At the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2026) in Gdańsk, the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), presented the concept «Resilience as a System». 

The exhibition area, showcased as part of the Local Government Exhibition, demonstrated how Ukraine is not only withstanding the challenges of war but also building a system capable of functioning and developing under the most difficult conditions. 

The exhibition was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the Government of Germany and the European Union (EU) under EU4Recovery, the EU's flagship partnership with UNDP in Ukraine.

«Resilience as a System is our response to the challenges of war. We are showing our international partners that Ukraine's resilience today is built on integrated digital solutions, protected critical infrastructure, and capable communities operating as a single mechanism. We are creating a model of a state that is able to develop effectively and protect its people under any circumstances, and these are the specific tools, projects, and case studies we presented at URC», — said Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine – Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine.

The central feature of the exhibition was the Resilience stand, designed in the form of a reinforced concrete protective structure. It serves as a visual symbol of the reality in which Ukraine lives: shelters, protection of critical infrastructure, and the resilience of communities despite all challenges.

The photo exhibition «Faces of Resilience», created by photographer Kostiantyn Liberov, tells the stories of the people whose dedication and daily work sustain resilience in communities, regions, and across the country. These are women and men working in the energy sector, transport, municipal services, postal services, logistics, and other essential sectors.

At the «Shoulder to Shoulder» studio, the Ministry's team, international partners, and representatives of Ukrainian communities shared stories of recovery, presented investment projects, and provided updates on agreements, memoranda, and joint statements signed on the sidelines of URC 2026.

The Rebuild Ukraine Intelligence Platform is one of the world's first examples of using integrated artificial intelligence for comprehensive planning of the recovery of cities and territories. The platform combines 47 databases, 12 international methodologies, EU directives, Ukrainian legislation, and international best practices to develop optimal scenarios and support data-driven decision-making.

The State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine's stand demonstrated how recovery and modernisation projects are being implemented through state funding and the support of international partners, ranging from water supply projects for communities to housing reconstruction, energy infrastructure restoration, and the protection of roads and critical infrastructure.

The stand of the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine was presented with the support of the EU4Reconstruction project (Component 2). 

The team showcased successful and ongoing projects, including:

• construction of the Mykolaiv water pipeline and water treatment facilities, providing access to drinking water for 500,000 residents;
• anti-drone protective nets installed over frontline roads in Kharkiv Oblast;
• a new bridge across the Tysa River connecting Ukraine and Romania;
• a modular shelter in Borodianka;
• physical protection of critical infrastructure.

Ukrzaliznytsia presented the Iron Resilience Command installation, designed as a real railway operations centre. It demonstrates how railway specialists monitor air threats around the clock, analyse their movement, and coordinate responses to protect passengers and railway workers every day. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, Russia has carried out 5,652 attacks on Ukraine's railway infrastructure. 

As a result, ensuring safety has become an integral part of Ukrzaliznytsia's daily operations. 

Ukraine's southern ports also continue operating under constant threat. More than 1,000 port facilities have been destroyed or damaged, including 230 civilian vessels. At URC, the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) presented investment projects and development opportunities for Ukraine's ports.

The stands representing all regions of Ukraine featured more than 150 communities, including frontline and temporarily occupied communities, which brought 528 investment projects to URC. These stands served as venues for negotiations with international partners and presentations of local recovery projects. 

The Wall of Remembrance provided a space for reflection dedicated to honouring civilians and service members who lost their lives as a result of Russia's aggression. Conference participants were invited to write the names of loved ones they had lost. 

This part of the exhibition serves as a constant reminder of the price Ukraine pays for every day of life, for the opportunity to rebuild the country even during wartime, to host international events, and to secure financing for recovery projects.

Ukraine remembers every person whose life was taken by Russia and, by honouring their memory, continues to fight for and build its future. 

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