On July 1, 2025, four centers established within the UniCities project officially signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. This milestone laid the foundation for further strengthening of partnerships in the fields of sustainable development, green transition, and climate neutrality, and became a logical continuation of the project’s activities.

It is worth noting that оn July 4, 2024, the “UCC Hub” platform was formally launched, along with the creation of interdisciplinary and cross-departmental centers at partner universities. Their mission is to promote the sustainable development of Ukrainian cities and communities by combining academic, educational, and innovation potential.

Over the past year, the centers have demonstrated significant activity: organizing scientific forums, conferences, and educational events for students and young people; participating in national and international projects; preparing expert recommendations on environmental and energy policy; and working on practical solutions for the recovery of Ukrainian cities and hromadas.

The signatories of the Memorandum are:

• Scientific and Educational Center for Energy Decarbonization at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute;
  
• Center for Sustainable Development and Environmental Law at Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University;
  
• University–City Cooperation Center “UniCities” at Chernihiv Polytechnic National University;
  
• Green Transformation and Climate Neutrality Center at Yuri Bugay International Scientific and Technical University.

The Memorandum outlines several key areas of cooperation, including the implementation of joint research projects in the fields of energy, environmental security, and climate policy; the introduction of innovative technologies for the development of smart cities and green energy; the promotion of climate education; and the cultivation of a culture of environmental responsibility, among other initiatives.

The signing of the Memorandum not only consolidates the results of the centers’ first year of activity but also creates a legal and organizational framework for their future work. In the context of Ukraine’s post-war recovery, this partnership is especially relevant, enabling the design and implementation of solutions that will contribute to energy efficiency, infrastructure restoration, and the transition toward climate neutrality.

The UniCities team is confident that these centers will continue to serve as platforms that integrate the efforts of universities, cities, and communities—laying the foundation for an innovative and sustainable future for Ukraine.

*Сo-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.