U_CAN partners connect at the Cities Mission Conference 2026 in Turin

At the end of May 2026, U_CAN partners gathered at the Cities Mission Conference in Turin, Italy, alongside representatives from cities, EU institutions, and projects across Europe. Under the theme "Delivering Europe's Urban Climate Transition," the event focused on concrete solutions for urban transformation, where U_CAN project played an active role.

Dresden and Khmelnytskyi: partnership in action

A particular highlight was the participation of Inna Palii, Head of the Department for International Cooperation of Khmelnytskyi City Administration, whose trip was financed by U_CAN funds from the City of Dresden. During the conference, Dresden and Khmelnytskyi partners met to exchange updates on ongoing U_CAN activities and discuss preparations for an upcoming delegation visit from Khmelnytskyi to Dresden. Shortly before the conference, Khmelnytskyi was also announced as a new member of the international ICLEI city network.

For Inna Palii, the conference carried a clear message: "Even though Khmelnytskyi is currently facing the consequences of the war, we continue to think about climate and the long-term future of our city. Through U_CAN we can absorb European experiences and adapt them to our local conditions."

New contacts and knowledge exchange

The U_CAN project was represented by partners from Dresden, Khmelnytskyi, and Wrocław University of Science and Technology. In discussions with NetZeroCities and other stakeholders, partners explored pathways for integrating Ukrainian cities into European climate processes. A conversation with representatives of the European Training Foundation (ETF) opened promising avenues for future cooperation with Khmelnytskyi, including joint training and exchange formats on reconstruction and sustainable urban development.