UN-Habitat has been working in Ukraine since December 2022 to support sustainable urban recovery and reconstruction. Our work focuses on helping Ukrainian cities rebuild stronger, more inclusive, and resilient communities following the unprecedented destruction caused by the ongoing war. UN-Habitat supports the Government of Ukraine's commitment to "Build Back Better" through evidence-based urban planning, policy development, capacity development, and digital transformation that not only restores what was lost but creates livable and sustainable communities for all in Ukraine.

UN-Habitat programmes and projects range from spatial planning at local, regional, and national levels to policy advice on housing, land, and urban development; capacity development for local authorities; digital transformation and smart-city solutions; public space design supporting social cohesion; and knowledge production on urban issues for better-informed interventions.

Impact

Challenges

Beyond physical destruction, Ukraine faces complex interconnected challenges. The demographic crisis, marked by displacement, depopulation, and an aging population—is eroding both the labour force and local tax bases. Institutional capacity gaps strain local governments as they manage emergency response whilst preparing medium to long-term recovery strategies. Much of Ukraine's housing stock is deteriorating Soviet-era construction, whilst infrastructure systems for water, sanitation, energy, and solid waste were fragmented before the war and now face severe operational challenges. Widespread land contamination, debris, and environmental hazards threaten long-term resilience. There is also a critical shortage of trained urban planners and recovery professionals.

Ukraine's recovery unfolds in an exceptionally complex environment where humanitarian response, reconstruction, and systemic reforms, including European Union accession, must advance simultaneously.

Our vision

Ukraine's future is urban. The country's vision for transparent, inclusive, and sustainable recovery creates an opportunity to build resilient, liveable communities for all in Ukraine. Our vision is that Ukraine's urban future is sustainable, inclusive and safe, allowing for resilient—communities to not only recover from this crisis but emerge stronger.

Acknowledging the importance of multi-sectoral expertise, UN-Habitat has established the Ukraine Urban Lab. The Lab serves as a collaborative platform bringing together local authorities, civil society, academia, as well as national and international partners to co-create evidence-based solutions for urban recovery grounded in local needs and global best practices.

Our work focuses on addressing not only the physical reconstruction of structures but equally the strengthening of governance, institutions, and human capital. We promote integrated, area-based approaches based on participatory assessments and urban planning methodologies; working across sectors and mainstreaming climate resilience and gender responsiveness. Many of our projects directly improve the lives of women, youth, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and displaced populations.

UN-Habitat aims to improve the lives, living conditions, and opportunities for everyone in Ukraine.

Our mission

UN-Habitat's mission is to support Ukraine's efforts towards inclusive and resilient urban recovery through sustainable, evidence-based approaches. In the current context, community participation in planning and implementation is crucial. UN-Habitat applies participatory approaches throughout the entire project cycle, placing Ukrainian people at the centre of attention, supporting democratization progress and ensuring recovery planning addresses local needs whilst advancing towards regional standards and global best practices.

UN-Habitat works closely with municipalities, civil society, academia, and communities across the country to:

  • Link spatial analysis and recovery strategies to prioritise interventions and inform capital investment decisions
  • Provide policy advice on housing, land, urban planning, and governance
  • Strengthen capacities of local authorities and support educational programmes for urban recovery professionals
  • Implement digital transformation and smart-city solutions for data-driven planning
  • Design public spaces that support social cohesion and community resilience
  • Strengthen urban service providers, including water and sanitation systems
  • Produce knowledge and tools for better-informed interventions

Donors

Germany
UNICEF
United States of America

Get involved

Contact

Gwendoline Mennetrier
Head of Office
UN-Habitat
Courriel
Mariana Lessa Voita
Deputy Head of Office
UN-Habitat
Courriel
Niina Rinne
Head of the Ukraine Urban Lab
UN-Habitat
Courriel