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Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has announced an additional €2.4 million to support the project “Restoring Green Industry through Municipal Development in Ukraine”. This decision is part of the UNIDO programme to restore the green industry in Ukraine for 2024-2028, Time Ukraine Israel reports, citing UNIDO.
The signing ceremony of the funding agreement took place today in Vienna in the presence of UNIDO Director-General Grad Müller, Permanent Representative of Germany to UNIDO Rüdiger Rainer Bohn and First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to UNIDO Oleksandr Oborsky.
In his speech at the ceremony, Ambassador Bohn emphasised that Ukrainian municipalities directly affected by the war have the potential to recover: “Municipalities in Ukraine are struggling because of war and destruction, but they hold the keys to recovery. By working at the local level, we are empowering municipalities to take the lead in shaping their future. This project will provide critical support to local governments by providing them with the skills and resources to develop green industry.”
The project, implemented jointly by the Government of Ukraine and UNIDO, aims to support the development of sustainable, green and resilient industry in Ukraine. Important aspects include creating opportunities for people, supporting businesses and attracting investment, and promoting the development of a green economy. UNIDO, together with its development and financing partners, including Germany, aims to achieve results in all thematic areas of its work through a strategic approach and an integrated technical cooperation portfolio.
Director General Müller said: “This project is another important step in UNIDO’s and Germany’s efforts to promote sustainable industrial development and support the people of Ukraine in these difficult times. UNIDO stands ready to join forces with our partners and provide Ukraine with the necessary assistance for a green industrial recovery.”
The new project will strengthen the capacities of the public sector and government institutions at the national and local levels to facilitate green industrial recovery. The initiative, supported by the regional development coordinators, focuses on empowering Ukrainian municipalities as engines of sustainable development and inclusive growth.
In addition, the project will cooperate with the United Nations Environment Programme to develop new joint initiatives within the framework of the joint declaration between UNIDO and the Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention signed in 2023.
In conclusion, Alexander Oborsky said: “Facing the harsh reality with resilience, our people, entrepreneurs and industry leaders are committed to peace and rapid recovery. We are grateful to Germany for its support as a key donor to the project and to UNIDO for its active and consistent engagement in Ukraine, implementing a wide range of projects, including the one signed today, that cover the transfer of advanced technologies, improving the environmental performance of Ukrainian businesses, as well as supporting women and youth and creating jobs.”
