ICLD signs MoU for a broader knowledge exchange with Ukrainian municipalities

ICLD has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities (AATC). The aim is to foster a wider exchange of knowledge, share valuable information, and spread the results of our partnerships with Ukraine. The signing ceremony took place on the 26 April.

– This MoU will advance our cooperation, driven by a mutual interest in strengthening local democracy through the capacity building of local governments. Solidarity and support for democratic development in Ukraine are crucial, and this agreement aligns with the Swedish government’s prioritization of support for Ukraine in development aid.

Johan Lilja, ICLD Secretary General.

The AATC represents more than 800 Ukrainian municipalities, representing about two-thirds of Ukraine’s municipalities. The AATC presents itself as “the united voice of the territorial communities (hromadas) of Ukraine” and they work with their local councils to improve, promote, support and protect.

There is a strong interest among both Swedish and Ukrainian municipalities to work together on best practices and to learn from each other on everything from EU alignment to crisis preparedness. ICLD’s Network for Democratic Resilience is an example of this, where 12 partnerships (Sweden+Ukraine) are currently working together, and this can produce positive results that can be shared with others and with the help of ATTC.

Read more about All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities, AATC.