Final Evaluation Report Highlights Successes of UN4UkrainianCities Initiative (phase I)
Launched in June 2023 with funds from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and support from GIZ, the project assists local leaders, architects, and citizens in designing sustainable urban development plans. It also includes pilot projects to jumpstart recovery, from housing to mobility, and culture to governance.
An independent evaluation covering the first phase of the project (July 2023 to December 2024), offers a rare look into how UNECE and its partners are helping Ukrainian cities build back amid of crisis.
What did the evaluation find?
The evaluation was comprehensive. It reviewed key documents, conducted 31 in-depth interviews, and surveyed 189 people, with 84 responding. Here are the standout findings:
🔹 Relevance: The project is on point. It directly addresses the urgent needs of Kharkiv and Mykolaiv, two cities badly damaged by the ongoing conflict, by focusing on strategic urban planning that involves local voices and meets EU integration standards.
🔹 Effectiveness: Big progress is already visible. Kharkiv and Mykolaiv now have full concept master plans, and pilot projects are ready to go. Over 800 people participated in workshops and consultations—building a strong base of local knowledge and capacity.
🔹 Partnerships that work: UNECE teamed up with world-class experts like the Norman Foster Foundation, One Works Foundation, and Housing Initiative for Eastern Europe, alongside global educational centers like Harvard, Oxford, University of Milan and LIUC University. These partnerships brought new ideas and technical know-how to the table.
🔹 Sustainability: Local governments are owning the process. The plans created aren’t just ideas—they’re roadmaps for real change, already influencing policy discussions and inspiring other Ukrainian cities.
A Tale of Two Cities
Kharkiv took a site-specific approach, targeting key areas with pilot projects and an economic recovery strategy. Mykolaiv opted for a city-wide plan focused on five key pillars: innovation, environment, mobility, social cohesion, and governance.
While both cities are making strides, the evaluation also notes areas for improvement—especially the need for stronger inclusion of women, youth, and people with disabilities in future project designs.
What’s next?
A second phase of the project has already been approved through end-2026. The evaluation recommends deeper engagement with local citizens, better coordination among UN agencies, and stronger communications to make the results more visible to the public and donors alike.
Above all, the project has done more than deliver plans—it has delivered hope.
“The concept master plans and pilot projects are more than technical documents. They are symbols of resilience and visions for a peaceful, prosperous Ukraine.”