Kyiv, June 29, 2023, 一 The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, together with representatives of the Ukrainian authorities, held a series of strategic sessions dedicated to updating the tasks and indicators of the localized Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The participants confirmed their commitment and interest in achieving these critical milestones, despite the security, social, economic, and environmental challenges caused by the ongoing full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation. 

The events dedicated to each of the 17 SDGs were organized by UNDP in cooperation with the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. More than 150 specialists from 30 ministries and state institutions at the national level took part in the strategic sessions. Their main goal is to review and clarify the national SDG tasks and indicators under the new conditions and challenges that Ukraine is facing because of the war. 

"The cycle of strategic sessions held together with the Government of Ukraine plays an extremely vital role in supporting the Government on its path to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and will surely contribute to solving the immediate and long-term consequences of the ongoing full-scale Russian invasion", said UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Jaco Cilliers. 

According to Mr. Cilliers, the work to restore Ukraine for many years to come will depend on the results of these measures. 

The strategic session participants presented valuable recommendations to overcome the current crisis in Ukraine, which will also contribute to the fulfillment of Ukraine's obligations in achieving the SDGs. Considering the multifaceted challenges caused by full-scale war, experts paid particular attention to peacebuilding, justice system development, strong institutions (SDG 16), and health and well-being (SDG 3). 

"The war creates new challenges and priorities that need consideration and inclusion in strategic planning", said Deputy State Secretary of the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Oleg Voytovych. 

"Updating and harmonizing national tasks considering recovery priorities will help the country more effectively solve problems arising from the war and contribute to the strengthening of Ukraine's sustainable development". 

Recommendations from the strategic sessions will be included in the final report, scheduled for publication in the summer of 2023. This report will become the basis for clarifying the SDG tasks and indicators of Ukraine, reflecting the experience of the resilience of Ukrainian society and the ongoing realities of the war. 

In May 2021, the Office for the Sustainable Development Goals Implementation of the SDG BRIDGE Ukraine project was established. The project is being implemented by UNDP in Ukraine in partnership with the Office of the Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine with the financial support of Sweden and Switzerland. 

For media inquiries, please contact: Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications, UNDP Ukraine – yuliia.samus@undp.org