Building Forward Better: Review of sustainable recovery frameworks and lessons for Ukraine

by International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)

This report summary reviews global sustainable recovery frameworks and draws lessons for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction. It highlights the importance of embedding sustainability and resilience across governance, planning, and finance systems, aligning with EU standards, strengthening local capacity, and integrating green certification and climate safeguards into infrastructure rebuilding efforts.

Policy recommendations: 

• National policy-makers should develop a unified green recovery strategy that embeds sustainability, resilience, and climate neutrality across sectors, aligning with EU environmental standards and Ukraine's long-term reconstruction goals.

• Development partners and international financial institutions should better coordinate ESG safeguards, financing conditions, and technical assistance to reduce fragmentation and enable a coherent, country-led green recovery.

• Local governments should be supported to strengthen institutional capacity through staffing, training, and partnerships to integrate green principles into recovery planning and deliver sustainable infrastructure projects.

• The Government of Ukraine and DREAM administrators should expand DREAM's functionality by integrating environmental sustainability indicators, highlighting model projects, and incorporating an emissions calculator and other user-friendly tools to guide sustainable reconstruction approaches.