UNDP in Ukraine

The visit has been organized by UNDP-led Chornobyl Recovery and Development Programme and the Institute of Regional Development in Poland. As a result of the visit, partners plan to establish fruitful cooperation to allow the implementation of a number of joint initiatives and projects that, in turn, would lead to effective socio-economic development in the Chornobyl-hit regions.

"There are regions in Ukraine that traditionally cooperate with Poland, but Polissia remains "Terra Incognita" for the most of Polish communities. It is important to us that fruitful cooperation is established between cities. Moreover, we are thinking of starting exchange visits for mid-level specialists working within local self-governance bodies.

As a result of this cooperation between real people, - being specialists in economic, information, and public services departments of district administrations, city and village councils - they would be able to exchange their experiences and learn best practises from their Polish counterparts. It will contribute to seeking joint solutions to common problems and, thus, promote more effective development of communities in both Ukraine and Poland," Pavlo Zamostyan, Project Manager of UNDP Chornobyl Recovery and Development Programme said.

Among the most interesting directions of cooperation the Polish partners stated high potential of cooperation in energy saving, effective governance and certification for ISO 9000, as well as cultural exchange activities.

The two-day visit is a first stage in pursuing wider bilateral cooperation with the majority of cities and districts having already signed the initial Agreements of cooperation.

In these Agreements of cooperation, cities and districts vow to develop bilateral cooperation in all spheres based on general understanding and trust. The parties will promote development of all forms of mutually advantageous ties and cooperation relations between the enterprises and inhabitants of cities in the two countries.

During the second stage, in the middle of September partners from the Ukrainian side will visit corresponding powiat and gmina (districts and cities) of Poland. Tailor-made training courses and visits to exchange experiences targeted at mid-level experts in various directions will be the third stage. The special attention will be paid to providing public services (the documentation, registration, informing), methods of investments attraction and the organisation of cultural events. Basic participants will be from economic, information and municipal departments of regional administrations, city and village councils of Polissya region.

Among the most interesting directions of bilateral cooperation the Polish partners have noted high potential of projects aimed at energysaving within social objects and the municipal enterprises, development of effective management methods by local governments and certification of management according to the international standards ІSО 9000, communication adjustment between businessmen and investors, and also, certainly, cultural exchange activities.

"Our partners told to us that these territories have been affected by the Chornobyl accident, but we did not feel it. We have started our cooperation with Sarnenskyi district and we were especially impressed with a high level of cultural facilities they have. We do not have that system of rural libraries and local culture clubs", - Waldemar Gil, Starosta of Stargardzki Powiat shared his impressions.

In addition, Dariusz Bożek from the Institute of Regional Development said: "We have been impressed by the warmth that Ukrainians showed hosting us and we have learnt a lot about the Ukrainian cities and villages. After that visit I was once again convinced that this cooperation in also essential for the Polish party. We might have certain things to learn from Ukraine".

UN Development Programme supporting the organisation of the visit of local authorities of Poland to Ukraine has once again called on its partners to support further social and economical recovery of Chornobyl-affected regions and communities, providing them with a hope for a better future.

Economic and cultural cooperation plays an important role in getting rid of Chornobyl's legacy.

According to the UN Action Plan on Chornobyl to 2016 one of the tasks is return to normal economic activities and infrastructure improvement at the Polissia area that belong to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th zone of radiation contamination after Chornobyl accident.

In Ukraine, the transition from humanitarian aid to a development strategy defined the coordination role of UN Development Programme, putting UNDP at the heart of these UN-led efforts. The development of Chornobyl affected territories through community development initiatives has been successfully implemented since 2002 within the UNDP-led Chornobyl Recovery and Development Programme - a project operating in the country's four worst-hit regions - Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Chernigiv and Rivne Regions.  

The UN Trust Fund for Human Security was one of key supporter of programme activities in 2004-2007. As a result, a total of 297 organisations in 192 villages are covering over 20,000 people with the Programme's activities. Uniting their own resources with those of local authorities and the private sector, they are implementing projects focused on making a real difference in their lives. Specifically, these community-based initiatives include reconstruction of water pipe-lines and gasification, reconstruction of schools, baths, village health centres and ambulatories, and establishment of youth, public and service centres, etc.

In addition, Chornobyl Recovery and Development Programme constantly supports the expansion of institutional opportunities, strengthening the potential of organisations and institutions that promote socio-economic development and ecological recovery of the Chornobyl-affected regions.

In particular, CRDP supported the establishment of eight Regional Economic Development Agencies three in the districts of Zhytomyr Region (Brusyliv, Korosten and Ovruch), two in Kyiv Region (Borodyanka and Ivankiv), two in Rivne Region (Dubrovytsya and Rokytne), and one in Chernihiv Region (Ripky district).

Since 2005 CRDP conducts its annual Chornobyl Economic Development Forum that serves as a platform for working out a strategy of sustainable development of territories, attracting investment into the whole region and creating the conditions for partnerships between businesses and authorities for recovery and development of the affected territories.

The exchange visit participants from the Polish side included representatives of: Drawski, Goleniowski, Białogardzki, Wałecki, Stargardzki, Świdwiński and Koszalin Powiats (Districts), and Heads of Gminas (Mayors): Gryfice, Tuczno, Ińsko, Mirosławiec, Choszczno, Pyrzyce, Trzebiatów, Goleniów, Nowogard, Złocieniec.

Partners from Ukrainian side: Borodianka, Ivankiv, Ripky. Brusyliv, Korosten, Ovruch, Rokytne, Dubrovycia, Zarichne, Sarny, Volodymyrec rayons (districs), and semi-rural settlements: Ripky, Zamglay, Tomashgorod, Volodymyrec.

For further information, please, contact Dzvinka Kachur, UNDP/CRDP: Tel: /044/ 253 07 08; 253 50 68; 253 51 77 Fax: /044/ 253 76 63; e-mail: dzvinka.kachur AT undp.org.ua