On October 20, 2026, the K. Niemets Department of Human Geography and Regional Studies held an International Scientific and Practical Conference “Region – 2026: Optimal Development Strategy”, dedicated to the memory of Professor Konstiantyn Niemets.

The conference, which has already become a tradition, annually brings together scientists, academic staff, PhD students, students, representatives of public organizations to discuss and find ways to solve current problems of regional development, in particular economic, social, and demographic ones. An important place in the research is occupied by scientific issues related to urbanization processes, urban development, urban planning, issues of recreation and tourism development, environmental management and sustainable development.

More than 100 participants, including from foreign countries (Georgia, Romania, Turkey), as well as academic staff, PhD students and students of higher education institutions, scientific institutions and organizations of most regions of Ukraine, submitted applications and abstracts for participation in the conference. About 50 participants took direct part in the work of the conference.

The participants of the conference got acquainted with the scientific achievements of Professor K. Niemets, his scientific ideas, plans and achievements in the field of geographical science, and honored the memory of the outstanding scientist.

The reports on the problems of border territories, Ukrainian forced migrants abroad, formation of innovation clusters, development of regional tourist and recreational systems, transport infrastructure, and population mobility aroused scientific interest and lively discussion.