Kyiv, 21 December 2023 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the Government of Sweden, has created 10 Recovery and Development Offices in war-torn communities. This initiative is enabling the launch and development of the nationwide initiative of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine to coordinate international cooperation at local level.

Recovery and Development Offices, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and backed by methodological and expert support, have a crucial mission — to bolster local communities and territories in their efforts towards recovery and development. Moreover, they play a vital role in promoting regional and international cooperation and streamlining coordination among all stakeholders involved in tackling the complex challenges posed by the war.

Each office is a communication platform that bring together local authorities, international organizations, media, civil society organizations, and business. The offices will also assist the authorities in prioritizing projects for donors, funds, and programmes, promoting sustainable post-war development through an Integrated Recovery Mechanism. To ensure the mechanism works as well as possible, UNDP, with the assistance of international partners, has developed tools and guidelines, formed a working group, tested the methodology, organized training sessions for specialists, and equipped each office with supplies and furniture.

Martin Aberg, Ambassador of Sweden to Ukraine, highlighted that the Sweden’s contribution to the work of the Recovery and Development Offices in Ukraine is twofold. “We are providing essential methodological support and expertise, as well as helping to create the mechanism to enable these offices to operate effectively,” he said. “By offering educational training on countering corruption, project management, and strategic recovery planning, we are shaping the foundational methodologies that will guide these offices. This approach is a testament to Sweden’s belief in the importance of well-informed, transparent, and strategic planning, and is essential for Ukraine’s journey towards a sustainable future.”

Henrik Huitfeldt, Head of the Local and Human Development Section at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, noted that the EU is firmly committed to aiding Ukraine as it moves forward on its path to recovery. “The European Union’s support for Ukraine is unwavering and multifaceted,” he said. “With the establishment of the Recovery and Development Offices, we are laying the groundwork for comprehensive recovery. This initiative is about building the foundation for sustainable development, reinforcing democratic institutions, and ensuring that the values of the European community are reflected in every step of Ukraine’s journey towards reconstruction.”

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, said that the offices strengthen the vertical coordination on recovery and development up to national level. “We at UNDP see these platforms as a key to the humanitarian-development nexus. This involves aligning coordination efforts with the offices, bridging the gap between urgent needs and the relevant local departments and authorities,” he said. “Only with a methodical and strategic approach can we prioritize essential reconstruction, ensuring that during these challenging times and in the aftermath, Ukraine emerges stronger and more resilient.”

Background

As of now, a total of 10 Recovery and Development Offices have been established, with four of them operating at regional level in Kharkiv, Mykolaiv and two in Dnipro, supporting Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts.

At community level, six additional offices have been set up in Sumy, Nizhyn (Chernihiv Oblast), Mykolaiv, Pervomaiskiy (Kharkiv Oblast), Kamianske (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast), and Voznesensk (Mykolaiv Oblast). Currently, nine of the offices are fully operational, while the last one is scheduled to begin its work in January 2024.

The Recovery and Development Offices were established by UNDP in Ukraine with financial support from the European Union and the Government of Sweden. In addition, the Government of Denmark is backing the establishment of the Recovery and Development Offices in Mykolaiv Oblast.

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