Taras Kachka meets with UN Resident Coordinator in Ukraine Matthias Schmale

On 20 August, a meeting took place in Kyiv between Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ukraine, Matthias Schmale.

The meeting was also attended by Aida Lindmeier, Director of the ILO Office in Ukraine; Sabine Freizer, UN Women Representative in Ukraine; Mustafa Elkanzi, Deputy Representative of the UN Population Fund in Ukraine; Nazar Grom, Government Liaison Specialist at UNDP Ukraine; Kateryna Levchenko, Government Commissioner for Gender Policy; Viktoriia Marchuk, Deputy Director General of the Government Office for Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration; and representatives from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Ukraine.

The discussion focused on key areas for further cooperation, particularly the importance of advancing gender equality policies, supporting those affected by the war, and integrating these priorities into Ukraine’s European integration and recovery efforts.

“Implementing gender equality policies and combating various forms of violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, is not only a humanitarian task but also a crucial component of our path to the European Union. We are grateful to the UN for its systematic support of Ukraine in this area,” noted Taras Kachka.

Particular attention was given to:

• Strengthening systematic and comprehensive support for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, including updating and implementing the National Action Plan for UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on “Women, Peace, and Security”;
• The potential for expanding cooperation between the Ukrainian Government and the UN in labour legislation and the protection of citizens’ rights;
• Further implementation of the European Child Guarantee in Ukraine;
• Ensuring the inclusivity of reforms and preventing vulnerable groups from being overlooked during Ukraine’s recovery and EU integration.

“The UN is our partner, helping to infuse the European integration process with a human dimension, ensuring that reforms are felt by every citizen, especially the most vulnerable,” emphasised the official.

Taras Kachka also highlighted that Ukraine continues to work on updating labour legislation based on inclusivity and broad dialogue with businesses and civil society, underscoring the importance of the UN’s experience and expertise in this process.

Matthias Schmale and representatives of UN agencies affirmed their readiness to continue supporting the Ukrainian Government in both humanitarian response and long-term transformational projects.