??News Digest December 2024
IN FOCUS
Building Resilience: UNDP Ukraine's Journey in 2024
Watch our 2024 annual video, which captures a year of the UNDP staff’s dedicated efforts to build a resilient and inclusive Ukraine. As we prepare for 2025, let’s look back on these transformative impacts and draw some inspiration for continuing this vital journey in the coming year.?Read the end-of-year address to partners by UNDP’s Resident Representative in Ukraine Jaco Cilliers .
WHAT'S NEW
Ukraine receives gas-piston cogeneration units to support Kharkiv's critical energy needs
UNDP has delivered six gas-piston cogeneration units to the city of Kharkiv as part of the Green Energy Recovery Programme. This initiative is designed to address the city’s critical energy needs and was made possible through the support of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine , and the European Union. Read more
reSCORE 2024 finds the Ukrainian people remain united and cohesive
The latest reSCORE 2024 Index has found that the Ukrainian people remain united and cohesive even as the full-scale war approaches its third year. The index, presented in Kyiv during a joint event that brought together experts, specialists, and the public, explores the current state of resilience and recovery in Ukraine.
The Social Cohesion and Resilience Index (reSCORE) is an analytical tool for assessing a society’s resilience and recovery. Conducted annually, it seeks to improve public policies and recovery efforts. reSCORE Partners: The Centre for Sustainable Peace and Democratic Development (SeeD), USAID, and UNDP. Learn more about the reSCORE 2024 findings here. Read the “Social Cohesion in Ukraine: Key Trends Based on reSCORE 2024” Report here.
How war affects young people in Ukraine: Presentation of research findings
The study aims to determine the rate of change of perceptions of challenges faced by young people in the third year of the full-scale invasion, as well as their views on their involvement in recovery processes. The study was prepared by the research agency Info Sapiens, initiated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, with technical and organizational support from UNDP, and with financial support from the European Union and Embassy of Denmark in Ukraine . Read more.
UNDP and Ministry of Education and Science sign Memorandum of Understanding to boost youth engagement in recovery
UNDP and Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at increasing youth engagement in Ukraine’s recovery and fostering meaningful youth policies that reflect the real needs of young Ukrainians. The agreement lays the foundation for joint efforts to implement effective mechanisms enabling young people to become active participants in democratic processes and drivers of change in their communities. Read more
Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA, and UNOPS visits Odesa, Ukraine
A delegation of six Ambassadors and Executive Board Members representing Member States of the Executive Board of 联合国开发计划署 , United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) , and 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. Read more
UNDP welcomes EUR 1.5 million contribution from Italy to Mine Action Programme in Ukraine
UNDP received a substantial contribution of EUR 1.5 million from the Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale to bolster UNDP's Mine Action Programme in Ukraine. This funding will significantly enhance efforts to expedite land release operations and build national capacities to address the threats posed by landmines and other explosive remnants. Read more
UNDP receives PLN 2,500,000 contribution from Poland to support mine action in Ukraine
UNDP has signed an agreement with Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a contribution of PLN 2,500,000 (approximately U.S. $637,000) to bolster the UNDP Mine Action Project. This critical funding aims to enhance safety and stability in areas of Ukraine heavily contaminated by landmines and explosive remnants of war. Read more
Ukraine: EIB provides EUR 55 million to reconstruct social infrastructure
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has provided EUR 55 million in EU guarantee-backed funds under the Ukraine Recovery Programme to reconstruct hospitals, social housing, educational facilities, heating, water and waste systems, and other critical social infrastructure in 2025 and beyond.?Read more
Two war-damaged apartment buildings in Irpin fully restored through United24 and UNDP project
Two eight-story apartment buildings in Irpin, Kyiv Oblast, severely damaged by artillery fire during the initial stages of Russia's full-scale invasion, have been fully restored thanks to the UNITED24 state fundraising platform and technical assistance from UNDP. Read more
Two schools in Zhytomyr Oblast reopen following reconstruction supported by the EU and UNDP
UNDP, in partnership with the European Union, has completed the renovation of the Pyrizhky Gymnasium and Ukrainka Lyceum – village schools in Malyn community, Zhytomyr Oblast. Each school is the only institution in the village where children can receive their secondary education, and teachers can work. Now 231 students and 62 teachers can return to their renovated schools. Read more
Accessible, safe, and energy-independent: UNDP and the Government of Germany develop a concept for rebuilding Ukrainian schools
UNDP, with financial support from the Government of Germany and in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, has analysed the state of the country’s educational infrastructure and developed a concept for the reconstruction of Ukrainian schools. The proposed improvements focus on the most relevant solutions during wartime, such as equipping shelters and evacuation exits, providing heating during winter, implementing universal design, and adopting a gender-responsive approach. Read more
UNDP and Netherlands unveil findings of study on legal needs of Ukrainian veterans and their families
UNDP in partnership with the Netherlands, has presented the first unified study on the legal needs of Ukrainian veterans and their families. The research outlines key challenges and proposes concrete solutions to enhance access to legal support. Read more
12 veterans with disabilities complete training course, opening new opportunities in humanitarian mine action
The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, in collaboration with UNDP, has completed a second training course in mine action for veterans with disabilities. Funded by Sweden, the course ran from 2-16 December 2024, and focused on the operation of mine-clearing machines, providing participants with experience of using a wide range of equipment employing a variety of demining approaches. Read more here, and watch a video to find out more.
e-Veteran platform launches new e-service to streamline support for veterans and demobilised persons
Individuals can now apply to specialists who assist veterans and demobilised persons on the e-Veteran platform. This service will streamline the process of obtaining essential assistance and support, while enhancing communications between veterans, demobilised persons, and the specialists supporting them. The service was developed by the Ministry for Veterans' Affairs of Ukraine with the assistance of the DIA Support Project – which is implemented by UNDP with funding from Sweden. Read more
Building a barrier-free future for Ukraine: How UNDP supports the creation of inclusive communities and cities
The “Communities and Cities Friendly for All” event, bringing together public officials, experts, and civil society leaders to spotlight innovative projects developed by graduates of the Universal Design School, was a significant milestone in Ukraine’s journey toward inclusivity.? The initiative, set up by UNDP with the support of the Government of Sweden, aims to integrate accessibility into Ukraine’s post-war recovery and urban development. The showcased projects reflect a bold vision for inclusivity, addressing the needs of people with disabilities, the elderly, and those affected by the consequences of war. Read more and watch video from the event.
EU and UNDP host an all-Ukrainian conference to advance the development of social services for supported living
The European Union and UNDP, in partnership with the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine and NGO Social Synergy, hosted an all-Ukrainian educational and practical conference entitled “Supported Living as a Path to Integration: Experience, Challenges, and Development Perspectives in Ukraine.” The conference was an important platform for sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and developing strategic priorities for state policy in the area of supported living in Ukraine. It laid a solid foundation for the development of services to support people with intellectual, mental and physical disabilities. Read more
The Ministry of Digital Transformation, the EU and UNDP open new modular administrative service centres in Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts
The European Union and UNDP, in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, have built and equipped two modern administrative service centres — in Novopokrovka, Kharkiv Oblast, and Zhovti Vody, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Read more
Government of Denmark and UNDP support forum on local recovery and development in Kharkiv Oblast
Kharkiv has hosted its first forum on local development and recovery, titled “Kharkiv Platform: Security, Cohesion, and Recovery.” The event, organized with the support of the Government of Denmark and UNDP, attracted 80 participants from six partner communities across Kharkiv Oblast. It brought together representatives of the local authorities, civil society, businesses, security service providers, and international organizations to explore strategic approaches to advance the region’s recovery. Read more
AICS Kyiv and UNDP present results of research into gender-based violence on public transport in Ukraine
To mark Human Rights Day, the findings of a joint initiative by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS Kyiv) and UNDP in Ukraine's Accelerator Lab and Gender Working Group were presented in Kyiv. The presentation of the initiative, which studied gender-based violence on public transport in Ukraine, concluded the "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence" campaign. Read more
Over 1,000 participants joined the discussion on preserving human rights and democracy in times of war
The event “Decade 2014-2024. Reclaiming Human Rights. Safeguarding Democracy” brought together over 1,000 participants, including government officials, representatives of IOs, human rights defenders, journalists, and members of civil society from around the world. The event was organized by the Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, in collaboration with the Office of the President of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, and supported by UNDP and Japan - The Government of Japan . Read more
Strengthening access to justice in times of war
The forum “Law and Justice: Strengthening Cooperation in Times of War” focused on key objectives, including ensuring access to legal aid for vulnerable populations, reforming the free legal aid (FLA) system, integrating international standards into Ukraine’s legal framework, and strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation at local level.
The forum was initiated by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine and the Coordination Centre for Legal Aid Provision, and with the support of the UNDP through the “UN Action Network Against Sexual Violence in Conflict” project and the UNDP-EU “EU4Recovery – Empowering Communities in Ukraine” partnership. Read more
UNDP supports Ukrainian government in developing updated Low Emissions Development Strategy until 2050
A national presentation of the key elements of Ukraine’s updated Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) until 2050 was held on 11 December during the “Ukraine at COP29: Achievements, Challenges, Prospects” forum, which was organized by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine. The Institute for Economics and Forecasting of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine engaged more than 20 national and international experts in preparing the updated strategy. Support for the work was provided by UNDP as part of the global Climate Promise initiative. Read more
Children from frontline Kupiansk win memorable trip to Lviv as part of All-Ukrainian Media Literacy Lesson
Children from Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast have enjoyed a memorable trip to Lviv in western Ukraine ahead of the winter holidays – their prize for coming amongst the top in the All-Ukrainian Media Literacy Lesson. The lesson was organized by the National Media Literacy Filter Project of the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, along with public broadcaster Suspilne Media. UNDP provided support for the event, and funding came from the Government of Japan. Read more
MFA and UNDP launch first digital diplomatic archive, featuring documents from time of Ukrainian People’s Republic
This pioneering platform compiles and digitises key documents that highlight the evolution of Ukraine’s diplomatic service, spanning from the era of the Ukrainian People’s Republic (1918-1921) to the present day. The initiative was funded by the Government of Japan. Read more
EU and UNDP present a practical guide to integrating a gender approach into project management
The guide, "Integrating a Gender Approach into Mayors for Economic Growth Facility Projects," offers practical tips for NGO teams and local officials. It provides tools and recommendations for incorporating gender perspectives across all project stages, including needs analysis, indicator development, team selection, communication, and evaluation. Read more
OUR PUBLICATIONS
?? Study of legal needs of Ukrainian veterans and their families (available in Ukrainian)
?? Classification and standardization of social services: International and Ukrainian experience (available in Ukrainian)
?? Practical guide “Integrating a Gender Approach into Mayors for Economic Growth Facility Projects” (available in Ukrainian)
STORIES
From the Diaries of Ukrainian Veterans: “The moment you feel needed again changes everything”
This story contains excerpts from participants’ journals in Ukraine’s first-ever course on mechanized and innovative demining for veterans with disabilities. This initiative is a collaboration between UNDP, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, and the Swedish government. The two-and-a-half-week course equipped 12 participants with skills ranging from operating mechanical demining machines to understanding national mine action standards and principles. Most importantly, it allowed them to rediscover their purpose and create new meanings for their lives. Read more
‘My house saved us’: the story of a former teacher from Dmytrivka
"I do math to keep myself from crying," — says Lidiia, a math teacher and lifelong resident of Dmytrivka, a village near Kyiv. In March 2022, her home of 45 years was struck by an artillery shell.When she returned to Dmytrivka, all that remained of her beloved home was ash and debris. Yet, with the support of UNDP in Ukraine and the Government of Japan, the rubble was cleared, unexploded ordnance removed, and reusable materials salvaged for future reconstruction. This summer, flowers bloomed again in her yard, a sign of renewal. Read the full story here.
VIDEOS
‘We can do something for the world.’ How UNDP expands opportunities for veterans with disabilities
Ruslan, a veteran with a disability, has completed a UNDP-supported course in humanitarian demining and is now using his skills as an imagery analyst with the HALO Trust in Ukraine. The course was launched with support from the Netherlands and in partnership with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine to expand job opportunities for veterans with disabilities by facilitating their involvement in the mine action sector.
Japan and UNDP are strengthening the resilience of Ukrainian cities amidst unprecedented challenges
During a recent visit to Kyiv, Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Takeshi Iwaya, announced the transfer of essential energy equipment to Ukraine, including a powerful gas turbine, 15 variable frequency drivers, and two cogeneration units. This equipment will significantly enhance the energy infrastructure in Kharkiv and Odesa, ensuring more stable access to heating, electricity, and water supplies for the residents of these cities. Watch the video to learn more about Japan’s and UNDP's support to the energy sector of Ukraine.
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