The URC is the fourth international conference dedicated to Ukraine’s rapid recovery and long-term reconstruction. The event brought together over 1,000 participants, including representatives from governments, international organisations, financial institutions, large businesses, communities and municipalities. Key topics of the conference include mobilising business for reconstruction, developing human capital, pursuing European integration and supporting regions.
During the conference, three of the four concepts — Bakhmut-Hoshcha, Mariupol-Bila Tserkva and Trostyanets — were presented in Rome directly by city mayors at the Communities pavilion. They served as a platform for negotiations with donors, foundations and potential investors. The project generated interest, with a series of meetings already scheduled with representatives from government institutions and international organisations who are considering supporting its implementation.
Yuriy Bova, the mayor of Trostyanets, said: “For Trostyanets, the ‘Steel Dream’ is a powerful and effective tool that has allowed us to reach a new level of negotiations with international partners. Having such a detailed plan is exactly what is expected of us on the international stage. This approach has the potential to become a driver for the entire Sumy region.”
As part of the URC, Tetiana Skrypka, head of external projects at Metinvest Sichstal, delivered a presentation on the general “Steel Dream” concept at the Business Fair stage.
Tetiana said that the “Steel Dream” is a universal concept that will allow rapid and safe infrastructure reconstruction. It is based on three steel technologies: module, frame and platform. The Group’s specialists have developed more than 200 standard projects for residential and social infrastructure, which can already be implemented.
The main advantages of this type of housing are the speed of construction thanks to prefabricated structures, reliability and durability, as well as flexibility in planning and use. In addition, 98% of the steel is recyclable, making the solution environmentally responsible.
The head of external projects at Metinvest Sichstal also demonstrated how the “Steel Dream” projects are being put into practice.
Specifically, the “Circle of Life” concept, which will be implemented in Hlukhiv, includes park areas that unite people and integrate education with nature. In Trostyanets, the “Point of Unity” will unite the city’s industrial, cultural and environmental heritage into a single ecosystem.
For displaced persons from Mariupol in Bila Tserkva, Metinvest has developed the “Lines of Life” concept: thematic pathways that transform the space into a living social network. For the Bakhmut community in Hoshcha, the concept focuses on recreating the identity of their native city through familiar zoning and symbolic features, such as the Rose Alley. The design of these neighbourhoods is set to begin this year.
Metinvest offers a comprehensive roadmap for communities, from concept to operation. The Group provides not only standard projects but also support in securing funding, preparing documentation and launching construction.
Tetiana Skrypka emphasised: “We are not just offering ideas. We are offering a clear, step-by-step action plan and an open platform for partnership.”