Karlskoga Municipality in Sweden has been granted a one-year inception phase together with the Ukrainian municipality of Shepetivka.
“We are very pleased to have been granted a partnership through ICLD,” says Tony Ring, Chairman of the Municipal Board in Karlskoga. “Thanks to ICLD’s support, we gain tools to develop our municipality while also helping to improve living conditions for our friends in Ukraine.”
The collaboration between the two municipalities will focus on inclusive waste management, aiming to raise awareness around waste and recycling for both parties. Together, they will also develop a coherent waste management strategy.
“By focusing on sustainable waste management and recycling, we are building shared knowledge and strategies that can make a real difference – not just for the environment, but also for democracy, participation, and transparency. The partnership with our twin town Shepetivka in Ukraine gives us the opportunity to contribute to global development while also strengthening local democracy,” says Tony Ring.
Karlskoga and its partner municipality Shepetivka will now join ICLD’s partnership network “Democratic Resilience”, which already includes 26 Swedish and Ukrainian municipalities. The network offers great opportunities for exchanging knowledge and experience.
“We warmly welcome Karlskoga to our extensive network of Swedish and Ukrainian municipalities that are jointly building democratic resilience. We are confident that your efforts will make a real difference – both for your Ukrainian partner municipality and for Karlskoga,” says Johan Lilja, Secretary General of ICLD.