The Strategic Development and Investment Office has submitted an application to participate in the Fourth National Open Governance Competition, organized by the Association of Ukrainian Cities in partnership with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, with the support of the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
The initiative “Inclusivity Route” was submitted to the competition under the nomination “Barrier-Free Environment, Inclusivity, and Social Integration.”
The “Inclusivity Route” project aims to address the systemic problem of inaccessibility of urban space for people with disabilities, veterans, elderly people, and other groups with limited mobility. As part of the initiative, a fully inclusive 1.5 km pedestrian route was created in the central part of Rivne, connecting key administrative, service, and cultural locations of the city.
The route was implemented in accordance with the principles of universal design, safety, and comfortable movement for all users. During the works, more than 3,000 m² of new paving was laid, 400 curbs were replaced, 17 pedestrian crossings with tactile paving were arranged, curbs were lowered, and raised pedestrian crossings were installed. A separate element of the project was the installation of a modern information terminal at the Administrative Services Centre (CNAP).
The project was implemented from March to August 2025 through a partnership between the Rivne City Council and the charitable organization “Help Ship” Foundation, with the support of socially responsible businesses. The initiative became an example of an effective public-private partnership model without additional burden on the city budget.
“Inclusivity Route” is part of the city’s systematic policy to create a barrier-free environment and integrate into the national initiative “Movement Without Barriers.” The completed route is considered a pilot model for further scaling in other parts of the city and in communities across Ukraine.
Participation in the Open Governance Competition provides an opportunity to present Rivne’s experience at the national level and demonstrate practical solutions in the field of inclusive urban development.