On 19–21 May, the Polaris Programme team held a strategic session to review the first phase of the Programme’s implementation, assess the results, and agree on the next steps.
The participants analysed progress across various thematic areas, discussed challenges, and developed a shared vision for the Programme’s development over the next two years. The focus was on hromadas support, engagement with partners and setting priorities for future work – ranging from strengthening the capacity of local government to developing specific thematic areas.
The meeting agenda included a presentation of the results of an internal team survey, a review of thematic results, a panel discussion on lessons learnt and best practices, as well as a series of sessions on strategic and operational planning. Another section was devoted to establishing the framework for the second phase of the Programme’s implementation and agreeing on key approaches to its introduction.
During the strategic session, participants presented key developments in each area, exchanged experiences and jointly identified solutions that will enhance the effectiveness of future activities.
The gathering was characterised by an atmosphere of openness to dialogue, a willingness to honestly assess what had been achieved, and a shared desire to strengthen cooperation between teams and move forward.
It is symbolic that part of the meeting took place on Vyshyvanka Day – a day that reminds us of shared values, responsibility and the power of unity.
The Polaris Programme "Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine" (2024-2028) is funded by the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and implemented by SALAR International. The Programme aims to provide both short-term and long-term support, focusing on addressing the needs of the multilevel governance system while simultaneously enhancing the capacity of hromadas to deliver public services and take an active role in the recovery and reconstruction processes, in line with EU accession requirements.
