Statement by the Delegation of Ukraine at the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board 2025 Annual Session, UNDP segment (agenda item 9 - Annual report of the Administrator), 4 June 2025

Mr. President,

At the outset, I would like to sincerely thank the UNDP team for its unwavering support to Ukraine during the most challenging time in our modern history. We are particularly grateful to UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner for his outstanding leadership and personal commitment throughout his tenure, including his visit to Ukraine and active participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conferences. Under his guidance, UNDP remains a leading UN development agency providing critical assistance to countries in crisis – and Ukraine is a key example.

The full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine continues to bring immense human suffering and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. Despite these challenges, we remain determined to defend our sovereignty and rebuild our nation. In these efforts, UNDP has proven to be a vital and reliable partner.

We value UNDP’s comprehensive support in different areas – from restoring schools, hospitals and residential buildings to supporting people with disabilities and digital transformation. In particular, we acknowledge the critical assistance in the energy sector, including providing transformers and other vital energy equipment. We commend the ongoing collaboration on mine action, as Ukraine now faces one of the gravest contamination crises in the world.

In the context of the UN80 initiative and the broader reform of the UN development system, we underscore the importance of ensuring continuity of UN project activities on the ground. We expect that this reform will not diminish but rather enhance the effectiveness of such activities by addressing existing gaps and avoiding duplications. UNDP should play a key role in this process, particularly as a member of the UN80 Taskforce. Ukraine relies on the continued and expanded support from UNDP and the broader UN development system. Together, we can turn today’s crisis into an opportunity for sustainable, inclusive recovery.

Let me also emphasize that over 20 UN agencies are currently operating in Ukraine. This gives us a unique and practical perspective on how the UN delivers on the ground – not in theory, but in the midst of a full-scale war. For us, this is not an abstract discussion – it is our daily reality.

In conclusion, we express our deep appreciation to all donor countries whose generous contributions make work of UNDP and other UN agencies in Ukraine possible. Your solidarity empowers our resilience.

Thank you.