On 16 June 2025, a working meeting took place between Members of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine—representing the Committees on Energy and Housing and Communal Services, Environmental Policy and Nature Management, and State Building, Local Governance, Regional Development and Urban Planning—and a delegation of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
The UNECE delegation was represented by:
Tatiana Molcean, Executive Secretary of the United Nations;
Paul Ladd, Director for Sustainable Development;
Javier Torner Ruiz de Temiño, Regional Adviser on Housing and Land Management;
Tamara Monteiro, Programme Management Officer at UNECE.
The meeting focused on key challenges and prospects for the development of Ukraine’s energy sector, including the deployment of renewable energy sources, improvement of energy efficiency, and the restoration of energy infrastructure damaged as a result of russian aggression.
Particular attention was given to the implementation of modern environmental standards in the Ukrainian energy sector, which is essential for both European integration and the long-term sustainability of the sector.
Both sides emphasized the importance of cooperation with UNECE in the following areas:
Developing joint initiatives aimed at improving legislation in the energy sector;
Attracting investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency, which is a crucial step towards reducing energy consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing the competitiveness of the economy;
Advancing strategic directions to achieve Ukraine’s energy independence in line with its international commitments.
The Chairman of the Committee, Andrii Herus, expressed his gratitude to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) for its fruitful cooperation and steadfast support of Ukraine. In particular, he extended appreciation for the equipment provided to the energy sector, which helps mitigate losses caused by the ongoing hostilities and contributes to the restoration of the national energy system. He also highlighted a successful example of international assistance — a project at the Novovolynsk Central City Hospital, where, with donor support, solar power stations with capacities of 30 kW and 120 kW, along with battery storage systems, were installed. This initiative enabled the hospital to save over UAH 1.5 million annually and redirect these funds toward enhancing medical services.
In her remarks, Member of Parliament Viktoriia Hryb underscored Ukraine’s readiness for active engagement with the UNECE in advancing the sustainable development of the energy sector in line with international standards.
This meeting marked an important step toward deepening cooperation between Ukraine and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe in the areas of energy, climate resilience, and sustainable development.