Kryvyi Rih, 2 April 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the local authorities in Kryvyi Rih, strengthening its support for community-level resilience in the southern Ukrainian city.

Under the MoU, the parties aim to facilitate cooperation in the areas of recovery and security, European integration, empowerment of a socially responsible private sector, environmental protection, remediation and mitigation of the negative impact of the war on the environment, and safe access to war-affected areas.

The MoU also focuses on promoting the utilization of renewable energy and energy efficiency using the energy service company or ESCO mechanism, and support the municipal energy management system through implementing an intelligent system for energy and water supply monitoring.

First Deputy Mayor of Kryvyi Rih Yevhen Udod thanked the UNDP for its support with energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy using the energy service mechanism in the city. 

“Despite the difficulties caused by the war, we continue to work for the future of our city,” Udod said. “For Kryvyi Rih, the issue of reducing costs for fuel and energy resources at communally owned facilities, budget institutions and institutions is extremely important.”

“Therefore, thanks to the investment of private investors – energy service companies or ESCOs – the city is actively implementing energy efficiency measures using the energy service mechanism.”

UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Jaco Cilliers said that this partnership is a significant milestone on the path to sustainable urban development and recovery efforts in a region that is heavily affected by war every day.

“Through this collaboration, we aim to leverage UNDP’s network and expertise to support Kryvyi Rih in crucial areas such as energy efficiency,” Cilliers said. “Our joint commitment underscores the importance of local empowerment and strategic international cooperation in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals."

The UNDP in Ukraine has also recently strengthened its support to other communities through signing MoUs with 15 partner-cities across Ukraine to facilitate local energy efficiency and recovery efforts. 

Media enquiries

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