Rebuilding Ukraine: a conversation about what comes next
If you are interested not only in observing the reconstruction but also in understanding what it might look like, you should pay attention to this online symposium. Over three days — September 9–11, 2022 — Ukrainian and international experts discussed the future of the country through the themes of ruin, presentation, and solidarity.
Not just about buildings
The title of the event may sound academic, but its content is surprisingly practical. Reconstruction is viewed broadly here: it’s not just about architecture and infrastructure, but also about cities, cultural memory, social ties, institutions, and the psychological recovery of society.
The program included discussions on housing, heritage preservation, urban planning, economic and political challenges of reconstruction, the consequences of violence, and overcoming collective trauma. This means it is an event for those who want to see behind the word "reconstruction" not an abstract scale, but concrete human and urban stories.
How it all happened
The symposium took place entirely online, and its program was divided into three thematic days: about the immediate consequences of war and shelter, about memory and experiencing loss, as well as about solidarity, justice, and a shared future. More than 40 Ukrainian and international experts participated in the discussions — architects, artists, historians, economists, poets, and representatives from other fields.
The organizers included Ukrainian and international research and cultural institutions, including the Center for Urban History in Lviv, the Center for Urban Studies in Kyiv, Visual Culture Research Center, ReStart Ukraine, University College London, and Yale University. The working language was English, with accessible simultaneous translation into Ukrainian.
Was it worth joining?
Yes, if you are interested in the topics of urban development, architecture, culture, history, or if you want to better understand how the country is being rebuilt not just physically. The online format made the event accessible regardless of the city, and the diverse composition of participants allowed for various perspectives to be heard — from urban planning specialists to memory and trauma researchers.
This is not an easy conversation and not a presentation of ready-made solutions. Rather, it is a space for complex questions: what exactly are we rebuilding, whose voices should be heard, and how to make future Ukraine not just repaired but fairer and more resilient. Would you be interested in such a conversation about the future of Ukrainian cities?
