On October 30, 2025 , in the premises of the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine named after H. Udovenko under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (Kyiv), an international conference “Resilience and European Future of Sumy Region” was held.
The goal of the international conference is to focus the attention of international partners on the Sumy region, which is the "eastern gate of Europe" and, despite the challenges of war, demonstrates the resilience of the Ukrainian people. 
The event participants were: Viktor Mykyta (Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine), Oleksiy Kuleba (Vice Prime Minister for Recovery, Minister of Community and Territorial Development), Andriy Sybiga (Minister of Foreign Affairs), Oleh Lyashko (Minister of Health), Ruslan Prykhodko (Minister for Veterans Affairs), Oleh Hrygorov (Head of the Sumy Regional State Administration), the mayors of Konotop, Shostka, Trostianets, representatives of medical and rehabilitation institutions of Sumy region, representatives of the UN, the European Investment Bank, high-ranking representatives of EU countries and other international organizations.
The non-governmental organization “Vision Zero” is presented as a partner of the conference with the assistance of the Konotop City Community.
One of the projects presented at the conference for international partners was the Concept for the Reconstruction of Dvirtseva (Privokzalnaya) Square in the city of Konotop , developed by the NGO "Vision Zero" , which was personally presented by the Mayor of Konotop, Artem Semenikhin .
The concept was developed in cooperation with the city community within the framework of the project "Climate-neutral and accessible transport infrastructure of Konotop" with the support of the European Climate Foundation.
Dvirtseva (Privokzalnaya) Square in Konotop is one of the city's main public spaces and an important transport hub. The concept involves rethinking the space of the square and the adjacent intersections and Svobody Street according to the principles of universal design, human-centeredness, and climate sustainability.
The mayor of Konotop noted that the square is intended to become a convenient space for staying and resting not only for wounded soldiers undergoing rehabilitation or citizens affected by military actions, but also aimed at the comfort and safety of children, the elderly, other residents and guests of the city. It should become a European-style urban space, a calling card and the first impression of the city when getting off the train.
The main topic of the conference was dedicated to the rehabilitation and restoration of active military personnel and veterans, restoration, protection from shelling and ensuring the operation of medical (rehabilitation) institutions in wartime, and the creation of a barrier-free and inclusive environment in communities of the Sumy region.
According to Oleksiy Kuleba , in 2025 the Government has already allocated UAH 200 million in subsidies for 25 frontline communities of the region and is preparing a second tranche of UAH 100 million. Last year, international support for the Sumy region amounted to almost USD 55 million, thanks to the support of foreign partners, more than USD 35 million in aid has been attracted, and the work continues.
