Ihor Terekhov made a speech at the International Summit of Cities and Regions
The Second International Summit of Cities and Regions is taking place within the framework of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine today, 9 May, in the capital of Ukraine.
The event was opened by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Summit was also attended by the President of the European Parliament Roberta Mecola.
The Summit is dedicated to the comprehensive restoration of war-affected communities, current regional issues and IDPs.
Mayor of Kharkiv Ihor Terekhov took part in a discussion panel on humanitarian challenges for internally displaced persons.
The Mayor noted that Kharkiv has a successful experience in accommodating and rehabilitating IDPs. According to him, today the number of IDPs in the city reaches half a million and continues to grow.
"Kharkiv has been actively supporting and hosting IDPs since 2014. And today we need to do everything we can to fully integrate these people into our communities so that they do not feel abandoned in any way, but can find a full-time job, have a place to live and something to eat. For example, all public transport in Kharkiv has been free for two years now. We feed 41,000 people with free hot lunches every day. IDP children study in the metro school and will go to the first underground school together with Kharkiv residents. The City has been running preferential programmes for IDPs to buy housing for many years. We are interested in instilling our Kharkiv mentality in everyone who decides to choose Kharkiv as their new home," said Ihor Terekhov.
In his speech, the Mayor also emphasised the importance of overcoming the city's energy problems and preparing it for a stable heating season.
