“City on the Wave” Conference, Kyiv
At the recent “Mykolaiv - A City on the Wave” conference, Giulio De Carli, President of the One Works Foundation, presented three visionary pilot projects. These initiatives are integral to the concept city masterplan aimed at fostering a resilient and economically dynamic Mykolaiv, forming a key part of the wider “Future Masterplan for the City of Mykolaiv” in Ukraine, an endeavor supported by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
Central to this forward-looking vision are strategic initiatives designed to leverage Mykolaiv’s unique strengths while cultivating new opportunities for growth and community well-being:
Revitalisation of the Mykolaiv Shipyard: This project focuses on restoring Mykolaiv’s significant industrial heritage, repositioning it as a cornerstone of the city's modern identity and a driver for future economic activity.
Aquaport Mykolaiv: The aim here is to promote a sustainable, water-centred facility. This development will reconnect the city with its rich maritime legacy, encouraging environmentally conscious engagement with its water resources.
Mykolaiv Industrial Park: This initiative is dedicated to creating a forward-thinking industrial hub, specifically designed to foster circular economic growth and attract innovative businesses to the region.
Guilio also elaborated on how the comprehensive masterplan intends to support a Blue Economy Platform through the implementation of feasible and environmentally sustainable practices. This ambitious undertaking is planned across several carefully considered phases to ensure effective and manageable progress.
Highlighting the people-centric approach of the masterplan, Giulio De Carli shared: “The brief we received from UNDP focused on regenerating the city, and while we brought our expertise, we built on this with a strong community engagement strategy from the start. We designed with local realities in mind, recognising existing structures and integrating them with new development. The result is a cohesive urban environment, where new and old connect, improving links within the city and to a broader infrastructure network.”
These pilot projects, underpinned by a robust strategy of community engagement and sustainable development, represent crucial steps in Mykolaiv's journey towards recovery and a prosperous, self-sufficient future. They offer a clear blueprint for how thoughtful urban planning can help heal, regenerate, and prepare a city with a proud heritage for the challenges and opportunities ahead.