Locations
Kyiv, 12 March 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, in partnership with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine and the State Service of Ukraine for Geodesy, Cartography, and Cadastre (StateGeoCadastre), and with funding from the Government of Germany, is launching the Knowledge Hub for Recovery and Development for war-affected communities. The Hub will serve as a virtual network for experience exchange among local government representatives.
In January-February 2025, UNDP conducted a nationwide survey among 952 communities to assess their capacity and needs in using digital tools for data collection and spatial analysis. The results revealed:
- 96% of communities require specialized training on data collection for recovery;
- 81% need support in utilizing digital tools;
- Only 27% of communities are registered in the national geospatial metadata registry;
- 56% do not interact with national platforms.
The Knowledge Hub will create an expert network for local governments, providing training programmes on recovery and development planning, and support for communities in accessing existing software and tools for information management and analysis.
Comprehensive support will initially be introduced in five pilot communities:
- Balakliia, Kharkiv Oblast
- Kalynivka, Kyiv Oblast
- Kyinka, Chernihiv Oblast
- Malyn, Zhytomyr Oblast
- Olshanske, Mykolaiv Oblast
The pilot phase of the initiative will run until August 2025. It will focus on developing the Knowledge Hub network, enhancing digital literacy in communities, and integrating national and European standards into recovery and development processes.
Markus Koll, Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy in Ukraine, emphasized that Germany's steadfast commitment to Ukraine is rooted in our long-standing partnership and a shared vision for a resilient future. “Through our collaboration with partners, we emphasize evidence-based recovery and development initiatives that are tailored to address the current needs and future challenges of Ukrainian communities,” Koll said. By investing in data-driven strategies, we ensure that our contributions are impactful and support the sustainable growth of Ukraine.”
Natalia Kozlovska, Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, added that the Ministry prioritizes a data-driven approach enhancing strategic planning and strengthening capacities essential for comprehensive recovery and development planning. “By integrating available tools such as the DREAM, urban and address cadastres, Unified state electronic system in the construction sector and other available instruments, we enhance our strategic planning capabilities,” she said.
"This effort is supported by the Knowledge Hub for Recovery and Development, which is aimed to facilitate the sharing of best practices and technical support, crucial for scaling available technologies," added Kozlovska. "The ministry is working with partners to ensure that every community has the necessary tools to integrate data analysis into planning and recovery efforts."
Dmytro Makarenko, Acting Head of the State Service of Ukraine for Geodesy, Cartography, and Cadastre, said that populating the National Spatial Data Infrastructure Geoportal with up-to-date geospatial data is crucial for planning Ukraine’s recovery and managing territories. "The State Service of Ukraine for Geodesy, Cartography, and Cadastre is currently working to improve existing tools, including the national geoportal, to ensure effective and well-informed decision-making at the local and regional levels," Makarenko said.
"I’m confident that the Knowledge Hub on Recovery and Development will serve as a platform for refining approaches essential for communities in spatial planning and territorial development processes," he added.
Christophoros Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine, said that an inclusive community recovery would require a comprehensive approach combining strategic planning and strong data. "UNDP supports communities in integrating digital solutions that enhance transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in evidence building, aimed at ensuring an inclusive, green and fair recovery and reconstruction process. " he said.
"When we help communities rebuild, we are not just restoring infrastructure – we are restoring hope, trust, and the foundation for a better future," he added.
Background:
During the first phase of the project, UNDP, with support from Germany and at the request of the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, assessed the damage to more than 1.3 million buildings in 426 settlements to comprehensively determine the scale of war-related destruction. The data has been transferred to the StateGeoCadastre for national recovery planning.
Media Inquiries:
Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications, UNDP in Ukraine; yuliia.samus@undp.org
