Chernihiv, Ukraine, 1 November 2023 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the European Union (EU) extended their support to the Forum on the Local Development of Chernihiv Oblast, and participated in the collaborative planning efforts for the recovery of war-affected communities.

The forum took place in Chernihiv and brought together over 120 participants, including local authorities, law enforcement personnel, entrepreneurs, members of the veteran community, and the public sector. The event featured three panel discussions, which addressed issues related to overcoming security challenges stemming from the war, promoting the socio-economic development of Chernihiv Oblast, and actively engaging the public in reconstruction planning.

In addition, the Chernihiv Oblast Administration unveiled a strategic document concerning the recovery and development in the region. This document outlines guidelines for the subsequent phases of recovery and reconstruction in the area, taking into account the needs of local residents and the conditions they currently face.

Viacheslav Chaus, the Head of Chernihiv Oblast Administration, stressed that the rapid recovery of the affected areas of Chernihiv Oblast and the continued development of the region can only be achieved through close cooperation between authorities, local self-government, international partners, and the residents themselves. “We must make every effort to ensure that everyone feels secure on our land and has the conditions they need not only for a decent life but also for personal development,” he said.

Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, reaffirmed the EU's commitment to helping Ukraine's war-affected communities. “The recovery and development efforts we are actively supporting in communities, particularly in Chernihiv Oblast, are already delivering tangible results and their scope will continue to expand,” he said. “I am confident that this forum will improve our understanding of the immediate needs of the region and help us to better tailor our support programmes.”

UNDP Resident Representative Jaco Cilliers highlighted that UNDP, in collaboration with its partners, extends support throughout Ukraine. “In the recovery process, we adhere to the 'building back better' principle, but for it to be truly effective, we must listen to the voices of the communities,” he said. “This forum serves as a powerful platform that can generate deeper insight into how to facilitate the growth of your communities, even in these challenging times for the country.”

UNDP and the EU have been actively supporting communities in Chernihiv Oblast since the outset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation. Recent instances of cooperation include the establishment of shelters in schools, the establishment of police stations in remote communities, the creation of youth spaces, support for internally displaced individuals, the reintegration of veterans and numerous other initiatives.

Background

The forum was organized by the Chernihiv Oblast Administration with the support of UNDP in Ukraine in the framework of “EU4Recovery – Empowering Communities in Ukraine” project, with financial support from the European Union.

Media enquiries

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