[As prepared for delivery]

Minister for International Development Cooperation of Sweden, Matilda Ernkrans, (co-host)

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Paweł Jabłoński, (co-host)

Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal,

Distinguished Ministers,

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Analysis by UNDP shows that 9 out of 10 people in Ukraine could ‘freefall’ into poverty if the war continues throughout 2022 -- wiping out 18 years of socio-economic progress.

The world must now come together even more closely to address the catastrophic economic and development impacts.

UNDP’s new resilience and recovery programme for Ukraine revolves around protecting lives and preserving hard-won development gains. We are focusing on the most vulnerable -- such as women who often face more economic hardship, whilst also being at increased risk of violence.

In the initial phase, we are targeting 3 main ‘vectors’ of support in parallel with the critical humanitarian response.

1. First, there is a need to support governance systems and state institutions on crisis management; the delivery of essential services both in war-torn communities and in host communities; and reconstruction planning. For instance, UNDP has worked with Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation and Sweden to provide new digital services for displaced people -- including the ability to register online for emergency accommodation and access monthly allowances remotely.
2. Second, we need to prepare the groundwork for the repair and reconstruction of critical infrastructure – and address the widespread proliferation of landmines, explosive ordnance and debris, which pose a grave danger and hinder service delivery. UNDP is leading mine action and debris removal efforts informed by satellite imaging.
3. Third, at a time when some 50% of Ukrainian businesses have been forced to shut, UNDP is developing a comprehensive package of economic recovery support to businesses relocated from war-torn areas into safer parts of the country. These efforts are accompanied by targeted livelihoods & income-generating solutions.

UNDP is also providing technical support to the new Government Recovery Plan. It focuses on accelerating a green, just, and digital recovery that opens-up new opportunities for all citizens.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

UNDP has been working with our UN and national partners to support the Government of Ukraine to save lives and extend critical humanitarian efforts.
UNDP has been fully operational thanks to the dedicated efforts of over 350 team members -- the majority of whom are nationals of Ukraine.

I close by echoing the UN Secretary-General’s call for the war to stop now to avoid further suffering, destruction and impoverishment -- and allow the people of Ukraine to build the future that they want.

Thank you.