UNDP in Ukraine has provided broad support to the development of the national strategy now adopted by the Government of Ukraine, which will help Ukraine move forward in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Kyiv, 20 April 2021 – The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on 14 April adopted the National Strategy for a Barrier-free Environment in Ukraine, which was initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska and under the Presidential Decree "On Barrier-Free Environment in Ukraine".

Commenting on the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers, UNDP Resident Representative to Ukraine Dafina Gercheva underlined that by adopting the National Strategy for a Barrier-Free Environment, Ukraine had taken a great step forward to creating equal opportunities for all men and women and combating all forms of discrimination. 

“Only a comprehensive and systematic approach can eliminate the current barriers to build a society free from discrimination and prejudice,” said Gercheva. "The adoption and further implementation of the National Strategy for a Barrier-Free Environment should help Ukraine to move forward in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which are designed to build a better and more sustainable future for everyone, everywhere, leaving no one behind."

Gercheva said the strategy takes a comprehensive approach to building a barrier-free Ukraine for everyone, taking into consideration the interests of all social groups, including young people, the parents of children under the age of six, children and adults with disabilities, and the elderly. It specifically focuses on building greater social, educational, economic, digital, civil and physical inclusiveness.

A wide range of sectoral experts, civil society organizations, and international organizations were engaged in developing the strategy. Work on its development was coordinated by an intersectoral working group of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, which included 11 ministers, members of parliament, and representatives of the Office of the President of Ukraine, state government bodies, the National Institute of Strategic Studies, civil society, and the expert community.

The Cabinet of Ministers also supported the initiative to develop a Council for Barrier-Free Space, which will monitor and oversee the implementation of this strategy. This consultative and advisory body will monitor the implementation of strategy measures and programmes, and will report on the progress achieved.

Background information: 

Analytical and technical support for the development of the strategy was  provided by the "Ednannia" Initiative Centre to Support Social Action, the CSO “Barrierfree,” and by the Human Rights for Ukraine project implemented by UNDP Ukraine and financed by Denmark’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Media enquires:

Yuliia Samus, UNDP in Ukraine Communications Team Leader, yuliia.samus@undp.org