Local and Regional Governments at the Forefront to Rebuild Ukraine

For several months now, Ukraine has been under attack from the Russian Federation. As of 23 May 2022, the total area of destroyed facilities in Ukraine is estimated at 90,823,290 square meters including 32,000,000 of housing. In addition, the total number of destroyed or damaged facilities is estimated to 68,585 including 1,837 educational institutions, 616 medical institutions and 330 bridges. These figures are not just statistics: they are a reality, the reality of millions of Ukrainians. It is with this in mind that discussions for action and for the reconstruction of Ukraine must be held. In addition to this absolute necessity to rebuild Ukraine, other questions arise today: how to face the great challenges of the 21st century: the fight against climate change and environmental protection, the digitalisation of cities, the inclusion of citizens and the promotion of equality. All these issues are at the heart of the 2030 agenda - and as you know 65% of the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be implemented without the engagement and the support of the local and regional level. In this regard, we propose you to discuss how to rebuild Ukraine taking into account the challenges we are currently facing and the potential ones that will also arise in the coming years. Local and Regional Governments in Europe and in the world are ready to support their peers in Ukraine to rebuild together a more sustainable future.