Cities4Cities: Powering Vibrant Partnerships

At Cities4Cities, we believe that municipal partnerships are effective only when they are actively sustained and grounded in real cooperation. We support partnerships that go beyond formal agreements, fostering mutually beneficial engagement rooted in shared responsibility. Through a win-win approach, we promote horizontal cooperation across political, professional, and community levels, ensuring partnerships deliver concrete and lasting value.

Our work focuses on partnerships with purpose: initiatives that are strategically aligned with local development priorities, democratic governance, and long-term recovery. With a strong presence in Ukraine, we build relationships based on trust and understanding, enabling municipalities to engage confidently in international cooperation. By supporting results-oriented cooperation and sharing real partnership experiences, we foster peer learning that supports long-term development and democratic resilience.

What we do

What sets Cities4Cities apart is not only what we do, but how we do it — through hands-on support, long-term engagement, and a deep understanding of municipal realities.

Match Municipal Partners

We identify Ukrainian municipalities ready for international cooperation and connect them with suitable European partners based on shared priorities, capacity, and long-term potential.

Facilitate Partnerships and Build Capacity

We support partnerships at every stage, working closely beyond matchmaking to support planning, implementation, and peer learning through tailored mentorship, training, and practical guidance, including support in accessing international funding.

Promote EU-Ukraine Municipal Dialogue

We support European cities in engaging effectively with Ukrainian local governments, facilitating meaningful, balanced, and context-aware cooperation.

Create Networking and Learning Platforms

We organize forums, events, and exchanges that connect municipalities, support experience sharing, and build strong professional networks.

Advocate for Ukrainian Municipalities

We advocate for Ukrainian local governments to be recognized as key actors in EU integration, recovery, and international cooperation.

Who we work with

We work with and for Ukrainian municipalities and their municipal partners, supporting long-term international cooperation. We help municipal leaders and their teams strengthen partnerships and turn shared priorities into concrete initiatives.

Alongside municipalities, we engage with EU institutions, ministries, and municipal associations, while fostering horizontal connections with civil society, business, diaspora networks, and community actors to ensure cooperation is practical, inclusive, and grounded in local realities.

Who we are

Svitlana Blinova

Team Leader & Capacity Building Expert

[email protected]

Anna Koshel

Project Manager

[email protected]

Mariya Tuzyk

European Integration & Local Governance Expert

[email protected]

Olha Tomkiv

International Cooperation Expert

[email protected]

Snizhana Palazhchenko

Communication Expert

[email protected]

Marta Suprun

Advocacy Expert

[email protected]

Ambassadors of Cities’ Friendship

The Ambassador of Cities’ Friendship Award, established by Cities4Cities in 2024, is designed to recognize people who expand the network of solidarity between communities and help Ukraine develop sustainable international ties.

Edward Mayor

Martin Asmut

David O’Keeffe

Want to be a partnership?

Our Approach

Deep Local Insight

With extensive direct work with municipalities, we understand the realities, priorities, and capacities of Ukrainian communities. We work closely with national local government associations and maintain a strong and up-to-date network of municipal contacts.

People-Centered and Grassroots-Driven

We go beyond institutional cooperation by engaging volunteers, civil society organizations, and diaspora networks to ensure partnerships are inclusive and community-rooted.

Trust Based and Relationship Driven

We believe strong municipal partnerships are built through trust and relationships that develop over time, supported by continuity and mutual commitment.

Long-Term Engagement

We remain engaged with partnerships over time, providing continuity beyond initial phases of cooperation and supporting partnerships as they deepen, expand their scope, and strengthen their ability to work effectively together.

Partners

Ready to partner with a Ukrainian municipality?

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