Zaporizhzhia, 30 September 2024 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the European Union (EU) partnered to support a forum on local development in Zaporizhzhia Obalst, organized at the initiative of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast State Administration.

The event brought together over 100 participants – including representatives of local government, the business sector, law enforcement, emergency services, and community organizations – to discuss best practices for community recovery and sustainable development. The forum served as a platform for open discussions on strengthening community security through collaboration among police, businesses, civil society, and national and international partners.

The participants engaged in thematic sessions that explored community recovery, the integration of internally displaced people and veterans, and preserving human capital. A key topic was enhancing social cohesion and community security in wartime, with a focus on practical solutions for building safer, more resilient communities in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Yevhen Myronenko, Deputy Head of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast State Administration, expressed gratitude to the EU and UNDP for their consistent support and voiced optimism for continued fruitful cooperation. “The communities of Zaporizhzhia Oblast are facing unprecedented challenges due to the war, but we are working not only to create safe and comfortable conditions for our residents today, but also to lay the foundations for the future development of our communities,” said Mr Myronenko. “This forum is instrumental in helping us achieve that.”

Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, highlighted the importance of local recovery processes and the EU’s commitment to support war-affected communities. “This forum in Zaporizhzhia brings together key stakeholders to find effective solutions for recovery and development,” he said. “It is also an occasion to take stock of our joint efforts to improve community security, protect vulnerable groups affected by the war, support IDP and veteran integration, and build greater resilience of each community and its residents.”

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, emphasized the critical role of local communities in the recovery process. “UNDP is committed to fostering strong, cohesive, and resilient communities by applying a 'build back better' approach,” said Mr Cilliers. “Communities are key players in shaping their own futures.”

This forum is part of a series of regional events focused on local development and recovery, taking place in partner communities across Ukraine with comprehensive support from UNDP and the EU, under the “EU4Recovery – Empowering Communities in Ukraine” project. Similar forums have already been held in Dnipropetrovsk and Chernihiv oblasts.

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org