ISCN Global Mixer | U_CAN: Supporting Carbon Neutrality and Smart City Development in Ukraine

The U_CAN project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon program, supports Ukraine’s transition to carbon-neutral and smart urban development. By aligning with the European Green Deal’s vision of climate neutrality by 2050, U_CAN connects six Ukrainian pilot cities with European counterparts under the Climate Neutral and Smart Cities (CNSC) Mission. This 48-month initiative, involving 21 partners (including 10 from Ukraine), fosters collaboration to develop innovative solutions tailored to local challenges, bridging local expertise and global best practices.

U_CAN drives change through three key pathways. First, it facilitates twinning partnerships between Ukrainian and European CNSC Mission cities, to implement tailored innovations, such as renewable energy systems in Zhytomyr, underground transit advancements in Kyiv, and positive energy districts in Lviv. Second, the project emphasizes technological modernization and standardization. This includes protocols for repurposing construction materials, retrofitting buildings to boost energy efficiency, and advancing renewable energy integration, ensuring these advancements are replicable across cities. Finally, U_CAN empowers people. Leadership programs, webinars, and knowledge-sharing initiatives equip local governments, communities, and stakeholders with the tools to implement and replicate these smart solutions across the country.

With innovation, modernization, and capacity building at its core, U_CAN aims to chart a bold new path for post-war reconstruction, transforming Ukraine’s cities into global leaders in smart, sustainable urban development.

This event is part of the ISCN Global Mixer, a series of events organized by the International Smart Cities Network. The presentations cover a wide range of topics related to international smart city approaches and provide exciting insights into urban digitalization worldwide - in just 30 minutes.