Berlin, 13 June – The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) concluded in Berlin yesterday with a commitment between the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 14 countries and a range of development institutions and international organizations to renew support for recovery, reconstruction and reform in Ukraine. 

IOM Deputy Director General for Management and Reform Irena Vojáčková-Sollorano underscored IOM’s unwavering commitment to the people of Ukraine and appreciation to the Government of Germany for its continued support to IOM.

“We must do all we can to help all those affected by the war, particularly the most vulnerable,” said Vojáčková-Sollorano. “Empowering local communities and authorities to lead in their own recovery and reconstruction will be key in this process.”

Conference organizers including the German Federal Foreign Office and Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Government of Ukraine garnered widespread political and financial support over the two-day conference through the establishment of coalitions and alliances which outline commitments to advance solutions on a range of thematic areas.

Signatory to five alliances on the themes of small-medium enterprises, sustainable municipalities, skills building, health, and gender, IOM has committed to enhancing its work across public and private sector partnerships to deliver innovative solutions towards Ukraine’s economic and social recovery.

Irena Vojáčková-Sollorano stressed the importance of supporting the redevelopment of micro and small businesses, skills building for internally displaced persons and veterans to enter or re-enter the labour market, and reconstruction of municipal housing.

In the framework of the conference, IOM also secured an additional EUR 20 million in funding from the European Union to help improve border management infrastructure and enhance the flow of essential goods through Ukraine’s borders.  Discussions also highlighted the tragic impacts of the ongoing and increasing hostilities in eastern Ukraine which has faced daily attacks in recent weeks. IOM Ukraine’s Chief of Mission Alessia Schiavon reflected on the situation in the east.

“Communities continue to suffer and humanitarian needs remain high,” said Schiavon. “We must not forget that the war continues to rage on – destroying lives and shattering any hope for recovery for thousands. IOM is committed to staying and delivering to ensure those affected get the help they need.”

IOM’s Ukraine response spans 12 countries and has assisted 6.5 million people since the start of the war. IOM appeals to the donor community to help fund the response which requires USD 1.5 billion over the next three years as outlined in the IOM Strategic Response Plan: Ukraine and Neighbouring Countries 2024-2026.

Note to Editors:

For the list of all participating countries, bodies, development and international organizations, and banks who jointly launched the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) Resilience Alliance for Ukraine, click here.

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For more information, please contact:

Lanna Walsh, IOM Regional Office Vienna: lwalsh@iom.int

Ryan Schroeder, IOM Regional Office Brussels: rschroeder@iom.int

Varvara Zhluktenko, IOM Ukraine: zhluktenko@iom.int