Expanding and Enhancing Vcentri HUB as a Government-Community Platform (UAIEV0005)

Commitment ID

UAIEV0005

Commitment Title

To expand the network of open public spaces “Vcentri HUB” in Kyiv and increase the effectiveness of their work as a platform for dialogue and partnership in the “government-community” format

Problem

The Vcentri HUB network of municipal open public spaces is an innovative project of the city of Kyiv that serves as a platform for dialogue and partnership between the government, community, business. In times of war, such spaces are of particular importance as they help strengthen social cohesion, support volunteerism and the development of community initiatives, and act as centers of participation that allow residents not only to receive support but also to influence management decisions. In addition, open public spaces are a significant resource for the sustainable operation of civil society institutions that implement sustainable activities in Kyiv. As of November 2024, the Vcentri HUB network unites 404 public organizations that, in partnership with the city authorities, implement projects that are useful to the community and the city. In order to ensure equal access of residents of all districts of the capital to the services of public organizations that use the spaces, the existing Vcentri HUB network needs to be expanded. According to a sociological survey conducted in 2024 by the municipal research institution “Research Institute for Socio-Economic Development of the City”, 57% of respondents from NGOs said that the creation of new open public spaces is an urgent issue for the city of Kyiv. Expanding the Vcentri HUB network will improve the quality of the government-community dialogue and stimulate the development of civil society and volunteer initiatives in Kyiv.

Status quo

As of the beginning of the implementation of the local Open Government Partnership Action Plan in 2025, Kyiv has a network of five municipal open public spaces called Vcentri Hubs. These hubs ensure effective communication between the government, the public, and socially responsible businesses by providing platforms for networking, coworking, and free services, including legal and psychological assistance. The hubs' premises are accessible and inclusive, making them ideal for hosting a variety of events: roundtables, workshops, trainings, seminars, exhibitions, and public discussions. However, currently, hubs have been opened in 5 districts of the capital out of 10 planned, which does not cover the needs of the entire city.

Action

The commitment envisages expanding the network of municipal open public spaces “Vcentri HUB” in Kyiv and increasing their efficiency. These hubs serve as platforms for dialogue and partnership between the government, the public and business, providing comfortable platforms for networking, coworking and free services, including legal and psychological assistance. Expected results include an increase in the number of such spaces in all districts of the city, which will ensure accessibility for more residents, as well as an improvement in the quality of services and events provided. The overall goal is to create an effective infrastructure for interaction between the authorities and the community, promoting transparency, accountability and active participation of citizens in the development of the city.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

The expansion of the Vcentri HUB network of open public spaces in Kyiv is aimed at addressing the lack of interaction between the community and the authorities. These hubs create platforms for dialogue where citizens can participate in decision-making, discuss important issues, and cooperate with the authorities.
Expected results:
Improved communication: Ensuring regular meetings and discussions between the community and the authorities.
Increased civic engagement: Involvement of citizens in decision-making processes and implementation of initiatives.
Development of public initiatives: Support and development of local projects and initiatives.
The overall goal is to create an inclusive environment for active participation of citizens in the development of the city and strengthening of democratic processes.
Currently, there are several Vcentri HUBs in Kyiv, including in Obolon, Shevchenkivskyi, Holosiivskyi, Solomianskyi, and Dniprovskyi districts. These spaces are actively used to conduct trainings, seminars, cultural events, and provide assistance to internally displaced persons.
Expanding the network of such hubs will facilitate wider involvement of citizens in decision-making and city development.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

Expanding the network of open public spaces “Vcentri HUB” in Kyiv and increasing the effectiveness of their work as a platform for dialogue and partnership in the government-community format is in line with the long-term goal set out in the National Strategy for Civil Society Development in Ukraine, which is to
Increasing citizen participation in decision-making processes. The creation of such spaces facilitates the involvement of citizens in the discussion and formation of public policy, which is in line with the principles of open governance.
Strengthening trust between citizens and authorities. Active interaction in such hubs helps to reduce distrust and contributes to more effective solutions to local problems.
Developing an inclusive and democratic society. Engaging different social groups in dialogue and partnership promotes social cohesion and the development of civil society.
Thus, this commitment contributes to the realization of strategic goals aimed at developing open governance and active participation of citizens in public administration.

Primary Policy Area

Civic Space, Inclusion

Primary Sector

Public Services (general), Other/NA

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?