Collaboration Amid Challenges: New Horizons of Humanitarian Aid
On April 24, 2025, the Southern Hub of the UN OCHA held a coordination meeting that brought together local authorities and non-governmental organizations.
The primary goal of the meeting was to strengthen cooperation in light of declining international humanitarian support.
Particularly relevant was the cessation of funding for several projects by the U.S. government, posing a significant challenge for the humanitarian sector in the region.
The Odesa City Council was represented by the Mayor's Advisor on humanitarian issues, Veronika Etnarovych, and the Deputy Director of the Department of Labor and Social Policy, Tetiana Vikovan.
During her speech, Veronika Etnarovych expressed gratitude to international and local partners for their steadfast support, which is especially crucial during this challenging period.
The meeting also discussed ongoing city social programs and the humanitarian challenges faced by both permanent residents of Odesa and internally displaced persons. Key topics included the necessity of continuous assistance to the most vulnerable populations and coordination of efforts under new conditions.
The meeting underscored the importance of sustained dialogue among authorities, humanitarian structures, and the civil sector. In the context of decreased financial support from donors, close collaboration and coordination can be key to effectively responding to the community's urgent needs.
