UNIC has become a member of the new RISE Working Group, which focuses on involving the private sector in Ukraine's reconstruction efforts

Despite the numerous challenges and risks faced by Ukraine's private sector due to the ongoing conflict, the private sector plays a crucial role in the country's reconstruction, especially at the regional level. The RISE Working Group aims to establish clear and transparent rules for market operations and ensure unhindered access for private businesses to engage in the country's reconstruction projects. The group will operate globally and focus on the following key directions:

• Formulating best practices and advocating for changes in procurement processes conducted by public entities for goods, services, and works related to reconstruction.
• Creating conditions that enhance the role of private businesses in decision-making processes and active participation in reconstruction efforts.
• Developing clear guidelines for stakeholders involved in reconstruction projects on how to engage in such initiatives.

UNIC's participation in this initiative aligns with its recently approved Network Strategy for the upcoming years. UNIC plans to actively contribute in various areas, including:

• Developing integrity standards and roadmaps for Ukrainian businesses, customers, investors, and donors involved in reconstruction projects.
• Implementing compliance and governance transparency standards in line with international norms and OECD recommendations for Ukrainian companies, including state-owned enterprises.
• Creating incentives to encourage honest business participation in the reconstruction process.

In addition to UNIC, several other organizations are part of this working group, collectively striving to facilitate the private sector's role in Ukraine's reconstruction: CIPE Ukraine, Office of Effective Regulation BRDO, Institute of Economic Research and Political Consultations, Institute of Analytics and Advocacy Anti-Corruption Headquarters, Center for Economic Strategy, Institute of Legislative Ideas, ReThink, Kharkiv Anti-Corruption Center, Dare to Restore are among the organizations joining this important initiative.