Kyiv, Ukraine, 14 April 2025 – The Republic of Korea is allocating U.S. $4.76 million to improve the efficiency and accountability of the Government of Ukraine. The management of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Ukraine signed a corresponding agreement in Kyiv on 14 April.

The funds will be channelled through the “Strengthening Digital Governance for Enhancing the Efficiency and Accountability of the Central Government of Ukraine” project, which will be implemented by UNDP in Ukraine in 2025-2027 in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

The goal of the initiative is to improve the efficiency and transparency of central government – primarily the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and ministries – by developing and implementing digital tools for coordination, policy development, and decision monitoring. The initiative’s efforts will be focused on two areas:

• The development and implementation of a modernised digital project management system for ministries to improve decision-making efficiency and create electronic services for civil servants;
• Strengthening the capacity of civil servants and training them in the necessary digital skills to effectively use modernised systems, as well as fostering a more inclusive civil service.

Among other things, the project includes the implementation of “Diia for Civil Servants” (Diia is Ukraine’s e-governance platform and mobile application), which will help optimise administrative workflows and improve interactions between state institutions and civil servants.

The initiative is designed to strengthen governance in Ukraine by digitising government coordination processes, monitoring decisions with digital tools, improving policy development processes, and enhancing the capabilities of civil servants in the use of the information systems that are developed.

Mykhailo Fedorov, Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology Development – Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, noted: “We’re continuing to build the most convenient digital state. We’re launching new services, transforming entire spheres of life, and eliminating bureaucracy. And every country that helps us on this path is our partner in change. Therefore, I’m grateful to the Republic of Korea for supporting our initiatives that will help make the government's work faster and more effective.”

The project will increase the efficiency of the Ukrainian government, and will thereby support the people of Ukraine, said Taekkeun Lee, the Director of the KOICA Office in Ukraine. “Korea supports Ukraine in this difficult time,” he said. “Cooperation with UNDP on the development of digital technologies for government institutions is an example of our aspiration to contribute to the long-term recovery of the country, which will have sustainable and stable results that are important for all citizens.”

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, stressed the importance of the project in enhancing the accountability of the central government. “The project will help create digital tools that will greatly facilitate interaction between state executive bodies and the decision-making process,” Cilliers said. “This will, in turn, contribute to further improving planning and strategy development. Furthermore, this will help guide the reform and recovery process for government institutions.”

Korea, in cooperation with UNDP, is supporting Ukraine in a number of critical areas. Earlier, $20.79 million was allocated to support early recovery and local development projects in the war-affected regions of Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Kherson oblasts. In addition, the Republic of Korea has supported work to improve services for people with disabilities and strengthen energy infrastructure.

Background

KOICA, the Korea International Cooperation Agency, established in 1991, provides grant and technical assistance to developing countries. The agency opened an office in Ukraine in 2022.

Media inquiries

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