Speech

Ukraine Recovery Conference will help in Ukraine's recovery: UK statement to the OSCE

Ambassador Holland tells the 2023 Struga Conference on the Economic and Environmental Dimension of the OSCE that the Ukraine Recovery Conference will help unlock the potential of the private sector for Ukraine's recovery.

Neil Holland

Mr Chair, we have heard much today about economic and environmental issues facing our region. As my Delegation colleague said at the start, its biggest security issue – Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine – also presents some of the largest economic and environmental challenges. This is why I would like to say few things on the future of Ukraine’s recovery.

Ukraine’s reconstruction needs will be immense and will require unprecedented collaboration between government, the private sector and international institutions. That is why next week, at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, we will start the process to help unlock the potential of the private sector.

The Conference will bring together governments, business leaders and civil society, mobilising the international community to help secure for Ukraine a more modern, open, and resilient economic future.

We want the Conference to result in a new business compact; new fiscal support; an announcement of plans for an EBRD capital increase to pave the way for increased investment; a framework for progress on war risk insurance; a pronouncement of Ukraine’s reform plans; a showcase of tech partnership opportunities; and a G7+ green energy initiative to support longer-term transition.

The Conference won’t be a pledging conference, but we encourage fellow States to come with offers of support, nonetheless.

The programme will comprise plenary sessions, breakout sessions, a business fair, and His Majesty the King and First Lady Zelenska will host receptions for senior heads of delegations.

We encourage States to send suitably senior political and business representation, as well as maximum business signatories to the Business Compact.

Mr Chair, Ukraine’s recovery from Russia’s war of aggression will show President Putin that his attempts to destroy Ukraine will only produce a stronger, more prosperous and more united European nation.

We look forward to welcoming delegations in London.

Thank you.

Published 15 June 2023