On Monday, November 18, 2024, a delegation of 46 Ukrainian mayors and deputy mayors began a three-day visit to France as part of the Mayors’ Congress. This initiative, the result of close collaboration between Stand With Ukraine, the Association of French Mayors, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and the Cities4Cities program, aims to strengthen ties between French and Ukrainian cities. The goal is to share expertise and visions for the sustainable development and reconstruction of Ukrainian cities.
The first day was highlighted by emblematic visits showcasing French expertise. The delegation began with a tour of the Olympic Village, where Yann Krynski, Executive General Director of SOLIDEO, the organization responsible for delivering Olympic infrastructure, presented the stakes of this exemplary project. Designed to address social, energy, and environmental challenges, the Village, which hosted athletes during the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, is set to become a sustainable living neighborhood. Participants were able to witness the successful integration of innovation and sustainability in a large-scale project.
The delegation then met with Philippe Delleur, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, at the headquarters of Alstom, a key global leader in the rail transport sector. This visit provided the mayors with an opportunity to gain deeper insight into French technological innovations and expertise in sustainable mobility. Alstom, a world leader in its field, showcased its transport solutions tailored to the needs of modern metropolitan areas, emphasizing the importance of ecological transition in infrastructure development. The discussions facilitated the identification of potential avenues for collaboration to modernize Ukraine’s transportation networks, a critical aspect of the country’s reconstruction.
The afternoon was equally engaging, featuring a visit to the Fabrique du Métro, an experimental space dedicated to the future Grand Paris Express network. This large-scale project, emblematic of French ambition in sustainable mobility and urban connectivity, particularly intrigued the Ukrainian officials, who are seeking solutions to enhance connectivity in their own cities. The day concluded with a visit to the Palais Garnier, the Paris Opera House, an architectural masterpiece that offered participants a glimpse into France’s rich cultural heritage.
This first day laid the foundations for a strengthened collaboration between the two countries. By exploring the fields of economy, urban planning, and culture, the Ukrainian mayors found a source of inspiration for the reconstruction of their cities, while also reinforcing the bonds of French-Ukrainian friendship.
