February 11, 2025

1083th day of Russian invasion

UNDP and Japan support ‘Cohesive Communities’ initiative on Ukrainian Unity Day

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In celebration of Ukrainian Unity Day (“Den’ Sobornosti” in Ukrainian), a symbol of national unity, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with financial support from the Government of Japan, took part in the “Cohesive Communities” National Unifying Platform.

This event, part of the “Shoulder to Shoulder” project organized by the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, this year focused on linking central and rear-line communities with frontline and border communities.

The gathering brought together government officials, community leaders, representatives of state regional administrations, volunteers, and cultural figures. They discussed key aspects of community cohesion, shared success stories of mutual aid, and explored effective strategies for resource mobilization to implement initiatives, as well as the vital role of collaboration between volunteers and authorities.

“Across Ukraine, we know we can rely on each other,” Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said at the event. “This is especially so today, in this difficult period of war, when the significance of timely, effective help is sometimes a matter of life and death, when rear communities help front-line cities and villages cope with the consequences of the war.” 

Shmyhal thanked the communities for actively participating and encouraged others to join in and create a robust network of solidarity. “A united Ukraine is each and every one of us,” Shmyhal said. “And unity is our goodwill, and actions that create a sense of a shared home and a large, united family – a family where we will always help and support each other.”

Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine Oleksii Kuleba, in his comments, also noted the importance of inter-community solidarity: “Unity is not just words, but concrete actions,” he said. “(It is) when we stand shoulder to shoulder, restoring schools in Kharkiv region, when children from Sumy region sing ‘Shchedryk’ in Rivne, when communities from Donetsk receive support from Lviv, and when help from Zakarpattia reaches Zaporizhzhia.”

UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Jaco Cilliers emphasized that unity is a powerful force guiding Ukraine through its most challenging times. “The cohesion we see in Ukraine – from local communities to national institutions – represents an extraordinary strength driving positive change,” Cilliers said. “Findings from the recent UNDP-backed Social Cohesion in Ukraine: reSCORE 2024″ highlight this resilience: a remarkable 8.7/10 score in national identity, 7.3/10 for inclusivity of identity, and strong community ties, with 83% trusting neighbours for support. This forum reflects our shared commitment to strengthening bonds, fostering dialogue, and uniting Ukrainians for recovery and development.”

The “Cohesive Communities” National Unifying Platform has become an important initiative for bolstering cooperation, solidarity, and unity among communities in Ukraine. It serves as a foundation for successful recovery and sustainable development – even in times of war.

Source: UNDP

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