Kyiv Investment Forum 2025: Vienna shared its experience in urban development and mobility

The Kyiv Investment Forum took place in Berlin from 11 to 12 November 2025. Top representatives from numerous European cities were in attendance. The focus was on the reconstruction and transformation processes in the Ukrainian capital - under the motto "Investing in Resilience. Shaping the Future."

Despite - or perhaps because of - its challenging circumstances, Kyiv is setting an example for its European sister cities, particularly in the areas of digitalisation and innovative administrative processes, as well as in strengthening urban resilience.

The Kyiv Investment Forum 2025 took place in Berlin for the first time and provided a platform for exchange between politicians, business leaders and city administrators from Europe and Ukraine. The forum aimed to promote investment in the reconstruction and transformation of Kyiv, intensify the dialogue on innovative urban development solutions and initiating specific cooperation projects.

The platform served as both a forum for exchange and a venue for signing important agreements. Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko signed a memorandum to restore a direct rail link between the two cities. Furthermore, Franziska Giffey, the Berlin Senator for Economic Affairs, and Mayor Klitschko signed a joint declaration of intent to promote cooperation in the areas of start-ups, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Vienna stands firmly alongside Kyiv

As the current European Capital of Democracy, Vienna is keen to share its experiences. At the panel on mobility and urban technology, the City of Vienna was represented by Omar Al-Rawi, Member of the Vienna City Council, who provided insights into urban innovation, climate adaptation, and sustainable infrastructure. Al-Rawi also emphasised that Vienna stands firmly alongside Kyiv and sees the Ukrainian capital as part of the European community of democratic metropolises. He praised Kyiv's exceptional resilience and the courage of its citizens, who remain determined to embrace a European future despite the difficult circumstances.

The City of Vienna has maintained close cooperation with Ukraine, especially with the capital Kyiv, for many years. Regular expert delegations and exchange formats take place: since 2018, more than 20 delegations from Kyiv have visited Vienna. This long-term cooperation underscores Vienna's strategic role as a partner to Ukraine in the areas of urban development, humanitarian aid, and knowledge transfer.