Kyiv, 29 October 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, in partnership with the European Union (EU), and the governments of Canada and Sweden, has opened 30 Social Adaptation Spaces in Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, Chernivtsi and Chernihiv oblasts. These facilities have become safe spaces that bring together community residents and help them to adapt to new life circumstances and the challenges of war.

The Social Adaptation Spaces are equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay and to arrange individual and group activities: furniture, computer equipment, projectors, televisions, and tablets. Qualified specialists are ready to ensure inclusive access to vital social services, such as social skills training, self-help group organization, psychological and behavioural correction, recreational activities, and active aging clubs. The main goal of these spaces is to create favourable conditions for reintegrating older people, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities into active society, and to ensure their socialization.

These spaces are a successful example of cooperation between local authorities and international partners. Communities have renovated the premises at their own expense, while UNDP – together with the EU, Canada, and Sweden – provided the equipment, furniture, and expert support. Additionally, an expert team from the League of Social Workers of Ukraine NGO, engaged by UNDP, is providing the communities with methodological and informational support throughout the development of the spaces.

Natalka Cmoc, Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine, reaffirmed Canada’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine’s decentralization efforts and enhancing local capacity. “We stand ready to continue sustaining communities affected by the war,” she said. “The creation of Social Adaptation Spaces is playing a crucial role in fostering successful community recovery. Our shared goal is to ensure that every resident, regardless of location or circumstances, has access to essential social services and the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity.”

Martin Åberg, Ambassador of Sweden to Ukraine, highlighted Sweden’s comprehensive support for inclusive community growth. “We would like to help people adapt and overcome the challenges engendered by the war,” he said. “Establishing Social Adaptation Spaces is not just an investment in community resilience but also a step toward ensuring sustainable development and well-being. Sweden stands with Ukraine and Ukrainians and remains committed to support their path to recovery and growth.”

Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, emphasized that supporting vulnerable population is essential to strengthen each community and foster its long-term resilience. “The European Union continues to prioritize support for initiatives that enhance the well-being of those most affected by the war,” he said. “We are confident that these Social Adaptation Spaces, established in six regions of Ukraine, will be instrumental in ensuring access to key social services and creating inclusive environments for communities to rebuild and thrive.”

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, expressed his satisfaction with the positive impact that Social Adaptation Spaces have already had in the communities where they are operational. “These spaces serve as hubs that bring people together, helping them integrate into their communities, grow, and spend meaningful time with others,” he said.

Background

In 2023, UNDP in Ukraine, in partnership with the governments of Canada (8 Spaces) and Sweden (3 Spaces), established 11 Social Adaptation Spaces across Dnipropetrovsk (1 Space), Sumy (5 Spaces), and Chernihiv (5 Spaces) oblasts.

This year’s efforts have further expanded, with the opening of 30 additional Spaces across the country, made possible through financial support from the European Union (18 Spaces), the Government of Canada (10 Spaces), and the Government of Sweden (2 Spaces). These Spaces now operate in Poltava (5 Spaces), Dnipropetrovsk (5 Spaces), Mykolaiv (8 Spaces), Kharkiv (5 Spaces), Chernivtsi (4 Spaces), and Chernihiv (3 Spaces) oblasts.

By the end of the year, another Social Adaptation Space is scheduled to open in Kremenchuk, Poltava Oblast, further enhancing access to vital social services and community support.

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