Organisers: Razom We Stand, Resource and Analysis Center "Society and Environment"
Format: hybrid
Due to the war initiated by Russia, Ukraine lost 3.5 to 4.8 million jobs, and over 4.5 million people fled the country. One of the crucial challenges in the post-war reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine will be addressing the issue of repatriation.
Experts, government, and business representatives discussed solutions for this task in two panel discussions during the event "Green Jobs and Investment Potential for Renewable Energy Sources in Ukraine", on October 17 in Kyiv.
"Sustainability is not merely an option, it is the only way forward for Ukraine. Our report indicates that the 4.8 million jobs destroyed by the war can be replaced with an equal number of green jobs. This event serves as a call to action and an invitation to shape a future in which Ukraine leads the global transition to clean energy. By investing in renewable energy, we are not just rebuilding but reimagining our economy, creating millions of jobs, and ensuring a cleaner, safer future free from reliance on Russian fossil fuels. Let's seize this opportunity together and make Ukraine a shining example of success on the world stage," said Svitlana Romanko, founder and director of Razom We Stand.
Romanko also emphasised that the reconstruction of Ukraine based on the principles of 'better than it was' and 'greener than it was' offers an opportunity to restore not only destroyed infrastructure, housing, and industry but also a chance for systemic rethinking and transformation of Ukraine. This will require the implementation of sustainable development principles and the creation of green jobs.
Nataliya Andrusevych, Head of the Board of the Resource and Analysis Center "Society and Environment" emphasised, "Supporting the green post-war recovery and the country's development can be closely linked to creating new green jobs. This becomes a significant factor in attracting people back to Ukraine, offering them opportunities for employment and decent wages."
If Ukraine's post-war reconstruction is "green", it could create more than 4.2 million additional jobs in five key sectors: transportation, energy, health, education, and water.