The Mariupol Community Coalition Forum has been held in Mariupol. It was attended by Mayor Vadym Boichenko, USAID project managers of ‘Economic Support of Eastern Ukraine’ and ‘Democratic Governance in Eastern Ukraine’, the representatives of the municipality, deputies and active citizens. During the forum, the development of Mariupol Development Strategy 2030 was discussed.
Vadym Boichenko outlined the directions that will become the basis of the document. The issues were concerned the creation of educational, medical and IT clusters, development of small and medium-sized businesses, modern infrastructure, sports, culture and recreation areas.
Vadym Boichenko emphasized that today the main capital is youth. It is important for the city to connect the future of the residents with their hometown and develop it. Therefore, Mariupol is actively working on the creation of an educational cluster. Schools should be ‘connected’ with universities and youth should build a professional perspective since school days.
In turn, it is necessary to develop infrastructure. ‘Objects of inspiration’ should appear in the city, which will attract young people. At the same time, infrastructure activates the development of medium and small enterprises.
According to Michael Pillsbury, director of the USAID Economic Support for Eastern Ukraine project, the new Strategy will help attract international organizations' investments in the city. At the same time, it is important to consider the following principles: building ties, the need for interaction and participation of many citizens to discuss the document.
Director of USAID's Democratic Governance in Eastern Ukraine project, Michael Steveiter, spoke about the opportunities the Strategy provides for the development of the city.
‘We are ready to help in the development of the social sphere, medicine, education, youth and social policy and introduce electronic tools,’ he said.
During the Forum, USAID consultant Mike Staresenich talked about Pittsburgh's experience in transforming the city from industrial to post-industrial. USAID Community Development Manager Anatoly Solovyov focused on the revival of industrial cities in the USA and Europe.