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Statement by H.E. Mr. Dr. Andrii Melnyk, LL.M., Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations

 

Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS 

Annual Session 2026

UNDP Segment 

10 June 2026, New York

 

Mr. President,

The delegation of Ukraine would like to thank the UNDP Administrator, Alexander De Croo, for his insightful and forward-looking statement.

Ukraine highly values its partnership with UNDP.

Today, UNDP is the largest UN agency operating in Ukraine and one of our most important partners in supporting recovery, resilience, and development under extraordinarily difficult circumstances.

For more than four years, Ukrainians have been suffering from the grave consequences of Russia's full-scale aggression. Every day, our cities face brutal Russian missile and drone attacks on homes, schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure.

Ukraine deeply appreciates UNDP's comprehensive support across a wide range of areas – from restoring essential public services and supporting local communities to humanitarian demining, and recovery planning.

I would especially like to highlight UNDP's contribution to enhancing Ukraine's energy resilience. At a time when Russia continues its deliberate targeted attacks on energy infrastructure, UNDP's support has been invaluable.

The provision of power generation equipment, support for decentralized energy solutions, and efforts to help communities maintain access to electricity, heating, water, and other essential services have had a direct positive impact on the lives of millions of Ukrainians.

These projects help keep schools open, hospitals functioning, and families warm through the winter. For this crucial support we are profoundly grateful.

Dear Alexander De Croo, we hope that under your strong leadership, UNDP will scale up its indispensable support for Ukraine, especially enhancing our energy resilience.

We reiterate our invitation to visit Ukraine and see with your own eyes the positive impact of UNDP work.

Mr. President,

We are equally thankful to the donor countries whose solidarity and generosity have made this crucial assistance possible.

I would especially mention today UNDP's top five donor partners in Ukraine: Norway, Japan, the European Union, Sweden, and Denmark.

Their support enables UNDP to continue delivering tangible results on the ground and gives hope to communities affected by Russia's brutal war.

I would like to encourage today other member states, especially the Gulf states, to join this donor club.

Mr. President,

Ukraine actively participates in the ongoing discussions regarding a possible merger between UNDP and UNOPS. We appreciate the profound analysis provided to the Member States on various options for this difficult process.

As these deliberations continue, we believe that any future arrangement should ultimately enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and responsiveness of both agencies.

It is essential to preserve operational continuity and maintain strong implementation capacity on the ground, particularly in crisis-affected countries.

Ukraine remains ready to work closely with UNDP to advance recovery, strengthen resilience, and build a better future for our people.

Thank you.