First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska took part in a meeting presenting the results of the Ukrainian delegation’s study visit to Vienna. Ukraine’s representatives examined how issues of a barrier-free environment are managed at both the state and municipal levels.
“During my visit to Vienna last year, we agreed to organize these trips, when I had the opportunity to see with my own eyes how systematically accessibility is built there. It was important for me to see that accessibility in this city works not ‘on request,’ but constantly – not in isolated pockets, but as a single system. Transportation, streets, institutions, and buildings are connected by a comfortable shared space. And people are united by barrier-free opportunities in meeting their needs. This is exactly the approach we strive for in Ukraine,” the First Lady emphasized.
The participants of the visit familiarized themselves with how accessibility processes are planned and implemented within European city systems. In particular, they studied accessible urban development, the experience of social enterprises that employ and train young people with disabilities, and career orientation systems developed for teenagers starting at age 15.
“This topic is especially important for Ukraine. Last year, my Foundation conducted a study called the Future Index. According to the results, only one-third of Ukrainian teenagers were able to say who they want to become. Yes, our children are growing up in wartime conditions, but we must help them envision the future and make plans, just like children do all over the world,” Olena Zelenska noted.
Within a month after returning, the members of the delegation worked in their respective communities to develop projects for changes in urban management, which will be implemented over the next six months. These projects were presented at today’s meeting.