Japan and UNDP support regional strategic sessions on planning Ukraine's recovery and development

January 21, 2025
a group of people in a room
Photo: Dmytro Yarish / UNDP in Ukraine

Kharkiv, 21 January 2025 — A series of strategic sessions titled "Regional Strategic Planning as an Effective Mechanism for Recovery, Development, and Coordination" recently concluded in Kharkiv. These events were organized by the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine with the support of UNDP and funding from the Government of Japan.

The sessions were held across the country from December 2024 to January 2025, taking place in Lviv, Cherkasy, Kropyvnytskyi, Kyiv, Odesa, Kamianets-Podilskyi, and Kharkiv. Over 800 people took part, including representatives of central and local authorities, local government bodies, civil society organizations, regional development agencies, experts, members of parliament, and international partners.

The primary goal of the sessions was to aid in updating regional development strategies in alignment with the State Strategy for Regional Development for 2021–2027. Special emphasis was placed on addressing the unique challenges faced by Ukraine’s four macro-regions: the temporarily occupied territories, frontline regions, central regions, and western regions.

“These strategic sessions are an important step in aligning regional needs with national goals,” said Oleksii Riabykin, Deputy Minister for Communities and  Territories Development of Ukraine.

“They foster coordination at all levels of governance and take into account the real needs of communities.”

The key objectives of the sessions included:

  • Analysing the relevance of regional development strategies;
  • Assessing the socio-economic conditions, needs, and opportunities of the regions;
  • Identifying solutions to integrate macro-regional characteristics into strategic planning;
  • Strengthening coordination between central and local authorities.

UNDP in Ukraine Democratic Governance Team Leader Olena Ursu remarked that "strategic planning helps lay the foundation for inclusive, transparent, and sustainable recovery and development of Ukraine. Through effective collaboration with government authorities, civil society organizations, and international partners, we’re creating opportunities for community and regional development."

By mid-February 2025, regions are expected to finalize their updated development strategies, based on the outcomes of the discussion sessions. Additionally, amendments to the State Strategy for Regional Development at the national level will also be made to respond to current challenges.

UNDP and the Government of Japan remain committed to supporting Ukraine on its path to sustainable recovery and prosperity.

Background:

The strategic sessions are part of a broader collaboration between UNDP and the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine. In 2023–2024, as part of a pilot project funded by the Government of Japan, UNDP assisted 10 territorial communities in developing strategic planning documents, assessing corruption risks, and enhancing the capacity of local authorities. The next phase of the initiative will extend to 20 additional communities, focusing on inclusive and transparent recovery processes.

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