Mykolaiv, Ukraine, 21 July 2025 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and with support from the Government of Denmark, organized the First Mykolaiv Digital Forum. The event provided a unique opportunity for exchanging experiences and defining further digital transformation strategies that will improve the quality of administrative services and foster the region’s sustainable development.

The Forum became a platform to showcase progress expanding digital infrastructure, identify key challenges in the operation of administrative service centres (ASCs), and formulate recommendations to tackle them. Key focus areas included the advancement of e-governance and the adoption of smart solutions, such as digital infrastructure, online services, and the automation of municipal functions. Another focus was strengthening digital security through data protection and cybersecurity in local self-government bodies.

Participants exchanged effective practices for scaling the ASC network and discussed their vision for Ukraine’s digital future, with a particular focus on Mykolaiv Oblast. The event highlighted the synergy between national and regional levels for improving administrative services and developing e-services. Discussions also explored the institutional and functional transformation of ASCs into Diia.Centres, the integration of state registries, and successful examples of digital communities in 2025.

Maryna Bobranitska, Head of the Department for the Systemic Development of Administrative Services at the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, spoke about policy development in the field of administrative services and the role of ASCs as drivers of digitalization in communities: “The digital solutions being implemented today lay the foundation for the sustainable community development. Our goal is to build an ecosystem where high-quality services are accessible to everyone, regardless of their place of residence. A key element in achieving this goal is a proactive engagement and cooperation with communities and digital leaders.”

Lars Olaf Søvndahl Petersen, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in Ukraine, noted that supporting digital development in Mykolaiv Oblast remains a strategic priority for Denmark: “Denmark is a strong supporter of transparency and accountability for all the public processes, and we think it is beneficial for the whole society when hromadas implement smart decisions to enhance their e-governance, municipal services, and strengthen management efficiency.”

Ana Lukatela, Head of Area-Based Recovery at UNDP in Ukraine, highlighted how Ukraine has harnessed innovative ideas and digital tools to meet the needs of the population and increase trust between authorities and citizens. “Mykolaiv Oblast is a remarkable example of how the authorities have collaborated with community members to develop new solutions and strategies that address not only short-term needs during the war but also lay the foundation for the region’s long-term development. UNDP is proud to support Ukraine’s innovation and resilience, together with our partners.”

Media enquiries: 

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