Switzerland and the United Nations Development Programme have launched a new $12.5 million partnership to support community recovery and resilience in Ukraine. The initiative will focus on partner communities in Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.
The partnership was announced during a joint Swiss-UNDP working visit to Kherson Oblast, where representatives met with local authorities, service providers, and residents. The visit highlighted ongoing recovery efforts and helped identify priorities for further support in war-affected areas.
The initiative will be implemented from 2026 to 2028 and will support local governance, public financial management, and basic service delivery. It will also expand access to social and health services while promoting social cohesion and the reintegration of veterans.
The partnership forms part of UNDP’s Area-Based Recovery Portfolio, a multi-sectoral program designed to help war-affected regions rebuild infrastructure, restore services, and advance Ukraine’s EU integration pathway. Through this approach, UNDP works directly with communities to deliver locally led recovery solutions.
Switzerland’s support will help strengthen local institutions, improve service systems, and promote inclusive development. The initiative is expected to benefit veterans, internally displaced persons, women, youth, people with disabilities, and other groups affected by the war.
Jean-Luc Bernasconi, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine, said Switzerland remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s development by investing in people and institutions at the community level. He emphasized that the partnership aims to help local authorities provide inclusive services and create conditions for sustainable recovery and social cohesion.
Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, said the Area-Based Recovery approach allows UNDP to work side by side with communities to deliver practical and resilient solutions. He noted that Switzerland’s support will help address immediate needs while strengthening systems that can sustain progress across Ukraine.
The $12.5 million contribution from Switzerland will help local authorities lead reconstruction, manage returns, and strengthen resilience and reform processes. By combining international support with local leadership and national priorities, the partnership aims to deliver long-term results for Ukraine’s recovery.
