Sumy Territorial Community

History

The city of Sumy was founded by Cossacks led by Ataman Herasym Kondratiev and the date of June 25, 1655 is considered the beginning of its history. Despite its proximity to the russian border, Sumy has preserved a European spirit in its architecture and culture.

Sumy, located at the crossroads of important historical paths, has its own native history, steeped in the struggle for freedom and dignity. This land is marked by heroes who, like Ukrainians today, bravely defended the independence of Ukraine in different eras – from the Cossack times to the modern struggle. The memory of their exploits is an inseparable part of the community’s identity, and the desire for development is a continuation of their cause.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Germans, Austrians, Belgians, Czechs, Poles, and Jews lived in Sumy. This cultural diversity was reflected in the wonderful cobblestones, cozy squares, and green gardens. Local patrons invested efforts in the development of the city, building cathedrals, hospitals, churches, chapels, and synagogues. The support and development of the city is largely due to entrepreneurs, among whom the Kharytonenko family stands out. They also contributed to the development of manufacturing industry, building sugar factories and other enterprises, which gave impetus to the economic growth of the region.

Economy and Welfare

Sumy is a modern economic center, where local business forms the basis of the community’s well-being. Leading enterprises specialize in the chemical, mechanical engineering, and pharmaceutical industries. Thanks to the introduction of innovations, their products are exported to many countries around the world, which strengthens the city’s economic potential even in the difficult conditions of martial law.

The key driver of the economy during the war are small and medium-sized enterprises, which receive comprehensive support from the community. They create jobs, develop the domestic market and stimulate the development of infrastructure. Thanks to cooperation with international organizations, the city is implementing environmental and energy-saving projects, for example, installing a solar power plant to provide hot water for a children’s hospital.

The community’s social initiatives include modernizing health care facilities, improving educational conditions, and creating new opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Community and War

On February 24, the Sumy community was one of the first to feel the blow of russian aggression. Russian troops approached the city early in the morning from the northeast. Residents, including volunteers of all ages and professions, quickly mobilized to form territorial defense and volunteer groups.

Despite the blockade of the city and artillery and aircraft shelling for several weeks, the Sumy community remained unconquered. The blockade lasted until April 4, when Sumy was liberated.

However, the danger remains, with russian troops demonstrating armed aggression towards the community, reminding us of the relentless threat that still looms over the city.

The Sumy community is restoring infrastructure, transport networks, energy networks, and social institutions and facilities, including schools, hospitals, and residential buildings.

Initiatives to assist internally displaced persons, as well as retraining, psychological support, and business stimulation initiatives are being implemented which helps attract investment and support the local economy.

Community People

The Sumy community has always been distinguished by active leadership, focused on sustainable development and improving the lives of its residents. Currently, the community is headed by the Secretary of the Sumy City Council and Acting Mayor, Artem Kobzar. He continues to support important initiatives, including those in the areas of economy, culture, and social development. 

Before the war, Sumy had a number of successful projects, including the Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG) program. Thanks to this initiative, the community received support for the implementation of infrastructure and health care projects that contributed to the development of the local economy and improved the quality of life of residents. The program also became a platform for attracting investment and developing partnerships at the local level.

During the war, community life changes, but it does not stop. Volunteer movements are activated, residents unite to provide humanitarian aid, support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and organize medical and psychological initiatives. At the same time, cultural events continue to be held, although adapted to the new conditions.

Initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable population groups, integrating internally displaced persons, and supporting youth have become important components of community life.

The Sumy community continues to work on restoring economic and social processes, despite the difficult conditions of the war, and is ready to adapt its development to new challenges.

Development Strategy

The Sumy community, despite the challenges of war, is focused on recovery and sustainable development. Due to its proximity to the border and the constant threat of shelling, the community is forced to adapt resources, strengthen protective measures, and consolidate critical infrastructure daily to ensure stability and protection for residents.

The development strategy until 2027 is based on three key principles: restoring infrastructure, introducing innovations, and creating a safe and comfortable living environment. The main areas are accessibility, supporting social programs, developing a competitive economy, and effective governance.

The vision is to create a stable, innovative, and socially responsible environment where every resident has the opportunity to grow with the community.

The community strives to harmoniously combine traditions and modern technologies, ensure a high standard of living, access to quality services, and actively involve residents in decision-making.

Within the framework of international cooperation projects, Sumy is implementing initiatives to improve medical services, energy efficiency and digitalization. For example, the implementation of an electronic patient tracking system, funded by the EU, significantly increases the accessibility of medicine. Another project – mobile shelters – created with the support of the Polish government, will ensure safety during shelling.

The educational potential of the community is supported through the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.

The community has 12 sister cities, including German, Polish, and Swiss communities, which helps to exchange experiences and attract investments.

List of Sources

• Information portal of the Sumy City Council 
  City Strategic Development Department 
• Development Strategy of the Sumy Urban Territorial Community until 2027 
• Sumy Regional Military Administration 
• JSC “TECHNOLOGIA” 
• O’BEREG Craft Cheese Factory 
• Cukr Online magazine 
• Suspilne Sumy 
• Sumy Promotion Agency