RCERBS Foundation at the International Symposium in Lviv: Small Communities — the Foundation for Net Zero Recovery

The Regional Centre for Economic Research and Business Support (RCERBS), at the invitation of Bankwatch Network, actively participated in the 4th International Symposium “Rebuilding Home: Recovery Towards Net Zero”, held at the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) in Lviv on October 17–18, 2025.

The hybrid-format event brought together leading Ukrainian and international experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives to discuss pathways for a “green” and sustainable post-war recovery. The symposium was also attended by representatives of communities involved in the PARASOL project implemented by the RCERBS Foundation, as well as other Ukrainian communities.

NET ZERO SMEs: Small Communities as the Foundation for Climate Neutrality

A key highlight of the second day was the presentation by Ruslan Shcherbakov, President of the RCERBS Foundation, delivered within the section “Investments for Climate Neutrality.”

Ruslan Shcherbakov spoke not only as the President of the Foundation but also as the Ukrainian Coordinator of the Interreg project NET ZERO SMEs. His presentation focused on the competitiveness and innovation potential of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing zero-emission industries.

“We are convinced that a thousand small communities can assume the role of supporting zero-emission SMEs faster than anyone else, as they are the most invested in their own energy resilience and economic recovery,”

emphasized Ruslan Shcherbakov.

Therefore, speaking on behalf of the Interreg project, the President of the Foundation invited SMEs and communities to submit their proposals for the development of a joint European policy to support green enterprises.

Proposal for Synergy to Maximize Impact

During the discussion of Track 4, which included a presentation by Andrii Kitura, Head of the Green Transition Office at DiXi Group, who introduced a grant platform, Ruslan Shcherbakov proposed creating synergistic cooperation.

The President of the RCERBS Foundation suggested collaboration with the “Project Navigator” to combine efforts and maximize the impact for communities and donors. Such synergy would enable communities not only to assess their capacity but also to gain better access to grant funding.

For reference: Among the key participants of the symposium were representatives of UN-Habitat, GIZ, Oxford Net Zero, CEE Bankwatch Network, DiXi Group, as well as leading experts and government representatives.