Experts gathered in Odesa to discuss development strategy

The Odesa Strategy Camp, a one-day conference that continued the joint work of a coalition of civil society organizations on city development strategies, took place on September 28.

The conference covered a number of strategies, including security, which was attended by a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate, veterans' strategy, youth work, and the problem of Russian recruitment of children and how to prevent it.

They also discussed the role of independent media in the regions, the place of independent media in modern Ukraine, and how the war is changing the regional media landscape.

The discussion was moderated by Valeriy Bolgan, editor-in-chief of Intent.

Participants:

• Serhiy Nikitenko (Most).
• Maria Shevchuk (Informer).
• Olena Kravchenko (Anti-Corruption Dimension).
• Veronika Polyakova (Sea of People).

Like other discussions, it was a lively debate.

Despite the war, the strategy for the further development of Odesa is being actively discussed in 2025. On July 27, the Days of Ideas, an event organized in Odesa by The Aspen Institute Kyiv and Impact Hub Odesa with the participation of entrepreneurs and university representatives, focused on the future strategy for business. In April, Odesa began drafting the City Community Development Strategy until 2027. UAH 1.7 million was spent from the local budget to prepare part of the document. The services were commissioned by the municipal institution Odesa 5T Grant Office. The development of the strategy started on February 6, 2025, based on the decision of the City Council of June 26, 2024.

As part of the contract, the contractor is to conduct analytical research on the state of community development - from the historical context and demographics to infrastructure, economy, finance and local government. The contract also provides for a SWOT analysis that will identify the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the community, as well as key challenges and trends that will affect its development in different time horizons.

Кирило Бойко