As prepared for delivery

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

This Ukraine Recovery Conference has not only clearly demonstrated the international community’s unwavering support to Ukraine.

It has also pinpointed 4 ‘nerve centres’ of assistance that are vital to drive forward the recovery.

1. First, governance systems and state institutions must be supported to discharge their responsibilities in crisis management; the delivery of essential services to all citizens across the country; and planning for reconstruction and recovery -- one that is green, just, digital and people-centered.
2. Second, the groundwork must be prepared for the repair and reconstruction of critical infrastructure. This means a focus on the removal of landmines, cluster munitions, explosive ordnance, and debris, which pose a grave danger while hindering service delivery and the safe return of the civilian population. This situation is having a profound effect on the economy, education, health and the critical agriculture sector.
3. Third, concerted international support is urgently needed to maintain the viability of Ukraine’s private sector at a time when half of all businesses have been shut down by the war. As the backbone of the economy, MSMEs need urgent support since they contribute substantively to sustainable growth, employment generation, trade, and exports and provide 20 per cent of GDP in Ukraine.
4. Finally, cutting-edge, people-centred data and analytics is needed to quickly estimate the effects of the conflict on poverty and human development at national and regional-levels within Ukraine -- helping to design and implement corrective measures.

The United Nations is strongly committed to actively assist the Ukrainian reconstruction. We responded to the war from day one, working in close coordination with Government at all levels, civil society, private sector, and international development partners to scale up humanitarian operations and repurpose development programmes in support of the national crisis response.

Our country-wide presence to support humanitarian and development work, enables the UN to facilitate Ukraine’s green economic and social recovery which also enhances strong democratic institutions, the rule of law, and anti-corruption measures, and advances gender equality and the achievement of the Agenda 2030.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ukraine’s road to recovery is a long one.

Yet, through this Ukraine Recovery Conference, the world has demonstrated how it stands with the Government and people of Ukraine in their darkest hour.

Together, the United Nations and its national and international partners will help the country to build anew.

Crucially, we will support the people of Ukraine to shape the future that they want.