On 27 April, the second event of the series on "Strengthening resilience and capacity to rebuild cities and critical municipal infrastructure in times of war" took place. 26 participants focused on the topic of urban mobility, with particular emphasis on the use of green and smart technologies in public transport in the city of Lutsk, Ukraine, and a toolbox for citizen engagement in sustainable mobility planning and implementation. The event was moderated by Mrs Ketevan Papashvili, Regional Advisor Southeast Europe, Connective Cities GIZ, and included speakers from Ukraine, Germany and Georgia. The speakers presented relevant examples of municipal resilience strategies and gave an overview of common challenges and needs.

Ms Anna Vintsiuk, City of Lutsk, Ukraine, and Ms Sarah Laukamp, District of Lippe, Germany, gave an introduction on the successful cooperation between the Ukrainian city of Lutsk and the German District of Lippe. In particular, a project on ecological and smart technologies in public transport in the city of Lutsk was presented. The project, which was implemented from 2018-2021, combines various infrastructure aspects. In addition to the installation of smart stops and smart panels, drivers and various experts from Ukraine and Germany were also involved in the exchange and planning process. The citizens of Lutsk benefit daily from this project with its ecologically sustainable improved transport infrastructure. In addition to the direct positive impact on local life, the project also received the special prize of the Carl and Anneliese Goerdeler Foundation 2023.

Mr Torben Heinemann, integrated expert for traffic planning in Tbilisi, Georgia, then presented a toolbox that focuses on citizen engagement in the planning and implementation of sustainable mobility. This was developed by the Connective Cities working group "Sustainable Mobility after COVID-19" and covers different levels and degrees of participation. The toolbox represents a collection of successful tools and guidelines that can be used in different phases of planning and implementing sustainable mobility. In addition to general planning aspects, Mr Heinemann also presented the exact structure and individual aspects of the toolbox and was able to illustrate these vividly using concrete examples from the city of Leipzig.

The aim of the event was to create a platform for networking and consultation between Ukrainian and German municipalities and to further develop the basis for future cooperation. The event provided an excellent opportunity for participants to learn about innovative approaches to urban mobility and civic engagement and to exchange ideas and best practices with colleagues from different countries.

Overall, the event was valuable and informative, providing a platform for participants to exchange knowledge and ideas.

If you are also interested in becoming part of the community learning group, please feel free to contact us.

Contact

Paulina Koschmieder paulina.koschmieder(at)giz.de

Ketevan Papashvili ketevan.papashvili(at)giz.de