Kyiv, 12 June 2026 — The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, together with their partners, have successfully concluded the School for Social Sector Managers — a comprehensive programme for administrative teams from Cherkasy, Chernivtsi and Odesa oblasts.

Implemented following UNDP’s area-based recovery approach, the initiative is supporting integrated solutions that strengthen community resilience, improve access to essential social services and promote inclusive local development. It is also helping communities to prepare to better serve vulnerable populations, including internally displaced people returning home, veterans, older adults and other groups affected by the war.

The training served as a practical tool for strengthening the institutional and project capacities of local communities to organize high-quality, accessible and sustainable social services. The comprehensive course consisted of four consecutive modules, combining intensive five-day practical training courses, a series of thematic webinars, individual and group consultations and a final presentation of project initiatives. The more than 120 participants included deputy heads of local authorities responsible for specific areas, heads of municipal and non-governmental service providers, as well as social protection and finance specialists.

Guided by leading experts, participants strengthened their knowledge of state social service standards, case management tools, early identification of difficult life circumstances and inter-agency cooperation. At the end of the training, each team developed a project proposal ready for the implementation of targeted social services in their communities. This initiative aligns with Ukraine’s national priorities for reforming the social protection system, contributing to the expansion of resilience support services at community level. 

Ihor Ilchenko, Acting Head of the National Social Service of Ukraine, emphasized the importance of this training programme for strengthening community capacities. “Today, local communities are key actors in delivering and managing social services, and their administrative capacity directly determines the quality and accessibility of services for the most vulnerable population groups. The project initiatives developed by the teams as part of this programme are important step towards systemic change at local level,” he noted.

Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, highlighted that strong social services start in communities. “For the European Union, supporting social services reform in Ukraine remains a priority because it directly affects people’s quality of life. We are investing in the skills and capacity of local authorities and service providers so communities can deliver services that better meet people’s needs and are in line with European standards,” he said.

Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, noted that the EU4Recovery partnership reflects UNDP’s comprehensive approach to community recovery and development: “In cooperation with our partners, UNDP supports participants throughout the entire process — from developing project ideas to their practical implementation. This model of cooperation — which brings together international support, local initiative and national priorities — delivers sustainable results,” he said.

Background

The School for Social Sector Managers was organized in partnership with the National Social Service of Ukraine, Cherkasy, Chernivtsi and Odesa Oblast Administrations, the Social Synergy NGO and the TrainingBOX International School of Training and Supervision, as part of the EU4Recovery flagship partnership between the EU and UNDP.

Media enquiries: 

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