Representatives of the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine took part in the first workshop held under the international Ukrainian-Swedish project BUILDS-UP – “Building Universal and Inclusive Local Design – Swedish-Ukrainian Partnership.” The initiative aims to promote the development of an inclusive and barrier-free environment within government bodies and local communities.
Implemented in cooperation with Sweden, the project supports Ukraine in adopting modern European approaches to accessibility, particularly in the context of post-war reconstruction and European integration. Special attention is given to raising awareness among civil servants regarding the rights of persons with disabilities, the principles of universal design, and practical tools for conducting accessibility audits.
The project includes a series of training sessions, expert consultations, and practical workshops intended to strengthen the institutional capacity of Ukrainian public authorities to introduce and apply barrier-free solutions.
Accessibility is an important component of civil service development and of the organisation of work at the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine. The Ministry operates a Gender Committee focused on ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women and men, as well as preventing and combating discrimination. Systematic efforts are being undertaken to improve working conditions and create an inclusive environment within the institution.
In particular, work is underway on establishing a dedicated children’s room – a specially equipped space where employees may stay with their children during the working day when necessary. Plans are also being developed to modernise the entrance to the Ministry building to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities and other groups with reduced mobility.
The Ministry of Energy of Ukraine continues to work toward ensuring a comfortable, safe, and inclusive working environment, while also integrating accessibility principles into the planning and modernisation of facilities across the energy sector.
The nationwide social awareness campaign “Barrier-free is when you can” forms part of the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Environment and is being implemented jointly with UNICEF within the “Without Barriers” initiative of First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska.
