As reported by an Ukrinform correspondent, The event at the Mediterranean University Center brought together representatives of local authorities, businesses and government institutions.
The forum’s main event on Tuesday was a conference titled “Sustainable Cities: France–Ukraine Partnership for Resilience and Modernization of Urban Infrastructure.”
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Jean-Marie Girier, prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes department, highlighted the value of Ukraine’s experience in building resilience. He said French cities also need to prepare for crises through planning, regular exercises and risk awareness.
“Reconstruction does not wait for the war to end. It begins as soon as we restore people’s ability to live, and we have learned to do this even under the most difficult conditions,” Ukrainian Ambassador to France Vadym Omelchenko said.
Christophe Hamon, co-chair of the International Commission of the Nice Côte d’Azur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed the potential to combine French technological and engineering expertise with Ukraine’s practical experience in adapting to emergencies.
The forum also addressed energy, critical infrastructure, digitalization and municipal services, as well as the work of Ukrainian communities during the war. Participants presented the MistoMatch program, which aims to establish direct partnerships between cities in France and Ukraine.
Ukrainian delegations from several cities and communities are also taking part in technical visits to learn about French municipal solutions and establish contacts for future cooperation.
Read also: France condemns strikes on Pryluky and Kramatorsk: Russian crimes cannot go unpunishedThe forum was organized by the AFUCA association and the Ukrainian League of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in France, the City of Nice and the Nice Côte d’Azur metropolitan area. It is expected to launch the France–Ukraine Municipal Innovation Platform (IMFU) to promote cooperation among communities, businesses and institutions.
As Ukrinform reported, the Ukrainian Center in Nice is intended to become a “place of strength.”
