Kyiv, 10 June 2026 – The “Environment for Ukraine” international environmental forum held in Kyiv on 10 June showcased Ukraine’s progress and achievements in green recovery, environmental policy, and the alignment of the country’s national legislation with European Union standards.

The forum was organized by the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, and with funding from the governments of Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Sweden.

More than 300 representatives of the Government of Ukraine, international organizations, civil society, academia, business and the financial sector took part in discussions at the forum about priorities for further strengthening Ukraine’s environmental policy.

The key areas that were identified included waste management reform, the development of a circular economy, chemical safety, biodiversity conservation, the expansion of protected areas, water and forest resource management, environmental control reform, and financing instruments for Ukraine’s green transformation and recovery.

Speaking at the forum, Oleksii Sobolev, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, emphasized that green transformation for Ukraine is an investment in economic resilience, business competitiveness and people’s quality of life.

“One year ago, we brought together the economic, agricultural, and environmental portfolios within one ministry to ensure that environmental policy becomes an integral part of economic, industrial and agricultural decision-making,” Sobolev said. “Environmental protection no longer exists separately from the country’s development — it’s part of how we’re going to rebuild Ukraine, fulfil our commitments to the European Union and shape the future for the next generations.”

Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, commended Ukraine’s commitment to advancing environmental reforms and embedding sustainability in recovery and reconstruction. 

“Ukraine is building back a more resilient, sustainable system fully aligned with international standards,” Lootsma said. “For instance, a recent UNDP study shows up to 70 percent of housing debris can be recycled, turning a major challenge into an opportunity to advance a greener recovery.”

H.E. Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine, highlighted how Japan’s experience and expertise can contribute to Ukraine’s efforts to build back better and greener. 

“As a country with limited natural resources and a long history of responding to natural disasters, Japan has learned the importance of using resources efficiently and minimizing waste,” Ambassador Nakagome said. “The principles of reduce, reuse and recycle are deeply embedded in Japan’s environmental policy. I believe there are a lot of opportunities and chances for the Japanese and Ukrainian companies to continue in the process of Ukraine’s green reconstruction and recovery. Japan is here to help.”

Media enquiries:

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