More than 40 Ukrainian NGOs call on the German government to put front and center the role of communities and civil society in the reconstruction of Ukraine during next year’s Recovery Conference that will be held in Berlin.
It is important for the people of Ukraine to lead the reconstruction process. Real actions will and are already happening on the ground, in many communities around the country. The voices and recommendations of the representatives of local self-government and civil society should be amplified during the planning process.
We are sure that empowerment of communities will lead to a more just and sustainable reconstruction. It will also help strengthen one of the most successful Ukrainian reforms on decentralisation.
Since the start of the Russian full-scale invasion, Ukrainian communities have repeatedly demonstrated a high level of resilience, investment potential and capacity to implement sustainable reconstruction solutions. For example, there are already numerous cases of bankable projects in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency for municipal sector infrastructure that increase local energy security, realised by municipalities by themselves or with support of Ukrainian NGOs.
In our opinion, Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin could:
– promote further development of the key decentralisation reform;
– provide space for Ukrainian communities to share their successful reconstruction stories and challenges they are facing today;
– serve as a platform to bring together business representatives, international institutions, European cities and Ukrainian communities to discuss cooperation and strengthen partnerships;
– highlight the role of civil society in reforming and rebuilding a more sustainable Ukraine on the way to its EU membership.
Read Ukrainian NGOs’ open letter on the focus of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2024