The Role of Local Governments in Advancing the Urban Recovery Framework in Ukraine

Despite the uncertainty and destruction that followed the full scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the country is committed to planning for its reconstruction. Presently, the Government needs to prioritise reconstruction in regions that have suffered from damaged and displacement, to ensure that basic needs for housing, water and sanitation, heating and energy, are met. Rebuilding transport, as well as economic, infrastructure is also vital for stimulating local economies, encouraging returns and generating revenues.

Since 2022, Ukraine has modified its framework for urban planning and recovery with a focus on recovery planning, also taking into account EU norms and standards. While Ukraine’s decentralisation reform (launched after the Revolution of Dignity in 2014) had made some significant progress in transferring competences and resources to newly-amalgamated Municipalities, many still do not possess necessary planning capacities. This challenge has been exacerbated by a loss of municipal staff owing to death and displacement.

To uphold previous gains in Ukraine’s decentralisation process, it will be important for Municipalities to demonstrate that they can lead local recovery efforts, in dialogue with their communities, as well as regional and national authorities. There is a need to: ensure ownership by Municipalities and their communities; enhance evidence-based, participatory and integrated planning; consider future-oriented scenario planning for recovery and reconstruction (including EU preparedness); and establish synergies with regional and national planning.
To overcome these gaps, international assistance has been mobilised to support local planning processes and identify bankable reconstruction projects. A range of planning tools have been tested including Comprehensive Restoration Programmes and Recovery Plans, as well as other methodologies, some of which have been inspired by previous WUF deliberations around the https://unhabitat.org/urban-recovery-framework. The majority of these efforts are in their infancy and WUF12 presents an opportunity to reflect upon lessons learned, in order to support the Government of Ukraine to further develop its framework for recovery and reconstruction.

The event brings together international and Ukrainian partners to foster dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaboration among stakeholders to understand the role of local governments in building back better and advancing recovery and reconstruction. By focusing on the critical role of local governments, the event seeks to explore innovative approaches, best practices, and challenges related to urban governance, management and decentralisation.