International Mayors Summit (IMS), launched in 2016 in Ukraine as a knowledge exchange platform for local government leaders, became “more than a conference”, a place where projects and partnerships are born.

In navigating this challenging journey, Ukraine and Moldova have drawn closer to the European family they belong to, recognizing that local-level cooperation is integral to strengthening regional security and development efforts. Consequently, the 5th International Mayors Summit will take place in Moldova with the esteemed support of President Maia Sandu.

The annual Summit brings together prominent mayors from throughout the world, the business community, international organizations representatives and civil society to discuss solutions, innovations, best practices and cities’ success stories in various spheres. The Summit is organized by Western NIS Enterprise Fund. In Ukraine it was supported by the Prime Minister of Ukraine. Mayors and experts from the USA, Canada, the Netherlands, UK, UAE, Albania, Lithuania, Sweden, Poland, and Germany took part at the International Mayors Summit.

The Summit’s format allows participants to get knowledge and build a strong international network with prominent global leaders of urban transformation, join professional speed-networking sessions, test various solutions right on the spot, sign memorandums and launch special projects.

In this volatile world, influenced by pandemic, wars and global political and economic crises, mayors are at the frontline of urgent and necessary decisions, trying to coordinate with the central government, create partnerships with businesses, engage and convince the community.

Since February 24, 2022, Ukrainian city leaders have confronted a new and critical challenge in safeguarding their communities from the brutality of the Russian aggressor. Cities like Mariupol have been entirely devastated, while Kharkiv and Mykolaiv face incessant attacks, and Chernihiv, Irpin, and Bucha have endured devastating destruction. The enemy targets vital civilian infrastructure—hospitals, schools, kindergartens, roads, bridges, railway hubs, and stations. Security has emerged as a paramount challenge for Ukrainian cities nationwide. In the western regions, communities are diligently providing refuge for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and relocated businesses amid an uncertain period. Remarkably, international cooperation among communities has reached unprecedented levels, fostering unity around democratic, safe, and innovative development.

The overarching theme of the Summit is centered on the understanding that the reconstruction of cities is tantamount to the reconstruction of society. Accordingly, this Summit will focus on vital topics such as revitalizing cities, making them attractive to human capital, developing economic profiles, ensuring safety and growth, and introducing innovative solutions to fortify a human-centric approach to city development.