With support from the Government of Japan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine has launched a new cycle of the Universal Design School, an initiative dedicated to advancing inclusive and barrier-free recovery in the country. The programme is designed to ensure that Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts respond to the needs of all citizens, particularly people with disabilities, veterans, older persons, families with children, and other groups often excluded from traditional planning.
This year’s cohort includes 36 participants selected from across Ukraine through a highly competitive process. Over the course of three months, they will take part in both theoretical and practical modules, receive expert mentoring, and collaborate on design projects for real infrastructure sites. Their work will focus on hospitals, rehabilitation centres, cultural institutions, schools, and public spaces across different regions, culminating in a final showcase of projects in November.
The programme comes at a crucial moment, as Ukraine continues reconstruction amid ongoing challenges. By embedding universal design principles into rebuilding strategies, the School ensures that new infrastructure is not only functional but also inclusive and accessible. “Barrier-free recovery is not only a national priority, it is a moral responsibility,” said Tetiana Lomakina, Advisor – Presidential Commissioner for Barrier-Free Environment. “The Universal Design School gives us a chance to reimagine how our communities function. Together we are building not just infrastructure, but a society where everyone can participate fully and equally.”
Since its launch in 2018, the Universal Design School has become a collaborative platform where architects, local authorities, and community leaders develop practical solutions that transform lives. In the last cycle, participants created 13 projects across Ukraine — from redesigned hospitals and rehabilitation centres to adapted cultural landmarks and public parks. Many of these efforts have gone on to inspire broader local initiatives, reinforcing the importance of inclusive design in community development.
Olena Ivanova, Team Leader for Social Inclusion and Project Coordinator on Inclusion and Accessibility at UNDP in Ukraine, highlighted the programme’s lasting impact: “Universal design is a human-centered approach that creates conditions of dignity, equality, and accessibility. We believe Ukraine’s inclusive recovery can serve as a model for the world.”
With each new cycle, the Universal Design School continues to expand its reach and influence, equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools to integrate accessibility into healthcare, education, urban planning, and culture. By combining international best practices with local expertise, the initiative is helping to shape a recovery process where inclusivity is not an afterthought but the foundation of Ukraine’s future.
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