"Uniting Forces for Communities": Oleksandr Korniienko Attends the First Forum of Starostas of the Kyiv Region
08 June 2026, 16:51
First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko attended the First Forum of Starostas of the Kyiv Region, marking the 11th such event held across Ukraine.
The forum brought together delegates from the All-Ukrainian Association of Starostas, including over 500 local community leaders from the region. It was also attended by representatives of the Government and public authorities, MPs, heads of the Kyiv Regional State Administration and the Kyiv Regional Council, alongside other local self-government officials.
Addressing the forum participants, the First Deputy Speaker emphasized that systematic work to support the Defense Forces of Ukraine remains the highest priority. Oleksandr Korniienko noted that the key tasks at the local level are consolidating efforts, enhancing interaction, and working together to aid the military, while also supporting veterans and their families.
He pointed out that the Kyiv region has already implemented many effective solutions that could serve as a model for other regions, particularly regarding the execution of veteran support programs.
The First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada also emphasized the importance of a systematic dialogue between authorities, starostas, and communities to resolve local issues.
"We are uniting our efforts for the development of our communities. It is through the starostas that the daily life of a community flows—from the smallest matters to critical life decisions. They know the needs of their residents inside out, working 24/7 as the pillars of support people turn to in times of joy and hardship alike. I want to thank every starosta for their dedication to the cause and their tireless daily work," emphasized Oleksandr Korniienko.
Separately, he emphasized the need to develop high-quality and accessible services locally, noting that the efficiency of public administration directly determines how quickly people's requests are addressed.
According to Oleksandr Korniienko, starostas are increasingly taking on administrative service functions, a shift that will ultimately strengthen the broader social services system provided to the public.
"It is precisely through this kind of collaboration that we can ensure the resilience of public services, including in the healthcare sector," Oleksandr Korniienko stressed.
He also thanked each starosta for their daily work, emphasizing that further strengthening cooperation is critical to improving the governance system. This involves regular meetings and the exchange of practical experience.
According to him, the full-scale war has triggered numerous challenges that directly impact the life of local communities.
For this very reason, these forums have been held for several consecutive years, aiming to enhance interaction and develop legislative solutions to simplify and improve the lives of citizens across the regions.
The First Deputy Speaker pointed out that the starostas of the Kyiv region bear the responsibility for delivering on the ambitious goals facing the region in the fifth year of the full-scale war: building seamless collaboration with the executive committee, the hromada head, and local residents.
"The Kyiv region is the heart of Ukraine, which demonstrated its strength, resilience, and indomitability in 2022. It was the hromadas of this region, particularly in the north and the suburbs of the capital, that stood in the way of the russian onslaught, proving their ability to defend their homes.
Equally important is that following its liberation, the Kyiv region demonstrated extraordinary cohesion and the capacity for rapid recovery. This reaffirmed once again the strength of our communities and the people who live in them," declared Oleksandr Korniienko.
Forum participants also held substantive discussions on the institutional recognition of the role of starostas, specifically focusing on an initiative to establish a 'Starosta of the Year' award.
Candidates will be evaluated by an expert panel consisting of specialists closely involved in local self-government reform. Oleksandr Korniienko also shared an initiative to designate June 7 as Starosta Day in Ukraine.