A single mother of three children is rebuilding her home with help from the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR. Photo: © UNHCR/Nikola Ivanovski.
The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began two years ago, leaving a trail of death and destruction alongside pockets of communities who are reviving towns, cities and hope, with help from U.N. agencies on the ground. A U.N. Development Program expert inspects a war-damaged building. Before starting the work of clearing debris, each site is carefully inspected for dangerous objects, such as unexploded ordnance.
Kyiv, Ukraine. Two years after the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukraine continues to grapple with widespread devastation. Yet, amidst the destruction, pockets of communities who are reviving towns, cities and hope, largely supported by U.N. agencies.
In a poignant symbol of rebuilding, a single mother of three is reconstructing her home with the assistance of the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR. Her story reflects the broader efforts across Ukraine where communities are determinedly reviving towns and cities.
The U.N. Development Program (UNDP) plays a critical role in these efforts. Experts meticulously inspect war-damaged buildings for dangerous objects such as unexploded ordnance before commencing debris clearance. This thorough process ensures the safe rebuilding of infrastructure.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), known locally by its Ukrainian acronym MOM, has deployed mobile teams to renovate heavily shelled regions. These teams are pivotal in restoring habitability and a sense of normalcy in the most affected areas.
In an innovative stride, Ukraine has developed the Diia app to connect citizens with essential public services and humanitarian assistance, even in remote regions. Supported by UNDP, the app also helps older individuals enhance their digital skills, ensuring they remain connected and informed.
Education, disrupted by the conflict, finds a safe haven underground in Kharkiv. The Metro Schools network, inaugurated in 2023 with support from UNHCR, now educates over 2,000 students, providing a secure environment for learning amid the chaos.
Mine clearance remains a critical concern. In collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and the Kyiv School of Economics, UNDP is testing robotic technologies to expedite this process, aiming to rid the country of landmines swiftly and efficiently.
Economic recovery is also on the agenda. UNDP organized the East Expo 2023 in Kyiv, under the U.N. recovery and peacebuilding program. Supported financially by the European Union, the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, and the Government of Croatia, the expo showcased micro, small, and medium-sized businesses from war-affected areas, fostering economic resilience and growth.
Despite these efforts, the stark reality of war persists, with ongoing conflicts serving as constant reminders of Ukraine’s precarious situation. The collective endeavors of U.N. agencies and local initiatives, however, shine a light on the path to rebuilding and restoring a sense of home for the Ukrainian people.
Discover more from The Stewardship Report
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
