Kateryna Hnedina, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor and Representative of the Chernihiv Polytechnic National University, Selected for the 2026-2027 Cohort of the International Educational Program “Advancing Sustainable Development in Ukraine” by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

The program aims to prepare Ukrainian specialists for active participation in the sustainable recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine. Selection for the program was competitive. This year, the organizers recorded the highest number of applications in the entire history of the course, noting the exceptionally high caliber of candidates. Program participants represent 20 countries worldwide.

The “Advancing Sustainable Development in Ukraine” program is a two-semester course spanning the 2026-2027 academic year. Its main goal is to strengthen the capacity of Ukrainian professionals to develop and implement sustainable, innovative, and scalable solutions for Ukraine’s recovery. A key feature of the program is the combination of academic learning with practical project work addressing real reconstruction challenges.

The curriculum covers a broad range of topics relevant to Ukraine’s post-war recovery: the fundamentals of sustainable development and strategic vision; legal frameworks, European integration, and standards; governance and institutional capacity; human capital, public health, and inclusion; finance, investment, and procurement; urban planning, infrastructure, and energy; as well as innovation and entrepreneurship.

A distinct component of the training will focus on developing leadership competencies, specifically negotiation, communication, and influence skills, alongside mastering project management tools. In the second part of the program, participants will work in teams on real reconstruction projects proposed by Ukrainian ministries, municipalities, or private sector representatives.