Ukrainka, Mykolaiv Oblast, 5 September 2026 — With support from the Government of Denmark and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, the Mykolaiv Oblast Administration, together with Mykolaiv National Agrarian University, organized Tiligul Connect, a large-scale business event featuring an exhibition fair for local craft producers from across the region.

The event convened representatives of government institutions, businesses, civil society organizations and international partners to discuss entrepreneurship development, tourism and regional economic recovery. It also served as a platform to explore solutions intended to strengthen the competitiveness of local enterprises and create new opportunities for the region’s communities. The support for the event reflected the UNDP’s area-based recovery approach, which, in particular, focuses on unlocking the unique economic, social and cultural potential of specific territories. 

As part of Tiligul Connect, around 70 producers from various communities across Mykolaiv Oblast showcased their products at a fair featuring local brands. The programme also included panel discussions on integrating craft production into the regional economy and supporting veteran entrepreneurship. During the event, participants presented initiatives to strengthen Mykolaiv Oblast’s investment potential, and signed memorandums on establishing a regional craft cluster and developing a tourism brand for the oblast.

In addition, visitors had an opportunity to take part in traditional crafts masterclasses, including Tavriiskyi decorative painting, straw weaving and pottery making. These activities highlighted the region’s cultural heritage and contributed to the promotion of local tourism.

Heorhii Reshetilov, Acting Head of the Mykolaiv Oblast Administration, emphasized that a comprehensive approach to business support and investment attraction is essential for the region’s recovery: “The development of Mykolaiv Oblast requires systemic solutions that combine support for entrepreneurship, human capital development and the creation of favourable conditions for investors. Tiligul Connect has become exactly the kind of platform that united partners around a common goal: to lay a solid foundation for building a strong and competitive economy in the region,” Mr. Reshetilov noted.

Thomas Lund-Sørensen, Ambassador of Denmark to Ukraine, highlighted the importance of comprehensive support for local economic development in order to build long-term community resilience: “Denmark remains committed to supporting the recovery of Mykolaiv Oblast by fostering entrepreneurship and creating new opportunities for people. We are convinced that strengthening the capacities of local producers is key to achieving stable economic growth in the region. Our partnership is a solid foundation for a resilient and capable future for Mykolaiv Oblast,” Mr. Lund-Sørensen said.

Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, underscored the vital role of small and medium-sized enterprises for strengthening regional economic resilience: “Local businesses are a key driver of Ukraine’s recovery. Together with our partners, UNDP is supporting solutions that help producers grow their enterprises, access new markets and develop partnerships. Strengthening their capacities, advancing tourism and supporting veteran entrepreneurship help drive the sustainable and inclusive development of communities,” Mr. Lootsma noted.

Media enquiries: 

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