand modern and high-quality approaches to urban planning, and therefore a high level of professionalism from local teams,” Kozlovska said. “That’s why the educational component has become a distinct mission of the project. Training on barrier-free route design demonstrates how effective cooperation between the ministry, UNDP, and international donors can be. Together, we are creating the foundation for communities to implement sustainable solutions that will serve people for many years to come.”

Looking ahead, participating communities will translate their new knowledge into concrete design proposals. These projects will serve as practical roadmaps for inclusive recovery, setting an example for other municipalities throughout Ukraine.

Christophoros Politis, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Ukraine, underlined the strategic significance of the initiative, saying: “Barrier-free design is essential for Ukraine’s recovery. Reconstruction is not only about rebuilding what was lost – it is about doing so in a way that is more inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking. By investing in local expertise and equipping municipalities with practical solutions, we are empowering them to create safer, more resilient, and inclusive environments for all people, today and for generations to come.”

The Barrier-Free Routes School represents a vital step towards embedding inclusivity into Ukraine’s recovery efforts. It creates a model where international support, government leadership, and local expertise converge to produce lasting change. By combining knowledge with mentorship and practical implementation, the initiative ensures that recovery is not just about restoring infrastructure but about building a Ukraine that is accessible, equitable, and sustainable for all citizens.

Media enquiries:

Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications, yuliia.samus@undp.org.