Sumy region — Bodø: a partnership 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 organizations. 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.

Partnership process: In spring 2026 (around late April–early May), Bodø municipality, Nordland county, and Gildeskål started a formal process for closer cooperation with the Sumy region. This focuses on civil protection/preparedness, critical infrastructure, energy, business, universities, and mutual learning from Ukraine’s wartime experience. Norwegian officials (including local politicians) have visited Ukraine as part of this early-stage effort, supported by KS (the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities).

In spring 2026, Sumy Region took the first steps towards building a lasting partnership with the Municipality of Bodø and Nordland County. An official delegation from Sumy Region, led by Svitlana Lypova, Deputy Head of the Sumy Regional State Administration, participated in the Nordic-Ukrainian Municipal Partnership Forum in Lviv.

As part of the forum, the delegation met with the Member of Bodø City Council Tommy Wisth, and held discussions on establishing direct cooperation between Sumy Region and its Norwegian partners. The negotiations focused on identifying areas of shared interest and practical opportunities for cooperation, including education, youth engagement, culture, healthcare and regional recovery.

Norwegian aid to Sumy: Norway has provided concrete support, including a dismantled bridge for reassembly in the Mykolaiv hromada (Sumy district), ~€2 million in medical equipment (announced late 2025), and energy equipment (e.g., via partners like the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection, Statnett, etc., delivered in 2026).