Kyiv, 10 September, 2025 — With financial support from the Government of Japan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine has launched a new cycle of the Universal Design School — a flagship initiative that equips communities and professionals with the tools to make Ukraine’s recovery inclusive and accessible for all.

This year, 36 participants from across Ukraine were selected following a highly competitive process. Over the next three months, they will engage in theoretical and practical modules, receive mentoring support, and work directly on design projects for real infrastructure sites. Among them are hospitals, rehabilitation centres, cultural and educational institutions, and public spaces in different regions of the country. The School will conclude with final project presentations in November.

The initiative comes at a pivotal moment, as Ukraine rebuilds amidst ongoing challenges. By integrating universal design principles into recovery efforts, the School ensures that newly reconstructed infrastructure will serve the needs of people with disabilities, veterans, older persons, families with children, and all members of society.

Tetiana Lomakina, Advisor – Presidential Commissioner for Barrier-Free Environment, emphasized the broader vision of the programme:

“Barrier-free recovery is not only a national priority, it is a moral responsibility. The Universal Design School is a unique opportunity to reimagine how our communities function. By bringing together experts and practitioners, we are building not just infrastructure, but a society where everyone can participate fully and equally.”

Building on the momentum of previous cycles, the School has established itself as a collaborative platform where architects, local authorities, and community leaders co-create solutions that directly improve people’s lives. Last year, participants developed 13 projects across Ukraine — from redesigning hospitals and rehabilitation centres to adapting cultural landmarks and public parks — many of which have since inspired broader local initiatives.

Olena Ivanova, Team Leader for Social Inclusion and Project Coordinator on Inclusion and Accessibility at UNDP in Ukraine, emphasized the significance of this initiative: 

“Universal design is a human-centered approach that creates conditions for spaces, information, and services to ensure dignity, equality, and accessibility. We believe that Ukraine’s inclusive recovery can serve as an inspiring example for the entire world”.

Launched by UNDP in 2018, the Universal Design School has grown into one of the organization’s flagship initiatives in Ukraine. Over the years, it has trained dozens of professionals and inspired projects that integrate accessibility into urban planning, healthcare, education, and culture. By combining global best practices with local expertise, the School continues to shape a vision of Ukraine’s recovery where inclusivity is at the core.

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