Photo: Fredrik Persson
The Viable Cities Champions 2024 are Olha Yukhymchuk, Margot Wallström and Stanislav Kukhtyk. The three receive the award because, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, they are working for the green reconstruction of the country.
Every year, during the European Viable Cities Day in December, Viable Cities Champions are selected from among key partners and individuals who have made a significant contribution to the urban climate transition. This year, the award and tribute goes to people who have had a major impact on the green transition in Ukraine. Despite the difficulties caused by the war, there is a mobilization for a climate-smart reconstruction of the country. Viable Cities is involved in a partnership that supports this work.
"One of the most heartwarming moments of the year was the Viable Cities Champion award ceremony. The 2024 award recognizes the tremendous efforts made by various actors to integrate environmental and climate perspectives into the reconstruction of Ukrainian cities and society. I am deeply grateful for Sweden's and the EU's unwavering support to Ukraine during these unimaginably difficult times of war," said Olga Kordas, Program Manager of Viable Cities, originally from Ukraine.
During the Viable Cities Champions ceremony, all three received long standing ovations from the audience.
Olha Yukhymchuk, Deputy Minister for European Integration, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, expressed gratitude to the EU, Sweden and Viable Cities for supporting Ukraine, especially cities.
"I would like to express my deep gratitude to the European Union, Sweden, and Viable Cities for their support to Ukraine, especially to our cities. Your help in integrating environmental and climate priorities into our rebuilding efforts is more than solidarity—it is a lifeline for our recovery and transformation."
"As we rebuild Ukraine, our vision is clear: to create a future that is sustainable, resilient, and climate-neutral. This vision is only possible through the strength of our civil society, the determination of our municipalities, universities, and other partners, and the support of our international allies", said Olha Yukhymchuk.
Stanislav Kukhtyk is Vice-Rector of the International University of Science and Technology in Kyiv, and coordinator of the Ukrainian urban climate transition initiative, Unicities. The initiative is supported by the EU, Viable Cities and its Spanish counterpart CitiES2030. In his speech, he highlighted the energy, inspiration and hope that the support provides in the face of the enormous challenges the country urgently needs to address.
"I am honored to accept this award on behalf of all UniCities project partners, including Ukrainian universities, the Association of Ukrainian Cities, and NGOs. Our goal is to strengthen university-city collaboration for the green rebuilding of cities. In this, we’ve been inspired by KTH Royal Institute of Technology and the Polytechnic University of Madrid. Working with Viable Cities and Cities 2030 has been a source of energy and hope, helping us face immense challenges during the war."
Champion number three, Margot Wallström, former European Commissioner and Foreign Minister, highlighted in her acceptance speech all the people who are really working to make the climate transition happen at the local level, in Swedish and European cities, and especially in Ukraine.
"I want to congratulate Olha and Stanislav, you are the real heroes who fight every day, not only for Ukraine but for all of us," said Margot Wallström during her acceptance speech. "Climate is not something abstract. It is something that we are all totally dependent on. If we talk about peace, we need to make peace with nature too. Damage to the environment and climate goes beyond all wars and will affect people for a very long time."
Viable Cities Champions 2024 and justification
- Olha Yukhymchuk
Deputy Minister for European Integration, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine
For your unwavering dedication to advancing the climate transition and fostering the green rebuilding of Ukrainian cities and society during the ongoing war, reflected in your significant contributions and your role as Vice Minister for European Integration at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine. - Margot Wallström
Co-Chair of the High-Level Working Group on the Environmental Consequences of the War in Ukraine
For your exceptional leadership as Co-Chair of the High-Level Working Group on the Environmental Consequences of the War in Ukraine, and your instrumental role in fostering international support, offering strategic guidance, and advancing the integration of environmental and climate considerations into the rebuilding of Ukrainian cities and society. - Stanislav Kukhtyk
Deputy Rector of the International Scientific and Technical University, Kyiv, Ukraine, and Coordinator of the UniCities project co-funded by the EU
For your visionary leadership in strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian universities, cities, and other urban stakeholders to advance the climate transition and support the green rebuilding of Ukrainian cities, demonstrated by your work on UniCities-a collaborative project with Viable Cities and CitiES2030, co-funded by the EU.
