Ukraine is actively working towards climate and energy transformation, with communities playing a key role. A multi-level dialogue, organised with the support of the European Commission, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the SUN4Ukraine initiative, discussed how local councils and regions can effectively implement national climate and energy goals.

Nataliia Kozlovska, Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, said that the Ministry for Development is actively implementing digital tools for communities. Of particular importance is the State Urban Development Cadastre of Ukraine (SUDC), which is a geospatial data system that combines environmental and spatial policies.

The SUDC enables communities to:

• obtain transparent information about territories, buildings and engineering infrastructure;
• take nature conservation areas into account when planning;
• make balanced decisions regarding restoration, development, and environmental safety.

‘Spatial planning is the basis for sustainable development because it helps organise territory in a way that minimises negative environmental impacts and considers climate risks,’ emphasised Nataliia Kozlovska.

In addition, the participants discussed the following:

• the implementation of the Law ‘On the Fundamentals of State Climate Policy’;
• the preparation of the National Energy and Climate Plan;
• support for communities in developing climate neutrality plans.

As part of the SUN4Ukraine initiative, 12 communities have been selected to work on preparing such plans with the support of experts and technicians – providing a practical example of multi-level cooperation, from state strategy to concrete actions on the ground.