The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) convened in Baku, Azerbaijan on 11-22 November 2024, drawing over 55,000 participants from nearly 200 countries. This global gathering brought together heads of state, government officials, industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, and non-state actors, including youth and climate experts.

Ukraine's Government set up a dedicated pavilion at COP29 to share its vision for a green recovery, supported by UNDP through the Ukraine Green Energy Recovery Programme, funded by the Government of Germany.

Throughout the conference, UNDP showcased its contributions to Ukraine’s green recovery efforts at the pavilion and at numerous expert-led events. Notably, UNDP presented the Green Energy Recovery Programme, which aims to generate 442 MW of energy to provide power and heating for millions of Ukrainians, and the ESCO project, designed to promote sustainable energy solutions for public buildings across Ukraine. UNDP also presented the recently published report “Gender Equality and Resilience in Ukraine's Energy Sector: Pathways to Transformative Employment and Leadership Amidst War” elaborated within the Green Energy Recovery Programme.

The Ukrainian delegations highlighted key elements of their country’s updated Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) 2050, which was developed with support from UNDP under the Climate Promise initiative and with contributions from Ukrainian and international scientists. Additionally, UNDP presented initiatives on biodiversity restoration and environmental damage assessment, further demonstrating the breadth of its support for Ukraine’s efforts to address climate change.

“UNDP is committed to continue supporting the advancement of Ukraine's green transition for climate change mitigation and adaptation,” said Ivana Živković, UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator, and UNDP Regional Director. “Through strategic initiatives like the Green Energy Recovery Programme, we’re not only addressing immediate energy infrastructure needs, but also laying the groundwork for a sustainable, low-emission future.” 

“Our efforts focus on capacity and policy development, energy efficiency, and the inclusion of women to build a resilient, equitable, and climate-friendly energy system,” Živković added.

Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine Svitlana Grynchuk emphasized the significance of COP29 as a platform to advocate for Ukraine’s Green Recovery initiative, which aligns with the European Green Deal and the global climate agenda.

“Despite over 1,000 days of full-scale war, we came to COP29 to strengthen our path toward green recovery,” Grynchuk said. “This path not only opens new opportunities for collaboration, but also helps forge new partnerships. The Government of Ukraine extends its deep gratitude to our international partners, particularly UNDP, for their invaluable support in preparing for COP29 and advancing environmental and climate reforms.”

Looking ahead, UNDP is committed to expanding its efforts in Ukraine, with a focus on enhancing energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy, and advancing climate resilience. By driving sustainable development, UNDP will continue to work closely with national and international partners to ensure Ukraine’s recovery not only meets immediate needs but also builds a future that is resilient, equitable, and aligned with global climate goals.

Media enquiries

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