Mykolaiv, Ukraine, 4 September 2026 — The Government of Denmark and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, in cooperation with local authorities, have launched the interactive installation “Together for the Recovery of Mykolaiv Oblast” on Soborna Square in Mykolaiv.

The installation showcases the tangible results of the long-standing partnership between Denmark and UNDP to support the recovery and resilience of Mykolaiv Oblast through an integrated area-based recovery approach that empowers communities to drive their own development. It demonstrates how this cooperation translates into practical improvements in people’s everyday lives — from more accessible public, social and health services to new economic opportunities, stronger community security, support for veterans, youth engagement and greater community participation.

Designed as an immersive public experience, the interactive cube combines key results with the stories of the people and communities behind them. Visitors can explore an interactive map of Mykolaiv Oblast featuring locations and initiatives supported through Denmark-UNDP cooperation, watch videos and discover personal stories illustrating how recovery efforts are changing lives.

Vitalii Lukov, First Deputy Mayor of Mykolaiv, highlighted the importance of making recovery visible and accessible to the city’s residents. “People do not always see the many partnerships and efforts behind those changes. Bringing this installation to the heart of the city gives residents an opportunity to explore that story for themselves — to see what has already been achieved, where support is reaching people and, most importantly, how these efforts connect to the future of our city.”

Mykola Marinov, Deputy Head of the Mykolaiv Oblast Administration, said that the installation reflects the breadth of recovery efforts taking place across the region. “For Mykolaiv Oblast, recovery is not something that begins after the war — it is happening every day, in every community that restores services, creates opportunities and finds solutions despite enormous pressures. The results presented here showcase what becomes possible when communities have reliable partners and the capacity to turn support into lasting change.”

Jakob Torrild Hansen, Head of the Danish Embassy Office in Mykolaiv, stressed on Denmark’s commitment to Mykolaiv and the region. “Denmark’s engagement in Mykolaiv is built on a simple principle: recovery must respond to the priorities and realities of the people who live here. This requires staying engaged and working side by side with partners over the long term. This installation captures only part of what that cooperation has made possible, but behind every figure is a concrete result — a service restored, a new opportunity created or a community better equipped to shape its own future.”

Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, emphasized the importance of turning international support into locally owned, sustainable solutions. “What we see in Mykolaiv Oblast demonstrates that effective recovery is built locally. Our partnership with Denmark enables us to work alongside communities not only to respond to immediate needs, but also to strengthen the systems, skills and local capacities that will serve people for years to come. This is how we ensure that today’s efforts translate into meaningful improvements in the quality of life and more resilient communities.”

The installation will remain on Soborna Square in Mykolaiv from 4 to 25 September and will be open to visitors daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Background

Denmark and UNDP have been working together to support the recovery and resilience of Mykolaiv Oblast across a broad range of areas, including accessible administrative and social services, health care, economic recovery and skills development, community security, veteran support, youth engagement and participatory local governance.

This cooperation has helped improve access to administrative services for around 400,000 people; train 2,000 health professionals; upgrade 10 vocational education institutions; establish five Recovery and Development Offices and three Social Adaptation Centres; provide 19 specialized vehicles for mobile services; establish 15 police stations and five child-friendly ‘green rooms’; and support 10 communities in developing programmes for veterans.

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org