Norman Foster Foundation presents economic strategy for Kharkiv
The presentation of the economic strategy of the city of Kharkiv was held as part of the UN Economic Commission for Europe's UN4Ukrainian Cities project.
The event was held in the format of an online meeting with the authors of the strategy - professors from Oxford and Harvard Universities Ian Golden and Edward Glaser, international experts and architects, as well as Lord Norman Foster.
Mayor Igor Terekhov commented on the presentation of the economic development strategy, emphasising its importance for the recovery of Kharkiv. In his speech, he emphasised the importance of cooperation with international partners and world-class experts who helped to develop a holistic approach to the reconstruction. The mayor expressed his gratitude to the teams of the Norman Foster Foundation, UNECE and the German government for their financial support in the development of this document.
‘The strategy we are discussing today is not just a set of initiatives or recommendations. It is a roadmap for the future of Kharkiv, which will not only restore what has been destroyed, but also build a modern, innovative and comfortable city. Recovery is impossible without attention to detail. Therefore, the strategy takes into account all aspects - from the construction of energy-efficient housing to the creation of a scientific quarter. But the main thing in this process is people - those who stayed and those who are returning home. Kharkiv should become a comfortable place to live, work and study. We understand that we still face many challenges. But I am confident that Kharkiv, like the rest of Ukraine, has enormous potential. This strategy is our step forward to turn challenges into opportunities. Together we will be able to make Kharkiv not only the city of the future, but also a symbol of the recovery and strength of our country,’ the mayor said.
The Economic Development Strategy of Kharkiv, which complements the concept of the city's Master Plan, is a multi-vector document aimed at integrating into the European market and adapting to EU standards. According to one of its authors, Professor Ian Golden of Oxford University, the strategy consists of several main areas: support for human capital through educational and innovative projects, a balanced distribution of investments between industry, agriculture and technology, legislative reform to attract investors, greening the city and implementing energy-efficient solutions, as well as cooperation with international partners, taking into account the needs of local businesses in the reconstruction of Kharkiv.
Ian Golden emphasised that Ukraine's economy is in transition, and Kharkiv, as one of the country's industrial and scientific centres, plays a key role in its transformation.
‘Industrial production in Kharkiv has always been internationally competitive, and the scientific potential and universities have created the basis for the transition to a knowledge economy. Our task is not only to restore what has been lost, but also to create an innovative platform for future development,’ said Ian Golden.
Special attention was also paid to the concept of the Kharkiv Master Plan, which is being developed by a team of architects led by Norman Foster. According to the British architect, his mission is to help Kharkiv not only recover but also become a global model of urban development.
‘From the very beginning of our work together, we have set ourselves the task of not just reconstructing damaged facilities, but creating the city of the future. Integrating new industries, preserving historical heritage and attracting investment are the main aspects of our plan,’ said Norman Foster.
He also stressed that an important component of the economic strategy is the construction of a science quarter, a project that will become the core of research and development activities, attracting young talent and investors to the city.
The event also announced that Germany will provide funding for a number of initiatives in 2025, including the continuation of the development of the Northern Saltovka residential neighbourhood project with the winners of the international competition and other pilot projects within the framework of the Master Plan concept.
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