Новини
DEI Principles in Action: Six Communities in Lviv Region Adopt Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policies
28 january 2026
A project aimed at advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at the local level has been successfully implemented in six communities across the Lviv region. Its outcomes include not only the development of strategic DEI documents, but also a significant increase in awareness, engagement, and understanding among participants.
As part of the initiative, comprehensive DEI support programs were developed for all six communities. Four of these policies have already been approved by their respective city councils, while the remaining two are expected to be adopted at upcoming council sessions. This will enable communities to systematically embed principles of equality and inclusion into their daily work and decision-making processes.
A crucial component of the project was the engagement of local teams. In each community, participants conducted presentations of the new policies, involving representatives of local authorities, civil society organizations, and youth groups. This format fostered open dialogue and helped build a shared understanding of the core values underpinning DEI.
“This project demonstrated that communities are ready to approach diversity, equity and inclusion in a systematic way. When there is knowledge, youth engagement, active civil-society participation, and strong partner support, DEI stops being an abstract concept and becomes part of everyday governance,”
According to survey results, participant awareness of DEI principles increased by 42%, and overall satisfaction with the project exceeded 90%. These indicators confirm the practical value of the initiative and its alignment with the real needs of communities.
One of the project’s key focus areas was accessibility. Following a series of accessibility audits, six practical reports were prepared with recommendations to improve access within social-infrastructure facilities. These findings have already been integrated into the strategic documents of the participating communities and will serve as a foundation for further systemic improvements.
“For our community, this is truly an important step forward. We are committed to creating an environment where every person feels respected, supported, and granted equal opportunities. Initiatives like this help us grow stronger and develop in a systematic and responsible way,”
Youth and civil-society organizations played an active role throughout the project. Four youth councils and three civil-society organizations contributed to the work, ensuring a more inclusive approach and a broader representation of different groups in the decision-making process.
The project “Developing DEI Policies in Small Communities of Lviv Region” is implemented by the MHP-Gromadi Charity Foundation within the framework of the “United for the Community” initiative, carried out by ISAR Ednannia with financial support from the European Union. The project aims to create conditions for inclusive community development aligned with European standards of equality and transparency.