GIZ Ukraine

Ongoing attacks, complex humanitarian situations and the need to respond quickly to multiple emergencies make rescuing difficult. This is why robotic equipment plays a key role in the operations of the The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU), allowing rescuers to work in the most challenging conditions where human presence might be dangerous. Within the 'Strengthening of State and Municipal Emergency Management in Ukraine' project, SESU received critically important equipment, including emergency rescue vehicles, combined fire trucks, as well as robotic all-terrain vehicles. This improves operational efficiency and safety during rescue missions. Andrii Danyk, the Head of SESU, met with representatives of GIZ Ukraine, including the Project Director, Christian Poschmann, to discuss further opportunities for the development of cooperation, and the use of modern technologies. "The support of our international partners is extremely important for strengthening Ukraine's rescue capabilities. Thanks to such projects, we receive modern equipment and technologies that help our specialists respond more effectively to emergencies and save lives," emphasized Andrii Danyk. The project 'Strengthening of State and Municipal Emergency Management in Ukraine' is implemented by GIZ Ukraine on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and is a part of its Transitional Development Assistance Programme.    #BMZ #GIZ

TIPS4UA - A NEW STEP TOWARDS EUROPEAN UKRAINE! 💙💛 22 Ukrainian hromadas, 19 EU partners, one common course - together we are building a stronger Ukraine! From April 7 to 11, as part of the TIPS4UA programme implemented by the European Committee of the Regions and U-LEAD with Europe, the first stage took place — a five-day training for local self-government representatives. Local leaders and project management specialists explored European best practices in project implementation — from idea to execution! The EU's support was tangible from the first minutes of the event. The participants were addressed with words of support: Asier Santillan Luzuriaga Santillán, Head of Section for European Integration, Governance and Rule of Law, Civil Society at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, and Niedorf Gudrun, Deputy Head of Unit, Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs of the European Committee of the Regions. Their common message was unanimous: Ukrainian hromadas play a key role in change and are an integral part of Ukraine's path to the European Union. The TIPS4UA initiative opens up new opportunities for development and cooperation. What did we do? - Studied the key stages of the project cycle. - Deepened our knowledge of EU cohesion policy and grant opportunities. - Learned how to build partnerships for real change in municipalities. “TIPS4UA is not just about learning. It is about strengthening municipality capacity, building partnerships, projects, and real changes in each hromada. Together, we are shaping a more efficient, sustainable and European Ukraine,” said Olena Tomnyuk, Deputy Director of U-LEAD with Europe. “The participants will take an intensive online English course, internships in EU municipalities, and develop their own projects. We expect project ideas from hromadas, because this programme is not just about theoretical knowledge, it is about practical tools and real actions for the preparation and implementation of projects,” said Tetyana Bondarenko, programme coordinator, project manager of the U-LEAD with Europe Project Factory team. Ukrainian hromadas are the drivers of change! We are grateful to our EU partners for their support on our way to a European future. Together we are creating a sustainable, strong and prosperous Ukraine! 🇪🇺 🇺🇦

For decades, the coal micro-region of Lviv Oblast has developed around coal mining. However, as the industry gradually declines, a key challenge emerges: how to create new opportunities for communities and people who have spent their lives working in the mining economy.    To address this, an Action Plan for Just Transition was developed — a strategic document that encompasses the economic, social, and environmental aspects of the transition. For 16 months, more than 1,200 representatives from local communities, regional and national authorities, businesses, miners’ unions, civil society organizations, and expert groups collaborated to find shared solutions.    The outcome: 47 projects initiated by communities in Lviv’s coal micro-region, aimed at creating new jobs, developing the green economy, attracting investment, and supporting people through the transition.    This Plan is not just a roadmap for the region — it also serves as an example of what a just transition can look like in Ukraine.    The video highlights the journey, the ideas, and the people already shaping the future of this coal region.    The Action Plan for the Just Transition of the coal micro-region in Lviv Oblast was developed by the Lviv Regional State Administration with support from the project “Just Transition of Coal Regions and Green Energy Sector Recovery in Ukraine,” implemented by GIZ Ukraine on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).    #GIZ #JustTransition #GreenEnergy #сoal_exit #greenrecovery 

HR boost for better employment — Application is now open!     We invite companies to participate in the “HR boost for better employment” project which is implemented by NGO Mentor Center in the framework of Multi Donor Initiative Skills4Recovery – a project aimed at improving personnel practices and fostering inclusive employment of skilled workforce.     This project is designed for HR directors, managers, and specialists who want to:   📌 strengthen their HR practices   📌 attract and retain qualified employees   📌create inclusive workplaces — including for women, people over 50, veterans, and IDPs     Who can apply? Ukrainian companies that:   📌 have over 50 employees   📌 operate in construction, agriculture, transport/logistics, or services   📌 have been registered for more than 2 years   📌 have an HR specialist or HR manager position   📌have a need for new staff     Registration is open until April 15, 2025.     Project details and registration requirements are available here - https://lnkd.in/e3JKYj-Y    The project is implemented by NGO Mentor Center within the framework of the Multi Donor Initiative #Skills4Recovery, which is financed by the European Union, Germany, Poland, Estonia, and is implemented by GIZ Ukraine and the Solidarity Fund PL - Fundacja Solidarności Międzynarodowej.  

Today marked an important milestone in Ukraine’s rehabilitation system. In Briukhovychi, near the city of Lviv, a ceremonial capsule was laid at the construction site of what is set to become the largest facility within the UNBROKEN Ukraine rehabilitation network. This expansion is the result of a well-coordinated effort to enhance care for people recovering from war-related injuries — both military and civilian. The project brings together the efforts and resources of the Special Assistance Programme and the Hospital Partnerships funding programme, implemented by GIZ Ukraine on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Government of Lithuania, the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, and reflects a strong international coalition focused on rebuilding Ukraine’s healthcare resilience. The new rehabilitation center will expand its capacity, featuring additional patient beds, treatment facilities, and a hydrotherapy pool. It is designed to support a large number of patients annually, offering specialized care in traumatology, orthopedics, and neurorehabilitation. “Germany is proud to be part of the UNBROKEN ecosystem. Together we can give back hope and dignity to those who have sacrificed part of their life for Ukrainian independence,” noted Kerstin Nagels, GIZ Head of HR who attended the ceremony. Lviv’s Mayor Andriy Sadovyi thanked the governments of Lithuania and Germany, the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, the Japanese Red Cross Society, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH for their partnership and trust. “Next to the forest, we are not just renovating an old building — we are creating a modern space for recovery and constructing new buildings. The center will have over 100 beds for patients injured by full-scale invasion undergoing long-term rehabilitation. Right next to it, we plan to set up a park for rehabilitation and recovery,” Sadovyi added. GIZ Ukraine is playing a pivotal role in the project, not only by delivering rehabilitation equipment but also by enabling capacity building for Ukrainian specialists. Through its Hospital Partnerships funding programme, GIZ Ukraine is not only supporting training opportunities in Germany, in collaboration with leading institutions such as Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and BG Rehabilitation Hospital in Frankfurt, but also facilitating the delivery of rehabilitation equipment. The BG Rehabilitation Hospital played a key role in designing the interior layout of the rehabilitation rooms and compiling the list of necessary equipment.  This exchange of expertise is designed to strengthen the UNBROKEN Ukraine and the First Medical Union of Lviv, advancing both the physical and psychological rehabilitation landscape in Ukraine. #GIZ

📌On April 10th U-LEAD with Europe hosted Kerstin Nagels, Director General of HR in GIZ and Tilman Nagel, GIZ Division Director (Germany, Europe, South Caucasus), to exchange with representatives of municipalities to gain a deeper understanding of the main challenges and perspectives in the domains of cooperation with local actors during the war. The frank and deep discussion focused on the challenges faced by municipalities, including recovery and reconstruction efforts, as well as capacity building in project management and municipal cooperation to strengthen municipal resilience and long-term development. ✅Olena Tomniuk, Head of the Regional Operations Unit and Deputy Director of U-LEAD, welcomed guests and provided an overview of the priorities for Phase III of the U-LEAD. She emphasized that the project focuses on transforming individuals and approaches, fostering human capital development, and facilitating change. She specifically addressed human resource management within local self-government bodies, identifying key challenges such as the availability and retention of qualified personnel, dynamic legislative changes, and an expanding scope of responsibilities. To address these issues, U-LEAD is offering approximately 50 licensed hybrid training programmes for local self-governments this year to enhance their adaptability to these challenges. ✅Kostiantyn Volkov, Mayor of Nedryhailiv Municipality in Sumy Oblast, and Serhii Arsenii, Deputy Mayor of Novoselytsia Municipality in Chernivtsi Oblast, shared insights into the current situations in their respective municipalities. Mayor Volkov highlighted the challenges faced by Nedryhailiv as a frontline municipality, particularly in collaborating with international partners. He noted that the residents have a strong desire to remain, conduct business, and cultivate their land. The municipality is hosting a significant number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and transient populations, focusing on providing shelter, food, and essential services, effectively operating under wartime conditions. ✅From a backline municipality perspective, Deputy Mayor Arsenii discussed issues related to resource access and the development of municipal partnerships. He also highlighted a shortage of human resources within local self-government bodies in his municipality. Both municipal representatives underscored the critical support provided by U-LEAD, particularly in establishing international collaborations with EU counterparts to share best practices and gain access to EU financial instruments. Kerstin Nagels expressed gratitude to the participants for their valuable insights, stating their desire in contributing to initiatives that enhance community resilience and their eagerness to support the resilience of Ukrainian municipalities.

This week, Kerstin Nagels, GIZ Head of HR, and Tilman Nagel, Head of Division, visited GIZ Ukraine team in Kyiv to gain first-hand insights into the realities of working in a country affected by the full-scale invasion. Together with Ukrainian colleagues they discussed key topics such as areas of implementation, security risk management, operational challenges and HR-specific questions. 💬 "What impressed me most is the exceptional dedication and resilience of our colleagues here in Ukraine. Their commitment goes far beyond daily tasks – it’s about rebuilding lives, institutions, and hope. This is what makes GIZ Ukraine such a unique and inspiring place to work," Kerstin Nagels emphasized. With around 600 highly motivated professionals at 22 locations, GIZ Ukraine is a reliable partner in the country’s recovery and on its path towards EU accession. Since 1993, GIZ Ukraine has worked hand in hand with Ukrainian institutions and civil society, building on a strong local network and the trust of our partners. Together, we are shaping the sustainable development and reconstruction of Ukraine on behalf of the German government. Are you interested in becoming part of GIZ Ukraine team? Discover career opportunities at GIZ Ukraine 👉 https://lnkd.in/dKUW2uC9 #GIZ #GIZUkraine #Resilience #HR #Leadership #UkraineRecovery

At the recent event "Innovation without Borders: Digital Europe Opportunities for Ukraine", which was held in Kyiv we showcased the achievements and future prospects of the EU’s Digital Europe Programme — initiative supporting the development of digital technologies, AI, cloud services, and the integration of Ukrainian companies and institutions into the EU digital market.   Since 2022, Ukrainian organizations have actively joined the programme. Here's what was achieved so far: 19 grant agreements signed, 75 Ukrainian institutions and organizations involved, €7.2 million raised for joint digital projects with European partners.   A key tool driving these innovations is the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) in Ukraine. These hubs empower businesses to test technologies, implement digital solutions, attract investment and others shared their insights on implementing cutting-edge technologies in sectors such as energy, healthcare, manufacturing, FoodTech, EdTech, and green transformation.   Digitalization is not only a growth engine — it's a tool for transparency and anti-corruption. Automated processes and clear funding mechanisms reduce misuse risks and ensure efficient resource use.   The event is organized within the framework of the Digital Europe Programme, with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine as the strategic coordinator and the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office as the practical consultant. The event is held in cooperation with the Diia.Business national project and with the support of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), in the framework of "Digital Transformation of SMEs in Eastern Partnership countries" programme, which is implemented by GIZ Ukraine. #GIZ

Ukrainian businesses keep pushing forward despite the full-scale invasion — adapting, growing, and strengthening the country’s economy. Last week in Kyiv, GIZ Ukraine hosted the final event of the EU4Business: SME Recovery, Competitiveness and Internationalisation programme, marking the end of a powerful five-year journey. Funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), European Union, and the Government of Norway, the programme has played a key role in supporting Ukrainian SMEs since 2020. Watch the video to see the real achievements that are helping shape Ukraine’s economic future. #GIZ

Healthcare for everyone is essential at any times, and during times of war, it presents an even bigger challenge. On the occasion of #WorldHealthDay, GIZ Ukraine highlights an innovative approach from the #EMPOWER project – the telemedicine.   “There are a lot of patients who have no medication, are unable to leave their home, and nobody can help them. They have poor nutrition and are under constant stress. That’s why people let their illnesses run their course. We encourage patients to take care of their health,” says Tetiana, an ultrasound specialist from Lutsk who is part of a mobile medical team that provides direct care to people on site.   To ensure healthcare even near the frontline, GIZ Ukraine, on behalf of the European Union and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is supporting the Ukrainian NGO #CASERS in delivering medical services directly to those who need them most and have the least access. Telemedicine combines fully equipped offices within an outpatient clinic with video equipment for direct communication with a doctor and a nurse from city hospitals. In addition, mobile medical teams support those patients who cannot be helped online.   In the Kherson region, five telemedicine centers have been established and patients can receive free consultations from doctors in over 30 specialties. So far, a total of over 80 doctors conducted online consultations. To do so, the project collaborated with hospitals in eight Ukrainian cities.   The approach is a good example of a flexible solution at a challenging time that allows not to leave anyone behind. #GIZ