As Ukraine faces the combined pressures of the Russian Federation's aggression, labour shortages and reconstruction, creating decent jobs, strengthening institutions and expanding opportunities for people and businesses is becoming increasingly important to the country's economic recovery.
During a visit to Ukraine, International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Peter van Rooij met with the ILO's tripartite constituents to assess how the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2026-2029 can respond most effectively to these priorities.
Discussions with government representatives, employers' and worker's organizations focused on the challenges reshaping Ukraine's world of work and on where ILO support can have the greatest impact. The consultations provided an opportunity to take stock of progress, identify emerging needs and strengthen the alignment of the programme with national priorities.
These priorities include employment and skills, labour institutions, social dialogue and the conditions needed for a fair and sustainable recovery.
Van Rooij also met with UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Matthias Schmale and the UN country team, as well as with development partners, and engaged directly with beneficiaries of ILO-supported initiatives in the Kyiv region. In Irpin, he saw how support delivered through local partnerships is translating into practical results for communities, including expanded childcare services and new pathways to employment and economic participation.
The visit underscored a central principle of the ILO's engagement in Ukraine: recovery is not only about rebuilding what was lost, but about creating a labour market that is more resilient, inclusive and capable of delivering decent work.
The insights gathered from national and local partners will help shape the next phase of implementation of the Decent Work Country Programme and ensure that ILO support continues to respond to the priorities of workers, employers and government.
