On January 23, Kherson State University hosted the International Scientific and Practical Conference "Investment and Innovation Tools for the Revitalisation of De-Occupied Territories of Ukraine." The event brought together researchers, staff from institutional structural units, representatives of executive authorities and local self-government, as well as professionals from various enterprises and organisations, including postgraduate students.
The Business and Law Faculty of Kherson State University organised the conference as part of the EURIZON EU-3033 remote research grant, "Stimulating the Development of De-Occupied Territories through Investment and Innovation Tools within the European Union."
Professor Andrii Mokhnenko, from the Department of Finance, Accounting, and Entrepreneurship at Kherson State University and project coordinator for EU-3033, moderated the event.
Welcoming the participants, KSU Rector Oleksandr Spivakovskyi remarked::
"Our world has been stolen from us. Revitalisation and recovery are multifaceted processes that go beyond infrastructure, demining, and economics—they also involve psychological well-being and the resocialisation of our children. This is about the displacement of Kherson residents, the motivation to return, and many other pressing issues. In my view, universities can serve as a unifying force, a platform for discussions that should ultimately lead to an action plan. It is crucial to understand that our goal is not just to restore a territory, but to preserve the spirit of Kherson, to make the city—so rich in memories and emotions—even better and more comfortable for its people. Of course, this return must be supported by investment, which should also focus on rebuilding human capital. The university stands ready to lend a helping hand and work together for the future of Kherson region.".
First Deputy Head of Kherson City Military Administration, Natalia Chekhuta, also addressed the audience, emphasising how closely the conference’s theme and objectives align with the work of the administration.
"We are also working hard on a recovery and development plan for the de-occupied Kherson community. Along this journey, we need allies and like-minded individuals who are willing to contribute—both with words and actions—to rebuilding our community after victory.
She expressed confidence that many such individuals were among the conference participants.
Yes, the enemy continues to exert pressure. Our city is suffering increasing destruction. However, we are doing everything possible to protect what can still be saved. Right now, the Kherson City Military Administration is actively collaborating with international donors such as USAID and JICA. We have ambitious plans for the future, and our partners are ready to continue supporting us
Deputy Head of Kherson Regional Military Administration for Digital Development, Digital Transformation, and Digitalisation (CDTO), Mykhailo Lemak, highlighted:
"This event is of utmost importance as it aims to bring together academics, government officials, business representatives, and international partners to find joint solutions for rebuilding the nation, particularly the de-occupied frontline territories. However, our combined efforts should not only focus on reconstructing infrastructure but also on laying the foundations for sustainable economic and social development—and, crucially, on restoring human potential. I am confident that today’s conference will not just be a platform for exchanging ideas, but the start of new partnerships and projects that will help Ukraine move steadily towards recovery and prosperity. I wish all participants fruitful discussions and tangible outcomes."
Dean of the Faculty of Tourism at Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Professor Volodymyr Velykochy, also extended his greetings to the participants.
Undoubtedly, this war has forced many of us to see the world through tears of pain and suffering—but not tears of despair or helplessness. In fact, it was resilient Kherson and its people who instilled in us hope for the future. Today, while part of Kherson region remains under temporary occupation, the region’s finest intellectuals are already thinking about how to rebuild their homeland. This gives us confidence that we will endure, we will triumph, and we will establish ourselves once more. I am certain that the day will come when we visit a peaceful Kherson region and show the world that Kherson is one of Ukraine’s finest health resorts, a premier tourist destination, and a wonderful place to live and work freely. I sincerely hope that scientific events like this one will lead to the creation of real projects that will help specific communities restore their tourism infrastructure and economic development.
Undoubtedly, this war has forced many of us to see the world through tears of pain and suffering—but not tears of despair or helplessness. In fact, it was resilient Kherson and its people who instilled in us hope for the future. Today, while part of Kherson region remains under temporary occupation, the region’s finest intellectuals are already thinking about how to rebuild their homeland. This gives us confidence that we will endure, we will triumph, and we will establish ourselves once more. I am certain that the day will come when we visit a peaceful Kherson region and show the world that Kherson is one of Ukraine’s finest health resorts, a premier tourist destination, and a wonderful place to live and work freely.
I sincerely hope that scientific events like this one will lead to the creation of real projects that will help specific communities restore their tourism infrastructure and economic development.
Deputy Mayor of Kherson, Vitalii Bielobrov, also addressed the audience, stressing the need to strengthen cooperation with international partners and attract foreign investment to rebuild the city.
"We are striving to maximise resource mobilisation—leveraging scientific research and human potential—so that we can commence reconstruction as soon as the security situation improves," he stated
International project partner Jan Polsin welcomed attendees with the following words:
"It is a great honour to speak at this significant conference dedicated to a highly relevant issue—investment and innovation tools for revitalising Ukraine’s de-occupied territories. As an international partner of project EU-3033 'Stimulating the Development of De-Occupied Territories through Investment and Innovation Tools,' I fully recognise both the complexity and immense potential of this endeavour. The war launched by Russia against Ukraine has inflicted devastating destruction, caused loss of life, and led to economic decline—particularly in formerly occupied areas. Restoring these territories to normal life, rebuilding infrastructure, reviving the economy, and reintegrating communities is a critical task not just for Ukraine, but for the entire international community. Project EU-3033 aims to contribute to this process by developing and implementing effective investment and innovation tools. We firmly believe that combining these two elements—investment and innovation—is the key to successful revitalisation"
The conference also welcomed representatives from territorial communities. Valentyna Holovata, Head of Myrne Settlement Military Administration, acknowledged the vast resources—human, professional, and scientific—needed to rebuild Kherson region.
"Our community, Myrne, is often called the 'Gateway to Crimea' as we are the southernmost community of Kherson region, situated on the Black Sea. We are striving to retain our potential and work alongside researchers. Together, we have already developed a recovery strategy and corresponding planning. I am confident that through collective efforts, we will not only rebuild our communities but transform them into European-standard settlements with a renewed quality of life," she emphasised
The aim of the conference was to facilitate the exchange of expertise, research, and practical solutions regarding the use of investment and innovation tools for restoring de-occupied territories in Ukraine. Additionally, participants analysed effective models for infrastructure, economic, and social recovery in these areas. Special attention was given to fostering partnerships between academic institutions, government agencies, businesses, and international organisations to promote sustainable development in war-affected regions.
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