On May 6, Ivano-Frankivsk hosted an information session of the Swedish-Ukrainian Polaris Programme "Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine". The event brought together over 100 representatives of local governments, oblast administration leadership, and Polaris experts.

The purpose of the meeting was to familiarise hromadas with practical tools and approaches offered by the Programme to strengthen local governance capacity. Priority topics included optimisation of the school network, modernisation and development of Administrative Service Centres (ASCs), strengthening the role of starostas, international partnerships between hromadas, and integration of veterans' needs into local policies.

The event was opened by Kristina Thorgan, Deputy Head of the Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast State Administration, who also conveyed greetings on behalf of the Head of the Oblast State Administration – Head of the Oblast Military Administration, Svitlana Onyshchuk.

"It is extremely important for us to support international cooperation and participate in international technical assistance projects," emphasised Kristina Thorgan. "First of all, I would like to thank the Government of Sweden and the entire Swedish people for the assistance we have especially felt since the start of the full-scale invasion. It is vital to support hromadas and projects that promote the sustainable development of our region."

"We are pleased to work in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast – this is an opportunity not only to share experience, but also to gain a deeper understanding of hromadas’ needs and their drive for change. Together, we are looking for realistic yet ambitious solutions in the areas of local self-governance, administrative services, education, strategic planning, international cooperation, and other fields that shape quality of life. All of this is part of the path that hromadas are taking step by step towards a shared European future," noted Susanna Dellans, Head of the Polaris Programme team and SALAR International representative in Ukraine.

During the meeting, Programme experts presented specific support opportunities for hromadas. These included both consultations and change facilitation – from situation analysis to implementation of strategic decisions. The information session provided a space for meaningful dialogue, where hromadas could openly voice their needs, exchange experiences, and formulate requests for support. This format contributes not only to a better understanding of local challenges but also lays the foundation for partnerships between hromadas facing similar tasks and seeking joint solutions.