Kyiv, 13 April 2023 – The Government of Iceland today pledged US$500,000 to support the rebuilding of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in a way that is both environmentally sustainable and resilient. The funding will be channelled through UNDP’s thematic Funding Window for Nature, Climate, and Energy, which supports climate change initiatives and promotes sustainable development.

One of the key aims of the funding is to urgently procure equipment for high-voltage electricity generation – critical for providing essential services to war-affected populations and sustaining livelihoods and resilience ahead of the next winter season. The relentless attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, ongoing since October 2022, have resulted in significant power cuts and outages nationwide.

UNDP Resident Representative Jaco Cilliers said the $500,000 contribution from the Government of Iceland represents an investment in the future of Ukraine and its people. “The contribution is an important step in the right direction and a powerful example of how international cooperation can drive positive change,” he said, adding that much more is needed to move the country out of the dark. “A recent damage assessment by the United Nations – under UNDP’s technical leadership – and in collaboration with the Government of Ukraine, the World Bank, and the European Commission, estimated the cost of covering immediate needs at around US$2.1 billion.”

“Deliberate Russian attacks on critical civilian energy infrastructure in Ukraine constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and inflict widespread suffering for Ukrainian civilians. Rebuilding sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure is integral to both alleviating this suffering as well as laying the groundwork for longer-term recovery. Iceland remains unwavering in its support and solidarity with Ukraine and is proud to partner with UNDP in its humanitarian and development response in Ukraine,” says Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland.

UNDP and the Government of Iceland share a longstanding partnership with a common vision on sustainable, green and inclusive recovery and growth.

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustices of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. 

UNDP's Funding Windows are a multi-donor, flexible funding mechanism that provide a strategic opportunity for partners to contribute to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They are framed around four thematic areas: Poverty and Inequality; Governance, Peacebuilding, Crisis, and Resilience; Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment; and Nature, Climate, and Energy. Other contributing government partners include Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. 

Media inquiries

Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Communications Team Leader, yuliia.samus@undp.org