Statement

by Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine Ms. Khrystyna Hayovyshyn 

at the general debate of the Second Committee of the 80^th session 

of the United Nations General Assembly

(7 October 2025)

Mr. Chairman,

At the outset, allow me to congratulate you and the members of the Bureau on your election and to assure you of Ukraine’s full support throughout this session.

The theme of this debate, “Five years to 2030: multilateral solutions for sustainable development”, is timely and relevant, as we face multiple overlapping crises that require our collective determination and solidarity.

Today, we continue to confront a reality where armed conflicts, climate change, economic turbulence, food insecurity undermine progress towards the 2030 Agenda. These challenges threaten not only the most vulnerable but the global economy itself.

For Ukraine, the pursuit of sustainable development is inseparable from the fight for survival and sovereignty. The Russian Federation’s ongoing war of aggression against my country continues to cause immense human suffering, destruction of infrastructure, and obstruction of the achievement of SDGs both nationally and globally.

More than three years into the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians remain displaced, while schools, hospitals, energy grids, and transport networks are suffering from almost every-day Russian attacks. Vast areas of our agricultural land are contaminated with mines and unexploded ordnance, threatening livelihoods and food security. Russia’s war has undermined Ukraine’s progress and posed a direct challenge to the very international system upheld by the United Nations.

However, even under such dire circumstances, Ukraine is determined to build resilience, to recover, and to contribute to global solutions. Rebuilding Ukraine is our foremost national priority, and it is guided by the principle of “building back better.” This means not only repairing what has been destroyed but even more important – transforming our economy and society by making them greener, more innovative, and more inclusive.

We regard sustainable infrastructure as a cornerstone of both recovery and the implementation of the SDGs. Despite relentless Russian attacks on our energy system, Ukraine is accelerating its transition towards renewable energy and modernized grids. Strengthening connectivity and restoring supply chains contributes to our reintegration into global markets, enhancing food security and international trade.

Demining is another urgent priority. Without clearing explosive remnants of war, no reconstruction, no return of displaced persons, and no sustainable use of land are possible. Ukraine is grateful to our partners and international organizations for the assistance already provided and welcomes further international engagement in this critical task. We call on partners to continue supporting mine action as an investment in both humanitarian relief and long-term development.

Mr. Chairman,

The war against Ukraine highlights: there can be no sustainable development without peace, and no lasting peace without sustainable development. The sooner Russia ends its aggression and the principles of international law and the UN Charter are restored, the sooner the international community can refocus on achieving the SDGs. Sustained and lasting peace in Ukraine is a prerequisite for stability in Europe, for food security in Africa and the Middle East, and for credibility of multilateralism everywhere.

Ukraine is committed to advancing the work of this Committee on financing for development, science and technology for the SDGs, and climate action. We support efforts to close the development finance gap, to mobilize private capital for sustainable investment, and to ensure that the needs of vulnerable and conflict-affected countries are not overlooked.

We also share the concerns of many delegations from the Global South, whose populations are disproportionately affected by rising costs, debt, and climate-related disasters. Just as we receive vital support from our partners, we also stand ready to contribute our experience, innovations, and lessons learned to joint global efforts.

As Chair of the 64^th Session of the Commission for Social Development, Ukraine dedicates particular attention to these matters.

Finally, let me stress that Ukraine is unwavering in its commitment to the 2030 Agenda and to the reform processes of the United Nations aimed at strengthening coherence and efficiency. We believe that the resident coordinator system and broader UN development architecture should be equipped to respond to crises without losing sight of long-term priorities. Reform should not mean weakening mandates, but rather empowering the UN to deliver better results for people in need.

Thank you.