Zhytomyr hosted an online sensemaking session organized by the Department of Economic Development of the Zhytomyr City Council with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the EU-funded initiative “Mayors for Economic Growth” (M4EG).

The event formed part of the broader work that the city has been actively carrying out since being selected for the “Mission-Oriented Economy” programme. Within the programme, Zhytomyr conducted a series of activities: social listening, needs assessment, and identification of barriers and opportunities. The sensemaking session made it possible to consolidate these findings together with the community and begin shaping the city’s future development trajectory.

The meeting gathered representatives of city departments, businesses, universities, civil society organisations and the cultural sector, who presented their key areas of work:

• Veterans’ Entrepreneurship Academy

• Entrepreneurship Laboratory

• Innovative programmes of Zhytomyr Polytechnic

• Support for small businesses

• Healthcare reform

• Cultural projects

• Integrated Development of Zhytomyr 2030

During the event, UNDP experts in Ukraine observed the presentations and systematised key insights, patterns and connections across the city’s various areas of work. This helped reveal where Zhytomyr is already demonstrating progress, what resources and partnerships are engaged, and where additional support or coordination is required.

“Zhytomyr already has a comprehensive vision for its development – a holistic framework that integrates economic, social and environmental solutions. But today, new challenges stand before us: internally displaced people, relocated businesses, and a significant number of war veterans. The city must transform and respond to these changes rather than move only along pre-defined routes. It is important for us that every decision is transparent, well-grounded, and co-created with the community and the teams working daily on Zhytomyr’s development,” noted Svitlana Olshanska, First Deputy Mayor of Zhytomyr.

The voice of the entrepreneurial community further emphasized the importance of mutual support and learning: “The main value is mutual support, which gives entrepreneurs the strength to move forward even in challenging times,” highlighted Yuliia Hulia, local entrepreneur and co-founder of the business club “Your Business Psychotherapy.”

Significant attention was also drawn to youth potential and the creation of conditions for technological development: “We are building an ecosystem where innovative ideas from students and researchers can evolve into real projects. Supporting young innovators is an investment in the city’s future,” emphasized Ivan Novosolov, Head of the Innovation Hub at Zhytomyr Polytechnic.

The city will now receive a clear understanding of which areas require reinforcement, where there are opportunities for partnerships, and which spheres have the potential for scaling. This marks an important stage in preparing to develop a portfolio of innovative solutions and defining the future development vector for Zhytomyr.

Background: Zhytomyr’s Participation in the M4EG Initiative

In August 2025, Zhytomyr became one of four Ukrainian cities selected for the “Mission-Oriented Economy” programme under the European Union’s “Mayors for Economic Growth” (M4EG) initiative, implemented by UNDP.

The programme aims to:

• strengthen the municipality’s capacity to implement innovative solutions;

• support knowledge exchange with cities of the EU’s Eastern Partnership;

• involve external expertise;

• develop a portfolio of innovative initiatives (support — USD 20,000);

• provide an opportunity to receive up to USD 120,000 for implementing activities aimed at the economic transformation of the community.