"Sustainable development is not a luxury, but our chance to survive"

Since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression, Iryna Semenenko’s work has fundamentally changed: international tourism projects have turned into humanitarian missions, and climate goals have become a strategy for survival. In this interview, the Chief Specialist for International Cooperation, Tourism, and Promotion in Novovolynsk explains how her community is resisting the war with renewable energy, gender equality, and European partnerships – and why, in wartime, sustainability has become a matter of national security.

Ms. Semenenko, you are the Chief Specialist for International Cooperation, Tourism, and Promotion in the Ukrainian city of Novovolynsk. Since spring 2024, your municipality has been part of our project “Energy Transition Town Twinnings“, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office. We first met in person at the project’s kick-off event last November, where you also had your first meeting with representatives from your partner municipality of Hoyerswerda. I’m glad we now have the opportunity to talk again.

Could you give our readers an insight into your daily work before Russia’s full-scale invasion – and how it has changed since?

Before the war, my work was focused on international cooperation, tourism projects, and promoting Novovolynsk as a modern community. With the start of the full-scale invasion, new challenges were added: humanitarian aid, support for IDPs, and support for donor projects. But we did not stop: we continue to develop partnerships, implement initiatives, and work on the city's image. During this time, we have gained unique experience, formed practices that we are ready to share, and are looking for equal partnerships that will benefit both parties.

How does the signing of the European Charter for Equality affect your work, even during the war?

Even in the face of military aggression, we adhere to European values. The Charter for Equality is not just a document, but a guideline that helps us not to lose humanity and justice. We make sure that help is available to everyone, regardless of gender, age, or status, because war should not level human rights.

The war has dramatically changed the social dynamics: many men were mobilised, and women were forced to take on double responsibility - both in the family and in society. Hundreds of displaced women with children came to our community, who, despite losing their homes, are now actively involved in local life and overcoming new challenges every day. At the same time, male veterans returning from the frontline often have to start from scratch - looking for work, rebuilding family relationships, and adjusting to life in the war zone. Women have become a pillar of support on the home front, learning new professions and getting involved in green energy. One such example is the project to install solar panels on the roof of the Novo Business Support Centre, coordinated by Ivanna Tsytsyuk. This is a symbol of the changes that both women and men are making, building the future out of the ruins.

The “Energy Transition Town Twinnings“ project connects cities through sustainability and international cooperation. In a time of war and deep crisis, what does local partnership across borders mean to you and your city?

Partnership in times of war is much more than formal cooperation. It includes gestures of solidarity, humanitarian aid, support during shelling and crises, and hope. Our partners from Germany, France, Poland, Belgium, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia are true friends who do not leave us alone. They send medical equipment, generators, furniture for IDPs and show us that Ukraine is not alone by their presence.

By participating in the Town Twinning Energy Transition project, we hope not only to implement important renewable energy initiatives but also to build a strong, equal partnership with the community of Hoerswerda. We want to develop together, learn from each other, and share best practices - from energy management to community adaptation in times of crisis.

Such inter-municipal relations are a two-way street: we not only receive support, but also have something to give - experience, flexibility, resilience. Most importantly, we share a common vision of the future based on European values, humanity, and trust.

We’ve seen energy infrastructure repeatedly targeted in this war. How does energy independence tie into national security and into a city’s ability to stay resilient?

Russia is deliberately attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure. In these circumstances, energy independence is security. If a community has its energy sources, it will survive. This is not just a matter of technology, but of national sovereignty.

When we talk about resilience, do renewables have an edge over fossil fuels, or is it the other way around in a crisis?

Yes, they do. They are decentralized and less vulnerable to shocks. They provide a basic level of autonomy in shelters, hospitals, schools, and utilities. In times of war, RES are a source of sustainability and humanity.

You’re in a situation where long-term goals like sustainability meet urgent needs like simply keeping the lights on. How do you navigate that tension?

In a crisis, these goals do not contradict each other. For example, solar panels on shelters are both an environmental solution and a response to the urgent need for light and heat during blackouts. Sustainable development is not a luxury, but our chance to survive and preserve the future.

What kind of support do local governments like yours need right now, from your national government, and international partners like the EU or the US?

We need consistent support: financial, technical, and political. Direct funding for municipalities, simplified access to European programs, expert assistance in the field of energy, and housing for IDPs. Communities are at the forefront. We are not only helping people - we are holding Ukraine together.

Looking ahead: When you imagine the post-war reconstruction of Novovolynsk, what role do you see for renewable energy and climate policy in shaping a better, more resilient city?

It is a key tool for recovery. We don't want to rebuild the old system we inherited from the Soviet era, which depended on imports or centralized resources. We want to create a safe, smart, sustainable city where energy is clean, affordable, and independent of the enemy.

How can the European Union better support local Ukrainian authorities in expanding renewable energy, not just for recovery, but as part of a shared climate future?

We need targeted programs specifically for communities: direct grants, technical assistance, access to modern technologies. We need joint projects to show that Ukraine's recovery and Europe's climate transformation can go hand in hand.

Contact: 

Anika Schwalbe
Project Manager: Energy Transition Town Twinnings

a.schwalbe@unendlich-viel-energie.de