Remarks of Mr. Haoliang Xu, Under-Secretary-General, UNDP Associate Administrator and Acting Administrator, at Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), I thank the Governments of Italy and Ukraine for convening us today.

From the outset, let me reiterate the UN’s full commitment to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

This gathering affirms our unwavering pledge to a future where peace defines the lives of the Ukrainian people.

I visited Ukraine recently to discuss recovery efforts with senior officials and to meet people rebuilding their lives amid war.

That includes Vira and her husband in Borodianka, reconstructing their home after the land was cleared of unexploded ordnance with UN support.

Since the earliest days of the war, the UN has stood alongside the people of Ukraine.

In 2024, through the UN Country Team and under the leadership of the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, over 20 UN agencies delivered coordinated humanitarian, recovery, and development support.

Thanks to strong donor support, nearly US$2.5 billion was provided under the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, and over US$685 million was invested in recovery and development. 

Some notable results include:

• Over 8.4 million people received life-saving humanitarian assistance;
• 23 million people will have regained access to basic services through the recovery of the energy sector by the end of 2025.
• Investing in people;
• Fostering inclusive economic growth;
• Protecting the environment; and
• Promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Looking ahead, the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2025–2029) focuses on:

The UN will continue to support the Government’s recovery priorities—everything from green energy to demining and economic revitalization—while convening stakeholders to co-design inclusive, sustainable solutions.

We call on all partners to champion local leadership, mobilize the private sector, and unlock concessional finance.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

From energy to demining, from jobs to justice—the United Nations is committed to an inclusive recovery that reimagines Ukraine’s future.

Investing in reconstruction and recovery requires all of us to also invest in peace. 

The UN reiterates its call for a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire—toward a just, lasting peace grounded in the UN Charter, international law, and relevant UN resolutions.

Thank you.