KYIV, 30 July 2025 – Mr. Auke Lootsma, the newly appointed Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, presented his credentials to Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Ms. Mariana Betsa at a meeting on 30 July. The meeting underscored UNDP and the Ukrainian authorities’ shared commitment to advancing Ukraine’s sustainable development and recovery amidst ongoing challenges caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Mr. Lootsma, who assumed his duties on 15 July this year, brings over 30 years of extensive experience with UNDP to his new role. His distinguished career includes leading UNDP offices in Iraq (November 2022 – July 2025) and Yemen (August 2016 – November 2022), as well as key positions in Rwanda, Sudan, and Uganda. He also previously served as Senior Recovery Advisor in Ukraine, giving him valuable prior insight into the country’s development landscape. Mr. Lootsma holds a Master of Science degree in Business Administration and Development Economics.

Deputy Foreign Minister Ms. Mariana Betsa welcomed Mr. Lootsma to Ukraine, and emphasized the importance of strong international partnerships for Ukraine’s resilience and reconstruction.

UNDP’s priorities in Ukraine are firmly aligned with the country’s national recovery and development agenda. In particular, these priorities encompass supporting communities affected by the war, facilitating the safe return of displaced persons, boosting inclusive economic growth and fostering social cohesion. This includes extensive work in mine action and debris clearance, as well as the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure.

UNDP is also working to enhance the repair and resilience of Ukraine's energy system, promoting energy efficiency, and addressing environmental impacts of the war, including sustainable natural resource management.

The meeting between Mr. Lootsma and Ms. Betsa marks a significant step in reinforcing the collaborative efforts between UNDP and the Government of Ukraine to build a more resilient, prosperous, and inclusive future for all Ukrainians.