This morning at INTERMAT, government officials and industry representatives discussed initiatives like UNITED24 that are facilitating critical reconstruction efforts in Ukraine, aiming to rebuild infrastructure.
Paris, April 24 – 26—This morning at INTERMAT 2024, the premier exhibition for sustainable construction solutions and technologies, industry leaders participated in a conference entitled Rebuild Ukraine. The conference is a collaborative effort between INTERMAT 2024, Business France, and Premier Expo. Addressing themes essential for strengthening Ukraine through reconstruction efforts, the conference brought together professionals from the construction and energy sectors.
The discussion included notable figures such as government officials, industry experts, and international envoys to provide insights into Ukraine’s reconstruction mechanisms, energy infrastructure restoration, decentralization of energy production, and plans to position Ukraine as a key player in European energy dynamics. Animated by BFM TV journalist Thierry Arnaud, several reputable speakers participated in the conference: government officials from Ukraine and France; representatives from Business France; Philippe Chican, Ussor; Martin Duplantier, Martin Duplantier Architectes; and Luidmyla Denysiuk, ReBuild Ukraine, Premier Expo.
Partnership and Unity: Essential Collaboration to Overcome Obstacles
Despite the ongoing challenges posed by conflict, there is notable progress and activity underway, as highlighted by the significant projects already in motion. With estimates projecting a staggering cost of approximately $486 billion, the scale of reconstruction far surpasses Ukraine’s GDP, underscoring the immense effort required. International collaboration contributes to this endeavor, with organizations like Business France actively extending solidarity and partnership beyond traditional business transactions. Last year, Business France participated in the French pavilion at the Rebuild Ukraine Expo.
During the conference, speakers underscored the importance of unity, friendship, and perseverance in the monumental task of rebuilding Ukraine. They highlighted the crucial role of the Ukrainian government in the reconstruction mission and encouraged attendees to contribute to Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts. Through collaboration and partnership, attendees are urged to stand shoulder to shoulder as allies, friends, and partners in progress, fostering a collective endeavor toward Ukraine’s rejuvenation and growth.
READ the article published in 2023 by the NY Times, “‘The World’s Largest Construction Site’: The Race Is On to Rebuild Ukraine” and the Japan Times article, “The $1 trillion race to rebuild Ukraine is slowly getting going”, published in March 2024.
Rebuilding Ukraine: International Collaborations and Critical Initiatives
The reconstruction efforts in Ukraine span across various critical sectors, ranging from infrastructure to social amenities, as the nation endeavors to rebuild in the aftermath of conflict. One notable initiative involves the installation of wells in the Chernihiv region, a project facilitated by a French company. These wells, strategically positioned along key roads like R69 and I-27, serve as vital water sources, contributing to the region’s stability and development.
Another aspect of the reconstruction efforts revolves around energy protection projects aimed at safeguarding substations, essential for electricity distribution. These projects entail the construction of robust concrete structures, standing approximately 20 meters high, designed to shield substations from the dangers of shrapnel and rocket fragments.
The reconstruction endeavors extend beyond physical infrastructure to encompass the restoration of housing and other essential social facilities across nine heavily affected regions in Ukraine. These efforts signify a commitment to revitalizing communities and providing much-needed support to those impacted by conflict and displacement. Additionally, ongoing projects to modernize and enhance 27 crucial checkpoints underscore the importance of logistics in facilitating efficient movement and coordination within the region.
UNITED24: Directing International Aid to Ukraine’s Critical Needs
President Zelensky’s 2022 launch of UNITED24 responded directly to Ukraine’s urgent humanitarian crisis amid ongoing conflict. The platform revolutionizes aid by offering seamless one-click donations globally, emphasizing direct delivery to Ukraine’s identified critical needs. With the nation grappling with defense, demining, medical assistance, reconstruction, and education, UNITED24 empowers donors to target their contributions precisely.
UNITED24 stands out for its unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability. All donations flow directly to Ukraine’s National Bank and are channeled to relevant ministries, ensuring efficient utilization. Weekly updates on fund allocation and expenditures maintain transparency, reinforced by an independent assurance from Deloitte Ukraine. In the wake of the conflict’s devastation, initiatives like UNITED24 play a pivotal role in aiding recovery efforts, offering hope for a stronger, more resilient Ukraine.
Before the conflict, the Kyiv region thrived economically, but the invasion of February 24, 2022, brought widespread destruction, impacting 18 territorial communities and damaging over 29,100 infrastructure objects. UNITED24 steps in to support critical needs, including defense, demining, and education, with transparent oversight to ensure effective fund allocation. Similarly, in Chernihiv, ongoing shelling has disrupted infrastructure and social services. Partnerships, like those with the French government, offer vital support for reconstruction, focusing on quality and innovation to create sustainable communities amidst adversity.
