An interactive cube about the region’s reconstruction, supported by Denmark and UNDP, was opened in Mykolaiv

4 September an interactive cube “Together for the Reconstruction of Mykolaiv Region” was opened on Soborna Square in Mykolaiv. The installation demonstrates the results of years-long partnership between the Danish Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in rebuilding the city and the region.

The project is designed to clearly show how international assistance is changing the everyday lives of the region’s residents. It covers improved access to administrative, social and medical services, the creation of new professional opportunities, support for veterans, strengthening public safety and engaging youth in community development.

Representatives of the city and regional authorities, the office of the Embassy of Denmark in Mykolaiv and UNDP were present at the opening. The event was attended by the deputy mayors of Mykolaiv Vitaliy Lukov and Anatoliy Petrov, deputy head of the regional military administration Mykola Marinov, head of the Embassy of Denmark office in Mykolaiv Jakob Torrild Hansen and the UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Auke Lotsma.

Vitaliy Lukov emphasized the importance of highlighting partner assistance:

“I am sincerely grateful to everyone who supports us in this difficult time. I thank Denmark not only for the substantial work, but also for the ability to tell about it. Today it is extremely important to speak about real deeds, because the enemy tries to manipulate the opinions of our citizens. We must actively work and publicize this support so that the superhuman efforts of our defenders are not devalued in the future. Thank you to the partners for the assistance and a strong team.”

Inside the cube visitors can explore an interactive map of the Mykolaiv region with restored sites, learn about the stories of local residents, watch videos about joint initiatives of Denmark and UNDP, and take photos.

Jakob Torrild Hansen spoke about four years of Denmark’s cooperation with UNDP:

“By nature Danes are quite modest and prefer quiet deeds. However, in Mykolaiv region we operate in a difficult information environment where it is important to counter the enemy with positive news about good changes. Over four years of cooperation with UNDP we have implemented many important projects and continue to work to improve people’s lives. Of course, difficulties arise — recently the CNAP we opened in Snihurivka was destroyed. But that will not stop us, because we know this work is necessary, and the truth is on our side.”

UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Auke Lotsma noted the importance of transparency in reconstruction:

“I am grateful to the city and regional administrations for fruitful cooperation. This cube was created so that residents can clearly see where the funds raised are directed. I know that in the evening this square is visited by many people; I hope they will discover many interesting things. We still have a lot of work ahead, and we count on further long-term partnership.”

The installation will operate on Soborna Square until 25 September. It can be visited daily from 08:00 to 21:00.

Source: Mykolaiv City Council.

Earlier we wrote:

• “A 3,000 fine for photos of empty shelves”: a new Russian fake exposed against the backdrop of food shortages
• In Mykolaiv, the oldest school damaged by shelling is being restored
• Here life is thriving: foreigners equipped a modern social adaptation space in the Korabelnyi district
• Sienkevych in Taiwan announced plans to create a digital twin of Mykolaiv
• Denmark is pouring hundreds of millions into Mykolaiv region: will the money really reach the people?