Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) 2024 Side-Events

At the Women in Energy Networking Lunch during the URC Conference, key stakeholders from Germany and Ukraine gathered to advance gender-inclusive energy policies. Co-organised by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Secretariat of the German-Ukrainian Energy Partnership on behalf of the Federal Ministry Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) implemented by GIZ, the Women's Energy Club of Ukraine, supported by "Women Energize Women" campaign, the event focused on the key challenges of the energy sector in both the short and long term and how women experts can help overcome them. Ideas voiced during the event involved tools like networking, mentoring, participation in decision making on all levels. During her speech, Yulia Rybak Ukrainian Co-Head of the Secretariat of the German-Ukrainian Energy Partnership emphasized the role of the Partnership in support of women in energy: "Women have increasingly taken more active roles in responding to the challenges posed by the cruel war. I strongly believe that such initiatives as “Women in Energy united for Ukraine” launched under German-Ukrainian Energy Partnership is an efficient vehicle for women in the energy sector in wartime to support to identify and enhance the potential of German and Ukrainian energy transition and the post-war reconstruction of the Ukrainian energy sector, only united we will manage to build back better." Valentyna Beliakova, President of WECU, provided a poignant reflection on women's resilience amid the war. She emphasized that women’s participation is crucial not just for immediate solutions but as a cornerstone for a sustainable future. "As we discuss how to support Ukraine’s energy sector in its green transition and reconstruction, we must recognize that women’s participation is essential. Their adaptability and leadership are driving us forward. Our commitment to gender equality will help reshape our future," Beliakova remarked.

The event concluded with all partners pledging continued support for Ukraine's sustainable development, building on a partnership that has flourished for over twenty years. Key outcomes included actionable steps to enhance networking, mentoring, and decision-making participation for women in the energy sector, ensuring their integral role in the ongoing and post-war reconstruction efforts. The Women's Energy Club of Ukraine (WECU), the initiator of this impactful networking lunch, is dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women in the energy sector. WECU's mission is to support and mentor women professionals, advocating for their active involvement in decision-making processes and fostering a collaborative environment for sustainable energy solutions.

Our expert roundtable, organised by the German-Ukrainian Energy Partnership, the German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE) and Global 100% RE UKraine, focused on "Repowering Ukraine with Renewable Energy". This event successfully brought together German and Ukrainian renewable-energy businesses with policymakers from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine to discuss rebuilding Ukraine’s energy sector with a focus on green transformation.

Dr Oleksandr Dombrovskyi, Chairman of the Board of Global 100 RE Ukraine: "We are deeply convinced that the cooperation between the German and Ukrainian RE-sector and our governments is strong and a good basis for the green reconstruction of the Ukrainian Energy system after the war. For a renewable future in Europe!”

Highlights:

1. Key Takeaways: Expansion of renewable energy and implementation of smart grids are the only way to ensure long-term and sustainable energy security in Ukraine.

2. Stakeholder Commitments: Pledges from businesses and policymakers to support renewable energy initiatives.

3. Strategic Visions: Launch of new projects aimed at expanding the renewable energy portfolio in Ukraine.

GIZ has partnered with Ukraine for over 20 years, working towards a resilient and sustainable energy future."

Photo copyright: Axel Schmidt

The expert roundtable on "Winter Resilience: Energizing Ukraine's Path Forward” took place on the 13th of June. The event brought together civil society and government representatives to address the urgent need for energy infrastructure restoration and to align emergency assistance with decarbonization goals.

Karin Franzen, Project Director of the German-Ukrainian Energy Partnership: " As part of the Donation and Procurement Campaign implemented by GIZ on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, we have already met the electricity needs of over 550.000 Ukrainians, with the aim to support many more. Effective collaboration is essential to addressing Ukraine's energy challenges, and we offer a platform for Ukrainian civil society to express their perspectives on green recovery. Together, we can pave the way for a sustainable and resilient energy future for Ukraine”.

Since March 22, 2024, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine's power infrastructure, causing a temporary loss of about 9 GW of power generation from March to May 2024. Protecting energy facilities with air defence, along with decentralized power solutions like gas turbines and piston installations, is crucial. We are proud to support urgent repairs through our procurement and donation campaign, in collaboration with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action under the German-Ukrainian Energy Partnership." said Yuliia Rybak Ukrainian Co-Head of the Secretariat of the German-Ukrainian Energy Partnership during her key word.

During the Round Table, speakers and participants discussed various short- and mid-term solutions to mitigate the impact of Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy sector. Key proposals included decentralising the district heating system, expanding decentralised renewable energy generation, increasing electricity imports from neighbouring countries, and, most importantly, implementing energy efficiency measures.

GIZ has been dedicated to Ukraine's development for over 20 years, supporting its journey towards a resilient and sustainable future.