Introducing Khotyn City Council (Ukraine) Discovery Partner

Established on March 28, 1990, the Khotyn City Council serves as the local self-government body representing the interests of 17,884 residents across 11 settlements, including the city of Khotyn and surrounding villages. The council is dedicated to the sustainable development of the community and improving the quality of life for its residents.

The Khotyn City Council's priorities:

• Developing infrastructure and promoting barrier-free environments
• Supporting local businesses, attracting investment, and creating jobs
• Providing social services and healthcare support for vulnerable populations
• Fostering education, culture, sports, and youth initiatives
• Protecting the environment through energy efficiency programs and waste management
• Promoting tourism, preserving historical heritage, and enhancing the city’s appeal
• Participating in regional, national, and European policy-making

Khotyn City Council works closely with national institutions such as the State Tax Service of Ukraine, the Pension Fund of Ukraine, and the State Employment Service. The council has also established partnerships with 18 cities in 9 European countries, strengthening its international cooperation and fostering cultural exchange.

Khotyn City Council and the SALAM Project

The Khotyn City Council, through the SALAM project, focuses on supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly women facing challenges due to the war, such as widows and family members of military servicemen. Many IDPs come from regions severely affected by conflict, like Luhansk, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhia, and some intend to stay in Khotyn long-term. The community primarily consists of women, children, and individuals with disabilities, many of whom struggle to find work due to a lack of permanent housing, skills, and awareness of remote job opportunities.

The Khotyn City Council aims to develop a strategy for the sustainable integration and adaptation of IDPs into the community's economic life, focusing on the following targets:

1. Economic Independence and Retraining of IDPs
2. Strengthening Social Cohesion for Women in Difficult Circumstances
3. Promoting Self-Determination through Development and Interaction
4. Ensuring Sustainable Integration and Social Security for IDPs
5. Engaging New Community Members, Including NEETs

Through the SALAM project, Khotyn City Council is committed to empowering IDPs, especially women, and fostering a supportive and integrated community.