First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko took part in the event «The First Forum of Starostas. Lviv Region,» which brought together Members of Parliament of Ukraine, representatives of state authorities and local self-government bodies, starostas of territorial communities of the region, experts, civil society representatives, and international partners. The forum aimed to strengthen the leadership potential of starostas, facilitate the exchange of best practices in territorial development, and shape a shared vision for the post-war recovery of communities.
«The central government is committed to ensuring that decentralization continues to develop — it is the most successful reform, both according to public opinion and the assessments of European partners,» the First Deputy Speaker emphasized. He noted that, for effective work at the local level, state decisions and regulatory frameworks must take into account the needs of the institution of starostas and local communities, as well as provide incentive mechanisms for officials of local self-government bodies.
According to him, starostas (village elders) are a key link of governance at the local level — the closest authority to the people, well known within communities and the first point of contact for citizens on any issue, ranging from subsidies and social assistance to the resolution of local matters. Oleksandr Korniienko emphasized the importance of supporting and further developing the institution of starostas, their professional growth, and strengthening their capacity to deliver services to the population, even in the most remote villages.
Speaking at the panel “Resilience. Unity. Peace,” the First Deputy Speaker focused on the involvement of local authorities in supporting and assisting the frontline, efforts to achieve a just peace, and the European integration process, which takes place on a daily basis and includes, in particular, community development projects. «This is part of our ongoing process, in which representatives of local self-government must be actively involved. We must remain united and move forward together in order to achieve our national goals,» he noted.
The First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada also emphasised the importance of a systematic dialogue between the authorities, starostas, and communities to address local issues. He thanked the organizers and partners of the forum and announced that similar events would be held in other regions of Ukraine to facilitate the exchange of experience and support local self-government.