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City Spotlight: Lviv, Ukraine

Lviv, a historic city in western Ukraine, is known as the cultural capital of the country. Renowned for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, vibrant arts scene and culture, the city is a vital centre of education, commerce and innovation in Ukraine. Its strategic location near the Polish border has long made it a crossroads of diverse cultures and ideas, contributing to its rich and complex identity.

Lviv became the first Ukrainian city to join the Strong Cities Network in January 2024. Since joining, the Lviv mayor and other city leaders presented their prevention, response and recovery efforts and built relationships across Europe and North America at various Transatlantic Dialogue Initiative events, including sessions in Washington D.C. (United States) (January 2024), Bratislava (Slovakia) (March 2024) and Columbus, Ohio (United States) (September 2024). 

What is the local government concerned about?

The local government in Lviv is deeply concerned about the profound challenges posed by the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The significant human loss and extensive damage to critical infrastructure has left a profound impact on the city’s residents and its ability to function effectively. Beyond the loss of life, the City faces immense strain on housing, healthcare and education systems as it supports both permanent residents and a large number of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Hospitals and clinics are under pressure, treating civilians and soldiers with severe physical and psychological injuries.

Additionally, Lviv’s role as a major hub for humanitarian aid has created logistical challenges and strained City capacities and resources. The local government is also focused on maintaining stability and social cohesion while addressing the long-term impacts of displacement and damage on the City’s capacity to provide essential services. 

How is the local government responding?

Integration of Internally Displaced Populations 

Lviv has implemented a range of initiatives to address the complex challenges it faces and the integration of displaced populations is a cornerstone of its approach. The local government has developed inclusive programmes to integrate IDPs, including language and vocational training, alongside cultural events that foster mutual understanding. Integration hubs and shelters, such as Your Support and Safe Space, which are operated by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) but supported by local government, provide services including psychological counselling and vocational training. Additionally, the City has repurposed school campuses and other facilities into temporary shelters, ensuring humane living conditions for displaced families while fostering community among residents. 

Building Social Cohesion Through Education 

Social cohesion in Lviv is being actively nurtured through comprehensive education-focused initiatives. Recognising the critical role of youth in shaping the future, the city has adopted programmes designed to build tolerance, critical thinking and civic responsibility among its younger population. Schools have embraced dialogue-based activities that encourage students to explore their shared values and foster mutual respect. These efforts are particularly important in a city that has become home to a diverse array of displaced families, offering students from varying backgrounds an opportunity to learn and grow together. Community-driven projects form a key part of youth engagement, allowing students to participate in local initiatives that address social and environmental issues. These initiatives further embed a sense of belonging and active citizenship within the next generation. Community-driven projects also form a key part of youth engagement, allowing students to participate in local initiatives that address social and environmental issues.

Rehabilitation of War Veterans and Combatants 

The psychological impact of the Russian war in Ukraine on returning soldiers is profound, with many veterans experiencing mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse and difficulties reintegrating into civilian life. Recognising these challenges, the City of Lviv has implemented several targeted initiatives to support veterans returning from combat, focusing on mental health rehabilitation, social reintegration and economic empowerment. 

The National Rehabilitation Center “UNBROKEN” addresses the physical, psychological and social needs of returning fighters, including by providing them with robotic prosthetics and offering comprehensive therapy. . The facility not only serves veterans but also civilians affected by the conflict, ensuring holistic recovery for all individuals impacted by war. 

To further support reintegration, the HAB | Lviv Habilitation Center provides an environment where veterans can process their experiences and adapt to civilian life. Workshops and training sessions are tailored to equip them with skills for new employment opportunities, while peer support groups help them navigate post-war challenges. Equally important the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) Medical Clinic offers psychological support and comprehensive therapy, including physical and occupational rehabilitation, to war veterans and civilians recovering from trauma and illness. 

Lviv Polytechnic National University’s Veteran Development Centre is offering retraining programmes and entrepreneurial support to empower veterans to reintegrate economically and socially. The International Organization for Migration is implementing similar veteran reintegration projects in coordination with the local government, including social cohesion activities, provision of qualified psychological assistance and support for career development and self-employment. Finally, the Lviv Center for Providing Services to Combatants offers consultations and support to veterans dealing with post-war challenges, including psychological assistance to address PTSD and substance abuse issues. The centre operates at multiple locations in Lviv and provides online services for those unable to attend in person. 

What’s next?

Looking ahead, the City of Lviv has outlined several priorities to address the threats it faces and, more broadly, enhance community well-being and safety. A key focus will be to continue facilitating the integration of IDPs through expanded housing opportunities, educational programmes and vocational training. Efforts to foster social cohesion will also be intensified, with plans to scale up youth engagement initiatives and create more opportunities for intercommunal dialogue. 

The City also recognises the need to modernise its infrastructure to better withstand the ongoing pressures of displacement and conflict. This includes investments in healthcare facilities, public transport and energy resilience. Lviv aims to continue adapting its urban planning strategies, with a particular emphasis on sustainable development and mobility solutions that balance immediate needs with long-term growth. 

The City’s ability to implement these initiatives hinges on, inter alia, securing greater financial and technical support from international partners. Resources are needed to expand social services, enhance public safety measures and rebuild critical infrastructure. Lviv’s collaboration with networks such as Strong Cities and Unbroken Cities Network will remain vital in exchanging expertise and mobilising support for its recovery and development efforts. By addressing these priorities, Lviv aims to emerge stronger and more unified, setting an example for how a city can be resilient and promote innovation in the face of adversity. 

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