Establishing an Administrative Service Centre in war-torn Ivankiv: joint effort by the EU, Canada and UNDP

Kyiv, 15 June 2023 – The town of Ivankiv, with 29,500 residents and located 80 kilometres northwest of Kyiv, suffered severe devastation during the early days of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. The community’s residential blocks were reduced to ruins, with over 2,370 buildings damaged or destroyed.

In these turbulent times, the resilient people of Ivankiv community are steadfastly rebuilding their lives. To bolster their access to essential and top-quality public services, the European Union (EU), the Government of Canada, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) joined forces to build and equip a new modular Administrative Service Centre (ASC). This new centre replaces the previous one, which suffered significant damage during the hostilities.

The newly established ASC is now fully functional, and delivering over 190 diverse services that encompass subsidies, business and property registrations, birth certificates, and pension assistance. Equipped with 27 workstations, the centre boasts a comprehensive range of resources, including furniture, equipment, and – most importantly – competent and well-trained staff. Moreover, the facility is designed to be fully accessible for individuals with limited mobility, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.

Martin Schroeder, Head of the Local and Human Development Section at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, said that the newly deployed ASC reflects the EU’s commitment to supporting the recovery and rebuilding efforts in communities affected by the Russian war of aggression. “The centre is playing a vital role in restoring a sense of normality and improving the quality of life of residents,” he said. “The European Union stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and, together with partners, we will continue to support initiatives that promote stability, inclusivity, and prosperity for all.”

Ashley Mulroney, Head of International Assistance at the Embassy of Canada to Ukraine, highlighted that access to essential public services is fundamental for individuals and businesses to recover from the impact of the war. “The establishment of this centre underscores Canada’s dedication to facilitating Ukraine’s revitalization, working hand in hand with local communities,” she added. “By creating a supportive environment, Administrative Service Centres enable people to regain stability, move forward in their recovery and rebuild their lives, the ultimate act of defiance against Russia’s aggression.”

Christophoros Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, said that UNDP, with reliable support from its partners, promotes best practices in the provision of public services to enhance effectiveness, transparency, and – most importantly – to leave no one behind. “Reconfirming core principles and objectives of administrative reform in Ukraine, the aim of the Administrative Service Centre model is to bring public services into close proximity with the communities they cater to,” he said. “The establishment of the Centre in Ivankiv is a prime example of this principle, and underscores its utmost relevance today, particularly in war-affected areas.”

Background

UNDP, in partnership with international donors, has selected Ivankiv as one of the communities in Kyiv Oblast to receive targeted support. The new ASC in Ivankiv exemplifies UNDP’s comprehensive approach to recovery applied in the framework of the United Nations Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme (UN RPP), in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the Kyiv Oblast Administration and the community of Ivankiv, with generous support from the EU and the Government of Canada.

Four United Nations agencies are implementing the UN RPP: UNDP, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Eleven international partners support the UN RPP: the EU, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, and the governments of Canada, Denmark, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Media inquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org