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Повний текст виступу Постійного представника України при ООН, Посла Sergíy Kyslytsya на відкритті заходу:
Opening remarks by H.E. Mr. Sergiy Kyslytsya,
Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN, at the
Side-event: Environmental Security in War and Armed Conflict
(November 6, 2024, 13.15 – 14.30, CR6, UNHQ)
Excellences,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Distinguished Colleagues,
Let me welcome you to this side-event, Environmental Security in War and Armed Conflict, co-organized by the Permanent Missions of Ukraine, Finland, Bulgaria, and Germany, with support from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, World Information Transfer, the Ukrainian Peace Council, and PAX.
And I would like to particularly thank Dr. Christine Durbak, Chair and founder of the organization “World Information Transfer”, for the contribution to the preparation of today’s event.
Today, on November 6, we mark the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. Established by the UN General Assembly in 2001, this day reminds us of the devastating environmental costs of armed conflicts and the urgent need to protect our shared ecosystems.
For Ukraine, this issue is particularly urgent. Since February 24, 2022, the full-scale aggression by the Russian Federation has inflicted severe damage on our environment. Bombings, military operations at industrial facilities, dam explosions, and the harmful pollution of water, air, and soil have left catastrophic consequences for nature and the health of our citizens.
The ongoing Russian occupation of Zaporizhzhia NPP as well as constant attacks on the energy infrastructure facilities of other NPPs, endangers the environment not only of Ukraine, but also of the entire region.
Almost a third of Ukrainian forests have been damaged. In 2024 alone, fires destroyed more than 24000 ha of forest. Russian full-scale war has already resulted in 180 mln tons of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to running over 90 mln cars for a year. The consequences of this war for the environment went far beyond our national borders.
In this context, point 8 of Ukraine’s "Peace Formula"—addressing the prevention of ecocide and the restoration of environmental security—takes on profound importance. Ukraine is committed to reinforcing international mechanisms to protect the environment in armed conflicts and to ensuring accountability for these crimes against nature.
We call upon the international community to unite in protecting our environment from the destructive impact of war, to establish mechanisms for environmental damage compensation, and to support restoration efforts in affected regions. Environmental security in war- affected areas is not just a necessity — it is fundamental to sustainable peace.
Ukraine stands ready to advance the global environmental agenda and actively contribute to international efforts to protect nature during conflicts.
Our event today will address this critical issue, focusing on Ukraine while also considering broader regional and global perspectives.
Thank you, and I wish you a productive and insightful discussion.