UNDP in Ukraine, with funding from the Government of Japan, has supported the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in developing new Communications and Public Diplomacy Strategies. The documents are designed to strengthen Ukraine’s institutional capacity in strategic communications and public diplomacy during the ongoing full-scale war and a complex international information environment.
The strategies aim to make Ukraine’s international outreach more coordinated, consistent and evidence-based. They are expected to improve engagement with global partners and strengthen communication around Ukraine’s recovery, reform and development priorities.
The presentation of the new strategies brought together representatives from government institutions, civil society organisations, think tanks, international organisations, diplomatic missions and partner institutions. Participants discussed how the strategies can be implemented and how cross-sectoral cooperation can be strengthened.
Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa said the documents represent an important shift in the ministry’s communication approach. She explained that Ukraine is moving from reactive communication to systematic strategic planning, from separate initiatives to a coherent structure, and from tactical responses to a long-term vision.
Betsa also highlighted the importance of timely, truthful and coordinated government communication during wartime. She said such communication is essential for maintaining the trust of international partners, presenting a clear state position and effectively sharing Ukraine’s priorities in recovery, reform and development.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Christophoros Politis said the initiative is an investment in Ukraine’s ability to make its voice heard globally, strengthen resilience and build trust. He noted that strategic communications are important not only for countering disinformation but also for strengthening connections between institutions, citizens and international partners.
The support from UNDP and Japan reflects the growing importance of communication, public diplomacy and information resilience in Ukraine’s international engagement. By developing these strategies, Ukraine aims to strengthen its global presence, improve coordination across institutions and communicate its national priorities more effectively during a critical period.
