Metinvest Polytechnic participated in the international forum "The Future in Ukraine: Recovery and Human Capital Development," highlighting the crucial role of education in the country’s rebuilding efforts. The event served as a key platform for discussions on workforce development, veteran reintegration programmes, and the sustainable restoration of infrastructure. During the forum, the university presented its initiatives aimed at preparing professionals who will drive change in Ukraine’s post-war recovery.
The event was held as part of the "Community Recovery School" project— a global educational initiative designed to train municipal managers for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. Metinvest Polytechnic is a key educational partner of this initiative and is already implementing specialized training programmes for its participants. The international forum brought together over 250 representatives from the Ukrainian government, local authorities, international organizations, and leading Ukrainian educational institutions, providing a vital platform for discussions on the key aspects of the country’s recovery and development.
Vadym Pukhalskyi, Head of the Development Department at Metinvest Polytechnic Technical University, emphasized the crucial role of education in the recovery process and the development of veteran programmes: "At Metinvest Polytechnic, we recognize the importance of providing veterans with access to high-quality education. Our programmes go beyond technical training—they cultivate essential multidisciplinary skills such as critical thinking, digital design, and a deep understanding of industrial and business processes. Veterans studying at our university are actively engaged in real-world industrial projects, gaining the practical experience necessary to contribute to infrastructure restoration and national development." He also stressed that the university is committed to creating the right conditions for veterans to unlock their potential and become key drivers of change in Ukraine’s post-war recovery.
A dedicated session at the forum focused on veteran support, including social adaptation, rehabilitation, and employment opportunities. Participants discussed comprehensive reintegration programmes, retraining initiatives, psychological support, and the role of community organizations and local governments in facilitating these processes.
Natalia Yemchenko, SCM's Director of Public Relations and Communications and a board member of the Mariupol Reborn and Heart of Azovstal NGOs, spoke about SCM's ongoing efforts to adapt its processes to support military personnel: "We are already actively addressing this issue, both in terms of team dynamics and enhancing infrastructure accessibility where possible. Right now, Ukraine is in the process of shaping a veteran-centered policy framework. However, the real implementation of these programmes will take place within local communities—in neighborhoods, on the streets, and in workplaces. The success of veteran policies will largely depend on the capabilities of local communities, their resources, and their ability to create opportunities. The same holds true for all aspects of life. We firmly believe that rebuilding—both during and after the war—requires specialized expertise and skills. It demands highly trained, competent professionals, and we are already working to develop them".
