Kyiv, 21 August 2023 — The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, have delivered 1,000 contactless ID card readers to enhance the administrative services infrastructure in war-torn communities in Chernihiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Kherson, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.

These ID card readers are a vital innovation, significantly enhancing the accessibility, efficiency and inclusivity of the public services provided by the administrative service centres. The devices will be crucial for expediting various administrative services, such as registration of place of residence; provision of social services and pensions; and state registration of births, marriages and deaths. By facilitating these procedures, the contactless ID card readers will reduce processing time, ensuring a seamless experience for citizens in need of public services.

Oleksii Vyskub, First Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation, highlighted that the Ministry’s top priority is to swiftly and effectively deliver administrative services using cutting-edge technologies. “Equipping administrative service centre offices with the tools needed marks a significant stride towards streamlining the service process for those seeking assistance,” he said. “Our sincere gratitude goes out to our partners for their unwavering commitment to supporting our communities.”

Frederik Coene, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, expressed his support for the initiative. “We believe in the transformative power of accessible and efficient public services, especially in communities facing adversity,” he said. “Through this and other initiatives, the European Union, together with partners, intends to provide tangible support that improves the daily lives of citizens in war-affected communities. By optimizing administrative processes, we are contributing to the broader goal of community empowerment and resilience.”

Christophoros Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, said that UNDP is committed to driving positive change in communities, particularly in areas affected by the war. “Our top priority is to assist Ukraine in streamlining administrative procedures and nurturing inclusiveness,” he said. “Our longstanding partnership with the European Union and the Ministry of Digital Transformation amplifies our joint efforts to empower individuals, promote development, and ensure that essential services are efficiently delivered to those who need them the most.”

Background

The contactless ID card readers were purchased and transferred by UNDP in Ukraine under the “EU4Recovery — Empowering Communities in Ukraine” (EU4Recovery) project, with financial support from the EU and in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.

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