Misto Match

Building sustainable partnerships between French and Ukrainian cities

Misto Match, whose name combines the Ukrainian words “misto” (city) and “mist” (bridge), embodies Stand With Ukraine’s mission: connecting French and Ukrainian local communities through lasting and meaningful partnerships. By bringing these two notions together, Misto Match symbolizes the union of cities and the building of bridges between the two countries, in order to create strong and reciprocal relationships.

The association is committed to strengthening these links at the local level, promoting the protection and visibility of Ukrainian culture, while supporting the reconstruction efforts of a free, innovative Ukraine fully oriented toward Europe. All of Stand With Ukraine’s actions are based on the strength of its network and its partnerships with associations, embassies, organizations, and local authorities. Together, they amplify the impact of each initiative, ensuring the long-term sustainability of this ambitious commitment to solidarity.

WHY JOIN THE MISTO MATCH NETWORK?

• Strengthen European solidarity — Joining Misto Match means taking concrete action to build strong ties between your citizens and those of a Ukrainian city. Together, you will help foster mutual understanding while demonstrating your commitment to democracy and human rights.
• Contribute to local development — Benefit from an exchange of know-how and best practices to energize your local projects. By sharing your experiences, you will support your partners’ initiatives while highlighting the strengths of your own territory.
• Support reconstruction in Ukraine — Assist your Ukrainian counterparts in their reconstruction efforts, whether by helping to rehabilitate infrastructure or by strengthening local capacities. Your active participation will help bring life back to communities deeply affected by the war.
• Raise awareness of European citizenship — Involve your citizens, especially young people, in educational exchanges centered on European values: democracy, peace, and solidarity. This is a unique opportunity to strengthen the sense of belonging to a united and resilient Europe.

WHAT IS MISTO MATCH?

• Cultural events: Organizing exhibitions, film screenings, and workshops to promote both cultures.
• Expertise exchanges: Welcoming Ukrainian elected officials and municipal employees to France for exchanges of expertise in areas such as public transport and mobility, accessibility and inclusion, waste management, sustainable urban planning, and more.
• Children’s stays: Hosting young Ukrainians during school holidays, giving them the opportunity to discover French culture and build friendships with French children.
• Material support: Sending generators and other essential equipment to help Ukrainian communities respond to current challenges.

MistoMatch guides and supports you at every stage to ensure that the relationship with your partner city is built in the best possible way.

1. Identifying a partner city based on shared characteristics: history, geography, and culture.

Thanks to our extensive network of local authorities in both countries, we identify the most relevant partner for you — one that matches your priorities and is able to build concrete, balanced, and lasting cooperation.

 2. Organizing meetings — both virtual and on-site.

With strong experience in organizing these exchanges, MistoMatch prepares and facilitates the meetings, mobilizes professional interpreters when necessary, and provides structured follow-up to turn initial contacts into a real working dynamic.

We support the logistical and operational organization of these missions: preparing programs, assisting with travel arrangements, welcoming delegations, and organizing visits and meetings to foster a deeper understanding of local challenges and help build strong personal relationships.

We also support you in formalizing the partnership, ensuring that the objectives, commitments, and medium- and long-term prospects for cooperation are clearly defined.

3. Organizing projects.

MistoMatch provides comprehensive support to design and implement joint projects in key areas for local authorities, such as culture, sport, youth, urban planning, water, energy, transport, and more. This includes identifying funding opportunities, assisting with administrative procedures and applications for project calls, connecting partners such as institutions, companies, and associations, as well as operational follow-up and the production of deliverables.

4. Long-term support.

Throughout the cooperation, MistoMatch provides access to a catalogue of practical tools designed to help turn relationships into concrete action: practical advice, interpreters, monthly information webinars on municipal cooperation topics, and a network of stakeholders available within a wide range of complementary institutions.