Advancing Rights-Based Transport in Ukraine: Lessons from Lund
At the end of March 2026, the Department of Technology and Society at LTH, together with K2 – The Swedish Knowledge Centre for Collective Mobility, and with support from the Unit for External Engagement and Development at LTH, successfully concluded the on-site module in Lund as part of the Swedish Institute–funded capacity development programme “Developing a Sustainable Transport System from a Rights-Based Perspective.”
Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, and participant of the programme, Mr Serhiy Derkach.
The week combined academic input with practical learning. The Ukrainian transport professionals visited Malmö and Helsingborg to observe Swedish approaches to urban mobility, public transport, and local governance, complemented by discussions with local politicians from Lund, Malmö and Helsingborg.
Deputy Mayor of the City of Lund, Mr Rasmus Törnblom, welcoming the delegation to Lund.
A key focus was participants’ individual projects, developed throughout the programme and addressing rights-based and sustainable transport solutions in Ukraine. These range from national policy work on e-mobility and charging infrastructure to local initiatives such as circular and solar-powered public transport concepts. During a dedicated working day in Lund, participants received feedback from Swedish mentors representing Trafikverket, Region Skåne, Trivector, City of Malmö, and Lund Municipality, alongside Ukrainian mentors within the Executive Mentorship Programme as well as other prominent experts from LTH.
A parallel Executive Mentorship Programme strengthens long-term outcomes by equipping Ukrainian mentors with enhanced mentoring skills. Mentors participate in the full programme alongside tailored sessions focused on capacity building.
Beyond formal sessions, the week balanced open discussion, reflection, and more creative workshops, creating space for both critical exchange and idea development. Swedish case studies were particularly appreciated, offering concrete examples of long-term planning and integrated solutions in practice. Discussions provided a grounded perspective on implementation, with participants highlighting the time, consistency, and institutional trust required to achieve similar developments in Ukraine. Rather than discouraging, this reinforced the importance of resilience and gradual progress.
A strong outcome of the week was the emergence of a new professional network, with participants building connections that will support continued collaboration beyond the programme. Overall, the module strengthened both knowledge and motivation to contribute to meaningful transformation in Ukraine.
One participant reflected: “The on-site module highlighted the importance of a systemic approach, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration for implementing sustainable transport solutions.”
Strengthening International Partnerships in Railway Transport
In the same week, LTH had the pleasure of hosting a delegation from Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways). This visit, coordinated by the Unit for Projects and Development, built on a previous delegation visit in November 2025 and aimed to deepen collaboration through knowledge exchange and shared learning.
The delegation visited Trafikverksskolan, where they gained insight into Swedish training methodologies and explored opportunities for future cooperation in education and skills development. Researchers from the Division of Transport and Roads at LTH, also presented their ongoing research and provided an overview of the Swedish railway system. Despite differences in context, discussions revealed many shared challenges and opportunities, reinforcing the value of continued collaboration.
The visit also included a study trip to Copenhagen, where participants explored the metro system, visited the control centre at Metroselskabet, and engaged in discussions with Banedanmark. These exchanges further highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing complex transport challenges.
The delegation from Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways) together with LTH representatives.
Looking Ahead: Dissemination and Continued Engagement
The next major milestone for the programme “Developing a Sustainable Transport System from a Rights-Based Perspective” is the final dissemination conference, which will take place in Kyiv on 27–28 May 2026. The conference will provide a platform for participants to present their project outcomes, receive feedback from experts and stakeholders, and engage with a broader network of professionals.
As the programme approaches its conclusion, it is clear that it has not only supported individual project development, but also contributed to strengthening professional networks and institutional links between Sweden and Ukraine in the field of sustainable transport.
Pictures by: Johan Persson.
Read about previous activities in the scope of the programme here.
