Odesa, Ukraine, 9 December 2024 – A delegation of six Ambassadors and Executive Board Members representing Member States of the Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) concluded a visit to Odesa, Ukraine, from 5-6 December 2024. The mission focused on observing the United Nations’ collective efforts to support resilience and sustainable recovery in the region.

The delegation witnessed firsthand the ongoing initiatives designed to facilitate recovery and strengthen resilience in local communities. These efforts underscore the United Nations’ unwavering commitment to Ukraine's recovery by rebuilding critical infrastructure, empowering civil society, promoting inclusive community development, fostering economic growth, and enhancing public safety.

Key engagements during the visit included a meeting with Odesa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov, where discussions focused on UNDP’s partnerships with the city and the Odesa Oblast, supporting key priorities outlined by the local government. The delegation also met with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine to review UNDP and UNOPS-supported mine action efforts and broader community revitalization initiatives.

In health services and social support, the delegation visited UNDP-supported projects at City Hospital No. 8 and UNFPA’s Survivors’ Relief Centre and “Vilna” Friendly Spaces for Women and Girls, which address gender-based violence and provide critical services to women and vulnerable groups. The visit also included an engagement at a UNDP-supported youth centre, revitalized through the "VidNOVA:UA" programme, highlighting youth engagement as a cornerstone of sustainable recovery.

Local entrepreneurial initiatives aimed at bolstering economic recovery were showcased at the "Made in Ukraine" office. This included a demonstration of a mobile employment service center, reflecting innovative approaches to employment and economic growth.

The delegation also visited a solar power plant at the Chornomorsk Wastewater Facility, underscoring the importance of sustainable energy solutions in Odesa’s recovery and environmental resilience.

The visit highlighted the impactful collaboration of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS in Ukraine and reaffirmed the UN’s dedication to supporting vulnerable populations, strengthening local governance, and fostering sustainable recovery. It showcased the UN’s critical role in delivering integrated, inclusive, and resilient solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the country.

About the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS:

Established by General Assembly resolution 48/162 in 1993, the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA, and UNOPS comprises 36 Member States. The Executive Board provides inter-

governmental support and oversight of these entities’ activities, in accordance with the guidance of the United Nations General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, and the United Nations Charter.

Media enquiries:

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

Mykhailo Turianytsia, UNOPS Communications Officer, e-mail: mykhailot@unops.org

Isaac Hurskin, Head, Communications UNFPA Ukraine, hurskin@unfpa.org