A delegation of Ukrainian mayors and city representatives was welcomed in Paris for an exchange visit to share experiences on how Paris enhanced accessibility and inclusion in preparation for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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The delegation began their visit with a warm welcome from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Ukrainian Ambassador to France Vadym Omelchenko, and representatives of the Paris City Council. They toured several iconic locations in the capital, including an enhanced accessibility district in the 13th arrondissement, showcasing Paris’s efforts to become a more inclusive city. The delegation also visited the Ministry of Labor, Health, and Solidarity and the National Institution for Disabled Veterans (Les Invalides) during a tour organized by the Ministry of Armed Forces. Additionally, the Île-de-France Region presented best practices for increasing inclusion and accessibility, and the SNCF highlighted its exemplary work in employing individuals with disabilities.
Prominent attendees included Viktor Shakyrzyan, Acting Mayor of Rivne; Valeriy Skrypnichenko, Mayor of Valky; Kateryna Yamshchykova, Acting Mayor of Poltava; Halyna Yakubovych, Deputy Mayor of Vinnytsia; Anatoliy Fedoruk, Mayor of Bucha; Yuriy Fomichev, Mayor of Slavutych; Maryna Honda, Deputy Mayor of Kyiv; Ihor Terekhov, Mayor of Kharkiv; Mykola Riznyk, Head of the Opishnya Village Council; and Regina Kharchenko, Acting Mayor of Zaporizhzhia.
Accompanied by Tetyana Lomakina, Commissioner to the President of Ukraine for a Barrier-Free Society, the delegation visited the Pierre de Coubertin Sports Center, where they observed the importance of accessible sports infrastructure. A meeting on Paris’s strategy for inclusion and accessibility allowed the mayors to share experiences and explore future collaborations.
The week culminated in meaningful exchanges, including a visit to the Paris Departmental Center for Disabled Persons (MDPH) and a reception honoring Ukrainian Paralympic athletes. During the event, the Grand Vermeil Medal, Paris’s highest distinction, was awarded to the athletes in recognition of their courage and outstanding performances.
The delegation also visited the Fabrique de la Solidarité, a hub dedicated to combating social exclusion in Paris. These final visits highlighted Paris’s solidarity and civic engagement initiatives.
Stand With Ukraine actively participated in the exchange alongside key Ukrainian government officials, including the Deputy Minister for Community Development, Territories, and Infrastructure, the Deputy Minister for Social Policy, the Deputy Minister for Education and Science, and the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports for European Integration. Representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Ukrainian strategic organizations like Patients of Ukraine and Big City Lab also contributed to the discussions.
This week-long visit offered Ukrainian city leaders the opportunity to learn about innovative practices and forge close ties with the City of Paris, paving the way for future partnerships.
Cover photo : Guillaume Bontemps
