Green recovery, climate and European integration: outcomes of the international environmental forum
Green recovery of Ukraine, adaptation of the economy to climate change, European integration and modern environmental policy were the main topics of the International Environmental Forum “Environment for Ukraine”, which took place on 10 June in Kyiv.
The forum was opened by Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Oleksii Sobolev, representatives of the European Union, the UN Development Programme, the governments of Poland and Japan, as well as international organisations.
“European integration requires Ukraine to change its paradigm regarding environmental policy. Negotiation Chapter 27 ‘Environment and Climate Change’ is one of the most complex and extensive in the EU accession process,” emphasised Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka. According to him, the implementation of climate norms under this chapter requires large-scale intellectual work and coordinated efforts by the Government, business, civil society and local authorities.
During thematic panels and roundtables, participants discussed waste management reform, the development of the circular economy, chemical safety, biodiversity conservation, expansion of the nature reserve fund, management of water and forest resources, environmental control reform, and tools for financing green transformation and Ukraine’s recovery.
“Green transformation for Ukraine is not an additional cost, but an investment in the resilience of the economy, business competitiveness and quality of life. A year ago, we combined the economic, agricultural and environmental portfolios into one ministry so that environmental policy becomes a cross-cutting element of economic, industrial and agricultural decisions. Environmental protection no longer exists separately from the country’s development – it is an integral part of how we rebuild Ukraine, fulfil our commitments to the European Union and shape the future for future generations,” stated Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Oleksii Sobolev.
The forum also featured panel discussions, thematic roundtables and presentations of European integration legislative initiatives. Key topics included Ukraine’s environmental policy on its path to the EU, climate policy and decarbonisation of the economy, restoration of protected areas, management of water, forest and land resources, implementation of an emissions trading system, environmental control reform, and the development of modern sustainable financing instruments.
UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Auke Lootsma highly praised Ukraine’s commitment to advancing environmental reforms and integrating sustainable development principles into recovery and reconstruction processes: “Ukraine is rebuilding a more resilient and sustainable system, fully aligned with international standards. One example is a recent UNDP study showing that up to 70% of waste from the destruction of the housing sector can potentially be recycled and reused. This demonstrates how a serious challenge can be turned into an opportunity for a greener recovery.”
Japan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ukraine Masashi Nakagome emphasised that Japan’s experience and knowledge can contribute to Ukraine’s green recovery efforts under the “build back better” principle: “As a country with limited natural resources and extensive experience in responding to natural disasters, Japan fully understands the importance of efficient resource use and waste minimisation. The principles of reduce, reuse and recycle are deeply integrated into Japan’s environmental policy. I believe Japanese and Ukrainian companies have many opportunities for cooperation in promoting green recovery and reconstruction in Ukraine. Japan is here to help.”
Participants paid particular attention to biodiversity conservation in wartime conditions, the environmental consequences of russian aggression, ecosystem restoration, the development of the nature reserve fund, and the expansion of protected areas in line with European approaches.
The event also featured thematic exhibitions dedicated to Ukraine’s nature reserve fund, the environmental consequences of the war, eco-friendly technologies and the role of civil society in shaping environmental awareness.
The forum served as a platform for developing joint solutions on Ukraine’s green recovery, strengthening climate resilience, fulfilling European integration commitments and attracting international support for environmental restoration and sustainable economic development. The event brought together representatives of state authorities, parliament, international organisations, the diplomatic corps, business, the academic community, civil society organisations and international partners.
The International Environmental Forum “Environment for Ukraine” was organised by the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine with the support of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and funding from the governments of Japan, the Republic of Korea and Sweden.