Sumy region — Bodø: a partnership with Norway growing into friendship

Sumy region — Bodø: a partnership growing into friendship.

The visit of the Sumy region delegation, led by the Head of the Sumy Regional State Administration Oleh Hryhorov, to Norway marked a new chapter in relations between Sumy region, Bodø municipality and Nordland county.

From 17 to 22 May 2026, a series of meetings brought together representatives of the Bodø community and Nordland county, businesses, universities, schools, cultural institutions and sports organisations. A formal visit quickly developed into a meaningful dialogue about what can be achieved together — from youth and educational exchanges to scientific cooperation, business partnerships, veterans’ initiatives, cultural and sports projects, new inter-municipal connections and joint European grant applications.

And the first results are already taking shape.

With the personal support of the Mayor of Bodø, Mr Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen, Norwegian partners have already provided humanitarian assistance to Sumy region, covering not only the cost of the donated equipment (amounting to ….) but also its transportation to Ukraine (amounting to €10,000). The support includes a powerful dry-type transformer, medical equipment and supplies for regional medical facilities, rehabilitation equipment and mobility aids for war veterans and children at social and psychological rehabilitation centres, as well as the fire and rescue equipment. This support is especially valuable for strengthening rehabilitation and emergency response and enhancing the resilience of the region living under the constant threats of war.

At the same time this partnership is not only about equipment. It is also about people, new experience and accent on the young generations shaping the future. Young football players from Sumy region are expected to visit FK Bodø/Glimt in 2027, while cooperation with the Nordland Youth Council will open new opportunities for young people from Sumy region, including participation in the Skolevalg school election programme in Norway in 2027.

What began as an official visit is becoming something much more valuable: a partnership built on trust, shared values and genuine human connection — growing step by step into a true friendship between Sumy region and Norway.

The first agreements have already been put into practice: visits by young football players from Sumy region to FK Bodø/Glimt in 2027, cooperation with the Nordland Youth Council and the participation of youth from Sumy region in the Skolevalg school elections in 2027, joint project proposals in the fields of youth, culture and education. 

A separate important result was the provision of humanitarian support to Sumy region by Norwegian partners, in particular, the delivery of energy, medical, rehabilitation and fire and rescue equipment to strengthen the resilience of the region.