Check against delivery 

Statement 

by the Delegation of Ukraine at the ECOSOC Forum 

on Financing for Development General Debate 

(23 April 2026)

Mr. President, 

Ukraine shares the growing concern over the persistent and widening gap in financing for development, which continues to undermine the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Despite global commitments, including the recently reaffirmed Seville commitments on financing for development, progress remains alarmingly off track. Multiple and overlapping crises — armed conflicts, climate change, rising inequality, food insecurity, and economic volatility — continue to reverse hard-won development gains.

Today, we must acknowledge a difficult reality: the current global security environment increasingly compels states to prioritize immediate defense needs over long-term development investments. Resources that should be directed toward sustainable development are instead being reallocated to ensure national security.

Among other conflicts, Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine is a clear and tragic illustration of this trend. Its consequences extend far beyond Ukraine’s borders, exacerbating global food insecurity, disrupting supply chains, increasing energy volatility, and further straining development financing worldwide.

For Ukraine, the impact is direct and devastating. Systematic and targeted attacks by Russia against critical infrastructure — including energy facilities, transport networks, schools, hospitals, and residential areas — continue to inflict severe human and economic losses. These attacks not only harm civilians but also deliberately undermine our capacity to pursue sustainable development and achieve the SDGs.

In such conditions, Ukraine is forced to redirect substantial resources toward defense and emergency response, while simultaneously striving to maintain essential public services and advance recovery efforts.

Therefore, Ukraine’s primary focus today is resilience and recovery. The reconstruction of our country is not only a national priority but also an integral part of regional and global stability. Investing in Ukraine’s recovery is investing in sustainable development, security, and the credibility of the international system.

At the same time, we stress that development financing must be protected and strengthened, even in times of crisis. This includes enhancing international financial support, mobilizing private sector investments, addressing debt vulnerabilities, and ensuring that no country affected by conflict is left behind.

Ukraine remains firmly committed to the principles of the 2030 Agenda and stands ready to work with all partners to bridge the financing gap and accelerate progress toward the SDGs — even under the most challenging circumstances.

Thank you.