Strengthening Cooperation Amid Crisis

On April 24, 2025, the Southern Hub of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs held a crucial coordination meeting involving local authorities and non-governmental organizations.

The main goal of the meeting was to enhance collaboration in the context of decreasing international humanitarian support.

This meeting gained significance due to the cessation of funding for several projects by the US government, posing a serious challenge to the humanitarian sector in the region.

Representatives from the Odesa City Council included the advisor to the Mayor on humanitarian issues, Veronika Etnarovich, and the deputy director of the Department of Labor and Social Policy, Tatyana Vikovan.

During her speech, Veronika Etnarovich expressed gratitude to international and local partners for their steadfast support and reliable partnership, which is particularly important during this difficult time.

The discussion covered existing city social programs and the humanitarian challenges faced by both permanent residents of Odesa and internally displaced persons. A key topic was the need to ensure continuous assistance to the most vulnerable populations and coordinate efforts under new conditions.

The meeting underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue between authorities, humanitarian structures, and the public sector. In light of reduced financial support from donors, close cooperation and coordination are essential for effectively responding to the urgent needs of the community.