On September 23, Cities4Cities launches a call for applications to participate in its new mentorship programme for municipalities, implemented under the Polaris Programme "Supporting Multi-level Governance in Ukraine"

This is a unique opportunity for Ukrainian communities that seek to strengthen their international cooperation capacity but have so far lacked sufficient resources or experience. Over the course of six months, selected communities will receive mentoring support to establish or develop their international cooperation departments, shape strategic approaches, and implement their first steps in partnerships and joint projects.

Between autumn 2025 and spring 2026, the selected communities will:

• Build their own strategy for international cooperation
• Develop an English-language community profile
• Receive support in establishing first contacts with international partners
• Prepare for participation in international forums

"This mentorship programme is about systematic support for communities that don't yet have strong international partnerships. It offers more than just knowledge — it creates the conditions for working side by side with a mentor to build a cooperation strategy and engage the first partners,"  — said Svitlana Blinova, Team Leader of the Cities4Cities.

What makes this programme unique?

• Tailored support instead of one-size-fits-all solutions
• Regular mentoring meetings and hands-on guidance
• Involvement of international experts from Sweden and other EU countries

Selected communities will benefit from:

• Online training sessions
• “Residency of Ideas” in Lviv featuring best practices
• Support in creating promotional materials and finding partners
• A final forum to present achievements in spring 2026

Who can apply?
The programme is open to municipalities that:

• Small and medium-sized communities
• Who has been trying to establish international connections for the past three years, but without much success
• We are looking for municipalities that have identified their priority areas and development projects, and that clearly understand what type of international experience and cooperation they need
• Will involve at least two team members: An English-speaking manager of international relations and a thematic employee or deputy mayor with expertise in that field
• Understand the value of international cooperation for local development

Selection process
Stage I: October 2 – October 31, 2025 (23:59) – Application submission
Stage II: Online interviews with municipal leadership
Stage III: Results announced on November 15

Information session will take place October 9 at 10:00

Application form and more info

Cities4Cities initiative implements the "International Municipal Cooperation" sphere of the Polaris Programme “Supporting Multi-level Governance in Ukraine”, which is funded by Sida and implemented by SALAR International.