
The URC2024 took place under the motto "United in defence. United in recovery. Stronger together." It is a continuation of the annual series of high-level political events dedicated to the swift recovery and long-term reconstruction of Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. Governments, international organisations, financial institutions, businesses, regions, municipalities and civil society came together –united by a shared commitment to strengthen the resilience of Ukraine for as long as needed. With over 3.400 participants representing the various stakeholder groups, they demonstrated our strong engagement for Ukraine’s future at the URC2024. It was the first Ukraine Recovery Conference hosted in an EU member state and came at a critical time for Ukraine. The conference reflected the Lugano principles, including a “whole of society” approach to recovery through the meaningful participation of a broad range of stakeholders. Upholding the spirit of the Ukraine Reform Conferences that took place up until2022, the URC2024 did also showcase Ukrainian reform progress in the context of its economic resilience and the EU accession process.
Important cross-cutting issues such as macro-economic stability, resilience and security, infrastructure, housing, energy, climate protection, the green recovery, healthcare, education, environment and gender were integrated into the above mentioned dimensions. Moreover, there was an intergovernmental element and a Recovery Forum as an integral part of the URC2024.
The key goal of the URC2024 was to mobilize continued international support for recovery, reconstruction, reform, and modernization of Ukraine. This includes providing emergency assistance for immediate needs, implementing rapid recovery projects and creating attractive conditions for businesses to unlock the private sector investments in Ukraine, and civil society to actively engage in the reconstruction process. For a summary of the results of the URC 2024 see the Chair’s Summary here. For recordings of the discussions held please visit the YouTube channel of the Ministry of Economy
The URC2024 did focus on the following four thematic dimensions:
For successful reconstruction and economic growth, we need a strong engagement of the private sector. To facilitate investments in Ukraine both local and international, it is important to strengthen confidence in the Ukrainian business environment, showcase success stories and signal long-term political support. Important issues include business opportunities in key sectors of the Ukrainian economy, state support instruments, international support in access to finance and a green and digital transition. For a summary of the results of the URC 2024 see the Chair’s Summary here. For recordings of the discussions held in this Dimension please visit the Conference program here.
The human dimension is key to recovery. It includes the mobilisation of human capital for reconstruction as well as issues of social cohesion and inclusiveness. To unleash the potential of all citizens at home and abroad, particularly women and youth, we need to ensure that Ukraine is a country worth living in for all: promoting education, healthcare and the provision of social services and infrastructure, as well as advancing mine action and the integration of veterans, internally displaced people and returnees. For a summary of the results of the URC 2024 see the Chair’s Summary here. For recordings of the discussions held in this Dimension please visit the Conference program here.
Local and regional actors play a central part in reconstruction. The Conference will spotlight the role of local communities with respect to recovery, the distribution of financial resources and capacity building. This entails creating liveable resilient communities through sustainable urban development, housing and local economic activity. At the same time, we need to address transparency and accountability as they are key to building citizens’ trust in Ukraine’s resilience. For a summary of the results of the URC 2024 see the Chair’s Summary here. For recordings of the discussions held in this Dimension please visit the Conference program here.
EU accession is an enabling process for economic growth, investment security and the sustainable recovery of a competitive economy. It also supports stable political institutions and guarantees human rights and the rule of law as well as functioning public service institutions. By stocktaking and showcasing progress in addition to highlighting key instruments of support, the conference aims to build confidence in the reform process. For a summary of the results of the URC 2024 see the Chair’s Summary here. For recordings of the discussions held in this Dimension please visit the Conference program here.
The Recovery Forum formed an integral part of the URC 2024. It provided an interactive, on-site platform for Ukrainian, German and international stakeholders to engage in dialogue, 'matchmaking', and collaboration. The Recovery Forum united different actors through their commitment to the recovery, reconstruction, and modernization of Ukraine. With its versatile elements and formats, the Recovery Forum provided a valuable addition to the panels of the four dimensions.
The Recovery Forum consisted of three main elements:
• The Business Fair represented the largest part of the Recovery Forum and provided the main networking space for Ukrainian and international business representatives and investors. Across 60 booths, selected Ukrainian, German, and international businesses showcased services, products and activities that contribute to the economic recovery of Ukraine.
• The Municipality Fair was at the heart of the Recovery Forum and aimed to bring Ukraine and its regions closer to all participants. It featured 25 booths from various local and regional representatives. The Municipality Fair shined a spotlight on different Ukrainian municipalities – the places where recovery, reconstruction and the promotion of economic development are practiced and lived.
• Space for Dialogue: The Recovery Forum was all about interaction and exchange between participants. The concept featured a main stage with its own program, with speakers ranging from government and business representatives to members of civil society. Additional booths provided information and multimedia content, communal seating areas, meeting points for gatherings and private meeting rooms.
For a summary of the results of the URC 2024 see the Chair’s Summary here. For recordings of the discussions held in the Recovery Forum please visit the Conference program here.