As the Ukraine Recovery Conference, hosted jointly by the United Kingdom and Ukraine, kicks off today in London, we have five core recommendations for how to ensure the most effective, localized, and transparent use of aid in the reconstruction of the country.
As always, politics dictates the who, when, where, and how of humanitarian and development work. The Russian invasion of Ukraine on Europe’s borders has led to a remarkable and admirable outpouring of support to Ukraine from governments around the world, to the tune of $165 billion and counting. Yet, despite more than €50 billion ($54.6 billion) pledged by the European Union, its member states and European financial institutions, a relatively small percentage is assigned to humanitarian aid, and we’ve seen a smaller slice designated to long-term recovery and rebuilding.
As quickly as it began, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could come to an abrupt halt or drag on for many more years. The international community risks being as unprepared for the war to end as we were for it to start.
About the authors
Yannick du Pont
Yannick Du Pont is the CEO of SPARK, an international NGO focused on creating jobs for youth in fragile regions. Du Pont has been working in the field of higher education and economic development in post-conflict countries since 1994.
Bogdan Ferens
Bogdan Ferens is the founder of SD Platform and Progressive Teachers in Ukraine. He has more than 15 years of experience in the field of European integration, interparliamentary cooperation at the level of Ukraine and the EU, NATO, SME development, mobility, and transport.
