Supporting the return and reintegration of Ukrainians: Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity and the Association of Ukrainian Cities ink memorandum of cooperation

The Ministry of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine and the All-Ukrainian Association of Local Self-Government Bodies “Association of Ukrainian Cities” have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at facilitating the voluntary return of Ukrainians from abroad and their successful reintegration into communities. The document was inked by Denys Uliutin and the Association’s Executive Director, Oleksandr Slobozhan.

The partnership involves coordinating the actions of the state and Association members within the framework of the “YOUA – Shaping New Paths, Building Ukraine’s Future” project, which is being carried out with the support of the German government and implemented by GIZ Ukraine. Specifically, this involves expanding the range of communities that will be represented on a digital platform for Ukrainians returning from abroad.

“Communities play a vital role when it comes to the return of Ukrainians. After all, it is at the local level that people’s reintegration takes place and the conditions for their livelihoods, employment, and access to services are established. It is important for us to deepen this cooperation, and we call on all communities to join us in strengthening our capacity to welcome people and create conditions for their return,” said Denys Uliutin, Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine.

The digital platform will be implemented as part of the “YOUA – Shaping New Paths, Building Ukraine’s Future” project. This project aims to provide convenient access to information and services that people may need as they return to Ukraine, as well as to support their integration into economic and social life at the local level.

“For the Association of Ukrainian Cities, which currently unites 1,084 urban, town, and rural communities, it is of paramount importance to create effective mechanisms for the return of Ukrainians from abroad and their successful reintegration. We are grateful to the Ministry for its leadership on this issue and to our German partners for their support,” noted Oleksandr Slobozhan, Executive Director of the Association of Ukrainian Cities.

As part of the cooperation with the Association of Ukrainian Cities, communities will be more actively involved in the project, in particular by presenting their capabilities on a digital platform, and will also receive more information about public policy tools in the area of return and reintegration through an open selection process.