Ukraine’s recovery must be built on strong foundations of culture, science and access to knowledge. UNESCO is committed not only to restoring these sectors, but to strengthening them as drivers of resilience and sustainable development.
Lidia BritoAssistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations UNESCO
With support from the European Union, UNESCO will expand its work to safeguard Ukraine’s documentary heritage through a EUR2 million contribution. The initiative will strengthen the capacities of archives and libraries, accelerate digitisation and widen public access to information, ensuring that the country’s history is preserved for future generations.
In parallel, a new EUR 525,000 agreement with the Government of Flanders will support Ukrainian scientists to continue their research, access international infrastructure and contribute to innovation critical for recovery. This support will help sustain scientific talent and strengthen the resilience of Ukraine’s research and innovation system.
These efforts complement ongoing work at the Khortytsia National Reserve, supported by a EUR1.14 million contribution from Sweden, to repair damaged facilities, improve artefact storage and train a new generation of professionals in conservation and archaeology.
Japan remains one of UNESCO’s leading partners in Ukraine, providing sustained support across culture, education and access to information with a global contribution of over EUR25 million, nearly 40% of all funding mobilized by UNESCO for Ukraine. Through the UNESCO/Japan Funds-in-Trust, this partnership has enabled concrete action on the ground, from strengthening institutional capacities to protecting cultural properties and supporting professionals. In this framework, UNESCO — in close cooperation with ICOMOS, ICCROM and Ukrainian authorities — has developed practical, field-tested guidance to support preparedness, risk reduction and recovery for World Heritage sites, including Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv and the Historic Centre of Odesa. These tools, to be officially handed over in Gdańsk, provide a solid operational basis for recovery efforts.
Ukraine’s recovery is rooted in the strength of its people, its knowledge, and its cultural memory. Through these partnerships with the European Union and Flanders, UNESCO is helping safeguard Ukraine’s documentary heritage while enabling its scientific community to continue working, innovating and contributing to the country’s future. Investing in people, knowledge and cultural memory today is an investment in Ukraine’s long-term recovery and resilience.
Chiara Dezzi BardeschiHead of the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine
Since 2022, UNESCO has supported institutions, professionals and communities across culture, education, science and information. The Organisation’s approach places culture alongside science and access to knowledge, as central pillars of an inclusive, resilient and sustainable and recovery.
read more: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-places-science-and-knowledge-heart-recovery-efforts-ukraine?hub=701
