Metinvest Polytechnic joined the international forum "The Future of Ukraine: Restoration and Development of Human Capital," highlighting the importance of education in the country's recovery processes. The event served as a crucial platform for discussing issues related to training new personnel, developing veteran programs, and sustainable infrastructure restoration During the forum, the university presented its initiatives aimed at training specialists who can become drivers of change in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.
The event took place within the framework of the "Community Recovery School" project – a global educational program preparing municipal managers for post-war recovery in Ukraine. Metinvest Polytechnic is an important educational partner of this project and is already implementing specialized training programs for its participants. The international forum brought together over 250 representatives from Ukrainian authorities, local governments, international organizations, and leading Ukrainian educational institutions, becoming an important platform for discussing key aspects of the country's recovery and development.
Vadym PUKHALSKYI, head of the Technical University Development Department at Metinvest Polytechnic, emphasized the importance of education in the recovery process and development of veteran programs: "At Metinvest Polytechnic, we understand the importance of providing access to high-quality education for veterans. Our educational programs not only provide technical knowledge but also develop crucial multi-competencies such as critical thinking, digital design, and deep understanding of production and business processes. Veterans studying at our university are actively involved in real industry projects, gaining practical experience necessary for participating in infrastructure recovery and country development." He also emphasized that the university aims to create conditions for veterans that will help them realize their potential and become drivers of change in Ukraine's post-war recovery.
The forum's speakers included Oleksandr Slobozhan, Executive Director of the Association of Ukrainian Cities, Shane McLaughlin, head of the Integrated Security Fund (ISF), and Vadym Boichenko, head of the Association of Ukrainian Cities' Section for Development of De-occupied and Temporarily Occupied Communities and Mariupol City Mayor. They emphasized the importance of human capital recovery for Ukraine's sustainable development and stressed the need for international support in this process.
Oleksandr Slobozhan noted that such events help shape the legislative framework that defines the functioning of local governments and creates conditions for the development of de-occupied communities, support for temporarily occupied territories, and effective municipal management. Shane McLaughlin emphasized that the "Community Recovery School" project combines best practices from across the region, creating opportunities for experience exchange. He stressed the importance of such initiatives in helping Ukrainians feel confident in their country and contributing to stabilization, security sector reform, and strategic communications.
Vadym BOICHENKO, Mariupol City Mayor, remarked: "The consequences of war include 12 million of internally displaced people who are asking for our help today. They're begging us to hear their voices. When we talk about the future, we must understand that without considering this factor, rebuilding Ukraine will be extremely difficult. Reviving cities without people, building production without people – it's impossible. We must clearly understand that Ukraine's main treasure, the most important thing we have today, is our people. And we must build our work around this, forming appropriate legislative initiatives and programs. Because without people, we cannot revive Ukraine. This is what we emphasize within the Community Recovery School."
The forum included discussion panels focused on people's return and human capital recovery, strengthening international support for Ukrainian communities' recovery, and investing in workforce development and economic reintegration. Participants discussed strategic directions for cooperation with international donors, post-conflict recovery experiences from European countries, and shared developments in attracting financial resources for infrastructure reconstruction and population support.
A special section of the event was dedicated to supporting veterans, their social adaptation, rehabilitation, and employment. Participants discussed comprehensive reintegration programs, requalification, and psychological support, as well as the role of community initiatives and local government in this process.
Natalia YEMCHENKO, Communications Director at SCM and board member of NGOs "Mariupol.Reborn" and "Heart of Azovstal," shared that SCM investment company is focusing on readjusting their processes to work with military personnel: "We are already working on this, both from the team perspective and in terms of barrier-free infrastructure where possible. Currently, the state is establishing veteran-centric policies. But the implementation of all programs will take place in communities, on streets, in workplaces. Therefore, the success of veteran policy greatly depends on the community, its skills, available resources, and capacity building. This applies to all spheres of life. We believe that reconstruction, both after the war and now, requires special knowledge and skills, it needs well-prepared managers, and we are already working on this."
The discussion about people's return and human capital recovery covered incentives for internally displaced people return, the situation in temporarily occupied territories, and the state's role in creating opportunities for citizens. Results from a nationwide sociological study among internally displaced people were presented, allowing assessment of their main challenges.
The forum became a platform for dialogue among all stakeholders. Participants agreed on the need for further development of state and international programs aimed at returning Ukrainians, strengthening communities, and supporting human capital. Key areas for future work were identified: expanding international partnerships to attract resources for recovery, creating effective mechanisms to stimulate the return of internally displaced people and migrants, developing veteran reintegration programs, and investing in education and workforce requalification.
The "Community Recovery School," founded by the Association of Ukrainian Cities and NGO "Mariupol.Reborn," aims to prepare municipal managers for the recovery period. The project is implemented with support from the UK Government through the UK International Development program and the International Republican Institute (IRI Ukraine) in partnership with Metinvest and SCM. Educational partners of the project include Metinvest Polytechnic and the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.
