The United Nations Development Programme, with support from the Japan, has helped the Pryluky City Territorial Community in Chernihiv Oblast secure UAH 160 million in funding after completing project management training under a pilot initiative on local recovery planning.
The training enabled local institutions, including the municipal enterprise “Posluha” and the Pryluky Local History Museum, to successfully access extra-budgetary funding for the first time in years. Overall, the community has mobilized significant financial support from various donors to implement projects outlined in its Recovery and Development Plan.
Developed in collaboration with residents and civil society, the Recovery and Development Plan now serves as a long-term roadmap guiding Pryluky’s growth through 2030. Local authorities say the plan has been instrumental in helping the community access grants, particularly in sectors such as housing, utilities, culture, and healthcare, while ensuring transparency in how funds are used.
The initiative has also delivered tangible improvements at the institutional level. The local museum received modern equipment to digitize its collection of over 68,000 exhibits, many of which face risks due to ongoing security challenges. So far, around 2,000 items have been digitized, expanding access to cultural heritage while improving preservation conditions. The museum has additionally secured UAH 3.8 million in funding, partly due to improved grant-writing capacity gained through the training.
At the municipal level, project management skills have translated into practical environmental solutions. The “Posluha” enterprise has introduced waste sorting infrastructure across the city, with containers already installed at multiple locations and further expansion planned. Additional projects include acquiring specialized waste collection vehicles, establishing recycling systems, and launching community reuse initiatives.
Local officials highlight that the training has not only improved technical skills but also inspired leadership and long-term vision. Participants have gone on to secure millions in funding, strengthen institutional capacity, and design inclusive projects that consider accessibility and community needs.
Looking ahead, Pryluky plans to continue modernizing healthcare facilities, improving school safety infrastructure, and upgrading essential services such as water, heating, and waste management systems.
Since 2023, UNDP and Japan have been supporting Ukrainian communities through similar initiatives, initially working with 10 pilot communities before expanding the programme nationwide. These efforts have helped local governments strengthen planning, communication, and project implementation capacities while attracting funding for sustainable recovery.
The Pryluky experience demonstrates how targeted training and strategic planning can transform local development, enabling communities to turn challenges into opportunities for long-term resilience and growth.
