Kyiv, 7 September 2018 – Today the United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine (UNDP) entered into a new phase of enhanced cooperation with the Kingdom of Norway by signing a new Cost-Sharing Agreement for support to civil service reform in Ukraine and to enhance the capacity of the National Civil Service Agency of Ukraine.

The new initiative, “Supporting Civil Service Reform by Enhancing Civil Society-Government Cooperation in Ukraine”, is part of UNDP’s broader support to democratic governance reforms and will fully complement other donor-supported civil service reform programmes in Ukraine. It will contribute to consolidation of participatory practices in 13 central executive bodies through in-depth capacity development for inclusiveness, openness and integrity and collaboration with civil society and will thus enhance the efficiency and professionalism of the civil service in key areas.

With its project, UNDP will thus promote stronger cooperation between the state executive authorities and the public, enhancing good governance practices of the key national state institutions, and institutionalizing capacity development of civil servants on efficient modes of civil society-Government cooperation.

The Honourable Ole Terje Horpestad, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway stated: “This project will strengthen key Ukrainian institutions in their accountability and cooperation with civil society. It will also train civil society to play an active role in relation to public institutions responsible for implementing reforms. I wish UNDP success in their work, and look forward to following closely the development of this important project.’’

“The funds generously provided by Norway will help to meet the need, as expressed by Ukraine’s people, for comprehensive public administration reform that has direct benefits for citizens,” said Janthomas Hiemstra, UNDP Country Director. “Adequately resourced and trained civil servants with stronger links to civil society will make better decisions for the country as a whole.’’

UNDP and the Kingdom of Norway, which is one of UNDP’s largest contributors globally, intend to further strengthen their co-operation and to implement activities that are consistent with and supportive of UNDP’s mandate and Strategic Plan, including promotion of the implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Media inquiries:

Yuliia Samus, Communication Specialist, UNDP Ukraine, +38 097 139 14, communications.ukraine@undp.org