Kyiv, 19 November 2024 – With financial support from the Government of Sweden, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine has successfully concluded three series of intensive three-day training courses aimed at strengthening the capacity of public services supporting individuals and communities affected by the war. The training courses brought together over 75 participants from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU), the National Police, and various interior ministry units.

This initiative addressed the critical need to enhance the skills and knowledge of interior ministry personnel in trauma-informed care, effective communication, and practical methods of psychosocial support. The training participants gained insights into working with individuals who have experienced severe trauma, including captivity and torture, as well as approaches to supporting veterans and people with disabilities in their reintegration into civilian life. The sessions also provided tools for building inclusive environments, strengthening professional adaptability, and developing a compassionate, responsive support system.

The series of training sessions is part of a broader strategy by UNDP and the Government of Sweden to aid Ukraine in building resilience within essential public services and ensure they can meet the complex needs of war-affected populations. UNDP’s support included not only expert-led training sessions but also the provision of 30 tablets to improve the operational efficiency of interior ministry personnel, enabling timely and coordinated responses to emerging challenges.

Christophoros Politis, UNDP in Ukraine Deputy Resident Representative, underscored the importance of the initiative:

“This series of training sessions reflects the shared commitment of UNDP and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to Ukraine’s recovery and the well-being of its people,” Politis said. “By investing in public sector transformation and equipping the public servants with skills and tools they need to provide sensitive and effective support to the wider public, we’re investing in a stronger, more inclusive social framework that will ensure communities for years to come.”

Leonid Tymchenko, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, highlighted the transformative impact of the training:

“These sessions are not just about acquiring knowledge; they represent a step forward in how we, as public servants, respond to the needs of those who have suffered due to the war,” Tymchenko said. “By focusing on practical skills and trauma sensitivity, we build a support system that embodies professionalism and empathy, ensuring that no one is left behind in our collective recovery efforts.”

The training sessions also served as a platform for participants to share their experiences and learn from one another, fostering a sense of collaboration and solidarity among public service personnel. 

This initiative represents a pivotal step in ensuring that Ukraine’s public services are prepared to meet the complex challenges of post-war recovery. UNDP remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s efforts to rebuild a more inclusive and equitable society, ensuring that the lessons learned and capacities built during these training sessions continue to contribute to the country’s resilience and future prosperity.

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