Summary of the National Barrier-Free Week: The Path to Inclusive and Sustainable Development
In 2025, Ukraine held the National Barrier-Free Week for the first time — an initiative aimed at creating a new social culture where respect for the dignity of every person, regardless of physical, social, or mental differences, is the norm.
Modern Ukraine is changing: we are rethinking social values, expanding opportunities for inclusion, and creating conditions for everyone to be involved in the collective effort of restoring, rebuilding, and developing the country.
One vivid example of the practical implementation of barrier-free principles is the nationwide project “Solar Guard of Communities,” whose strategic partner and state coordinator is the State Energy Efficiency Agency of Ukraine (Derzhenergoefektyvnosti).
A special focus of the project — “Solar Reserve” — is dedicated to the social adaptation and professional reintegration of veterans into the renewable energy sector. This is a contribution to expanding barrier-free access, providing an opportunity to return to active professional life and become part of the “green” projects that are changing the country.
Programs for veterans will include preparatory courses on the installation and maintenance of solar power plants, as well as training modules on the basics of entrepreneurship. It is expected that about 300 veterans will retrain, acquiring in-demand skills adapted to the needs of local communities.
The project is already launching in Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, and Mykolaiv regions, where Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency Offices operate. These centers are becoming important hubs for coordinating both the technical and social aspects of the initiative.
We are grateful to the participants of the initiative — communities, educational institutions, veterans’ organizations, and businesses. Special thanks to the team of the Public Union “Business for Partnership” for coordinating and contributing to the implementation of this large-scale idea.
Details about the multi-faceted project “Solar Guard of Communities” are available at: https://www.bfp.org.ua/sg4c
Together, we are creating a Ukraine without barriers! 🇺🇦
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