Ukraine, 12 June 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan have signed a Statement of Intent to strengthen cooperation in support of Ukraine’s recovery and infrastructure reconstruction.

The agreement aims to facilitate business and public-private partnership opportunities between UNDP and Japanese companies, with a focus on innovative technologies that can support safe, efficient and sustainable recovery efforts in Ukraine.

The cooperation builds on the Japan–Ukraine Platform on Infrastructure Technology for Recovery and Reconstruction (JUPITeR), which was launched by the Japanese ministry in 2025, and UNDP’s broad recovery portfolio in Ukraine.

A key area of cooperation will be the use of advanced technologies for debris management and reconstruction activities. With the ministry’s facilitation, UNDP has already started cooperation with two Japanese companies – Kobelco Construction Machinery and Soliton Systems – which possess remote construction technologies with the potential to support safer debris removal operations in Ukraine. Such equipment could be particularly useful in environments affected by the explosive remnants of war, in unstable structures, and when clearing up asbestos-containing materials and other hazards commonly associated with war-generated debris in Ukraine. 

UNDP and its partners will explore opportunities to prove the concept and assess these technologies in operational environments relevant to Ukraine’s recovery needs.

The Statement of Intent is expected to expand opportunities for such collaboration, helping connect Japan’s technological expertise and private sector innovation with Ukraine’s urgent recovery and reconstruction needs.

H.E. Yurii Lutovinov, Ukraine’s ambassador to Japan, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership: “Japan’s support goes beyond reconstruction; it directly contributes to Ukraine’s security by strengthening the resilience of communities, livelihoods and the economy through advanced technologies and innovation. Remote operation technologies are particularly important in Ukraine, as they create new opportunities for veterans to reintegrate into civilian life, apply their skills and experience in meaningful ways, and actively contribute to the country’s recovery and future development.”

Kenichi Kawamura, Deputy Minister for International Projects at Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, highlighted the importance of the partnership with UNDP:

“The Statement of Intent signed today will further strengthen cooperation between MLIT and UNDP in support of Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction,” Kawamura said. “By combining Japan’s remote-operation technologies and technical expertise with UNDP’s on-the-ground recovery efforts, we can help address urgent reconstruction needs more effectively. MLIT remains committed to working with public and private sector partners to contribute to Ukraine’s sustainable recovery.”

Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, highlighted UNDP’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction in close partnership with Japan. 

“Ukraine is rebuilding under extraordinarily difficult conditions, while pursuing a more sustainable and resilient development pathway,” Lootsma said. “UNDP is working closely with the Government of Ukraine and international partners to help connect Ukraine’s recovery needs with global expertise and private sector innovation. Through this cooperation, Japan’s advanced technologies have the potential to improve the safety and efficiency of recovery operations, while supporting Ukraine's reconstruction efforts.”

Background:

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure across Ukraine has caused immense suffering for millions of people and created large volumes of war-generated debris.

According to a recent UNDP feasibility study supported by the Government of Japan, damage to the housing sector alone had generated an estimated 17 million tonnes of debris in government-controlled areas of Ukraine by September 2025. Safe debris management is therefore a critical first step for reconstruction, helping communities remove hazards, prepare sites for rebuilding, and create opportunities to recover, recycle, and reuse valuable construction materials where it is safe and technically feasible.

Media enquiries:

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