The Netherlands, 17 November 2025 — Six staff from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine have completed a two-week intensive training course in the Netherlands aimed at advancing Ukraine’s system for providing inclusive and accessible driving instruction. 

The training was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine at the request of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in cooperation with the Central Driving License Bureau of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (CBR), and with the financial support of the Government of Japan. The completion of the course is an important milestone in strengthening Ukraine’s institutional capacity to ensure that everyone – including people with disabilities – can access safe and high-quality driving instruction.

The training visit is part of a broader training programme delivered by the CBR, which combines both online and in-person learning. Its goal is to expand access for people with disabilities to driving instruction, and to integrate European Union (EU) driving licence coding standards into Ukraine’s emerging inclusive driving system.

Building on previous cooperation between UNDP, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Japan – which included the delivery of specially adapted vehicles to barrier-free driving schools – this new stage focuses on institutional development and the introduction of modern approaches to training instructors and assessing driving fitness.

Reflecting on the initiative, Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, emphasised that lasting progress towards inclusion depends on sustained cooperation and shared vision. 

“This training demonstrates how sustained cooperation can turn inclusive principles into long-term change,” Lootsma noted. “With the continued support of the Government of Japan, UNDP is helping to build systems that make accessibility part of everyday life. When partnerships like this combine expertise and shared vision, inclusion becomes not just an ambition, but a lasting reality that defines Ukraine’s recovery and public services.”

The Netherlands’ structured, evidence-based approach to assessing driving fitness – which combines a medical evaluation, practical testing, and the use of assistive technologies – offers valuable insights for Ukraine’s own reforms. The experience gained will help shape national standards for driver assessment, advancing Ukraine’s commitment to building a barrier-free environment.

As part of Ukraine’s broader vision of equal access to mobility, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is introducing Barrier-Free Driving Schools and new methods for instructors and examiners. 

“The development of inclusive driving education is one of the ministry’s priorities, as it directly affects people’s ability to live and work independently,” said Kateryna Pavlichenko, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. “By learning from the Dutch model, we can enhance the way instructors and examiners work with people with disabilities, making Barrier-Free Driving Schools a nationwide standard and ensuring that equal access to mobility becomes a reality for all.”

During the two-week programme, the Ukrainian delegation took part in a comprehensive session hosted by the CBR in Rijswijk and Andelst, combining theory with field practice. The training covered key topics such as physical fitness assessments, the use of assistive devices and vehicle adaptations, and the application of EU driving licence codes. Participants also observed real-life assessments by Dutch experts, gaining first-hand experience in how inclusive approaches function in practice.

CBR Chief Operations OfficerJan Jurgen Huizing underscored the value of institutional partnerships in building inclusive mobility systems. 

“Sharing our practical experience is an important part of supporting countries that are developing inclusive models of driver assessment and training,” noted Huizing. “Partnerships like this help transform technical expertise into real improvements in people’s mobility and independence.”

This initiative shows how strong partnerships, shared expertise, and a commitment to inclusion can create sustainable systems that ensure equal opportunities for all. Through continued cooperation, Ukraine is taking tangible steps towards a future where mobility is accessible, safe, and empowering – for everyone. 

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