Kyiv, 21 August 2025 – United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Ukraine Auke Lootsma and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Minister of Development of Communities and Territories Oleksii Kuleba met today to reinforce the UNDP-Ukraine partnership on inclusive, transparent, and sustainable recovery efforts.

At the meeting, Lootsma reaffirmed that UNDP’s recovery and reconstruction work is fully aligned with the Ukrainian government’s action plan and its EU accession priorities. He noted that UNDP’s comparative advantage lies in providing quality assurance and oversight, which helps Ukraine “build forward better” in compliance with social, environmental, and inclusivity standards. The UNDP representative also reiterated the organization’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the ministry on governance, area-based development, and institutional strengthening for restoration.

Kuleba expressed his gratitude for the strong partnership, and underlined the Ukrainian government’s commitment to advancing inclusive and transparent recovery. He also stated that Ukraine intends to build on successful, comprehensive recovery cases in communities, and wants to scale up the approach nationwide to advance green, inclusive and digital recovery and development. The minister also acknowledged UNDP’s leadership in coordinating recovery and reconstruction, and its role in regional development and supporting Ukraine’s decentralization process.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continuing a strong and productive partnership to benefit all war-affected communities in Ukraine.

Deputy Prime Minister Kuleba was joined by deputy ministers for Development of Communities and Territories Aliona Shkrum, Oleksii Riabykin, Maryna Denysiuk, as well as Director of the Department of European Integration and International Cooperation Artem Husak.

Media inquiries

Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Communications Team Leader, yuliia.samus@undp.org