Gdańsk, Poland, 27 June 2026 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) participated in the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) 2026, co-hosted by Ukraine and Poland in Gdańsk on 25-26 June.

Bringing together more than 4,000 participants — including heads of state and government, international financial institutions, private sector leaders and civil society, as well as representatives of 102 Ukrainian communities — URC 2026 served as a key platform to mobilize international support, unlock financing and accelerate investment in Ukraine’s recovery.

This year’s conference has placed a strong focus on energy resilience, critical infrastructure and community-led recovery, while introducing a dedicated security dimension that underscores the link between security, reconstruction and sustainable development. The “Resilience” dimension of the conference showcases integrated recovery solutions across sectors, enabling direct connections between Ukrainian communities and international partners and investors. It highlights practical, scalable models that combine infrastructure restoration with service delivery, innovation and inclusive local development.

As part of its engagement, UNDP — in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the Government of Germany — supported preparations for Ukraine’s participation in the conference. This included contributing to a concept led by the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine. The concept presents Ukraine not only as a country that is withstanding ongoing challenges, but also as one that is actively building systems capable of functioning and evolving under pressure.

At the URC, UNDP’s leadership is engaged in high-level discussions to advance recovery priorities and partnerships. UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo took part in key sessions, including the Ukraine Donor Platform Ministerial Meeting and the Energy Forum, as well as bilateral meetings with representatives of governments, international financial institutions and development partners. UNDP’s involvement reflected its role as a strategic partner in Ukraine’s recovery, supporting national institutions, strengthening local capacities and advancing an integrated, area-based recovery approach.

Alexander De Croo, UNDP Administrator, highlighted at the conference the importance of aligning immediate response efforts with long-term development and investment priorities.

“Recovery is not about replacing what was lost,” De Croo said. “It’s about financing what comes next: thriving communities, a competitive economy and a Ukraine that shapes its own future.”

“Here at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, UNDP is focused on three priorities: community-led recovery, delivering measurable results and financing the future. For every dollar invested in UNDP technical assistance, local communities can access $70 in funding.”

“Recovery must be measured in results — in electricity restored, in businesses reopened and in jobs created. Our job is to back local authorities as they restore services and support veterans.”

Background:

The assistance to URC 2026 was provided by UNDP in Ukraine as part of the flagship EU4Recovery partnership between the EU and UNDP, with support from the Government of Germany through UNDP’s Green Energy Recovery Programme in Ukraine.

Media enquiries: 

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