Strengthening Humanitarian Efforts Amidst Challenges
On April 24, 2025, a significant coordination meeting was held, organized by the Southern Hub of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), bringing together representatives from local government and NGOs.
The primary goal of the meeting was to enhance collaboration in the face of reduced international humanitarian assistance.
The cessation of funding for several projects by the US government added significant urgency to the meeting, posing serious challenges to the humanitarian sector in the region.
Representatives from the Odesa City Council included the advisor to the mayor on humanitarian issues, Veronika Etnarovich, and the deputy director of the Department of Labor and Social Policy, Tetiana Vikovan.
During her speech, Veronika Etnarovich thanked international and local partners for their steadfast support and reliable partnership, which is of particular importance during these challenging times.
Discussion topics included existing city social programs and the humanitarian challenges faced by both permanent residents of Odesa and internally displaced persons. Key issues discussed were the need to maintain continuous assistance for the most vulnerable populations and to coordinate efforts under the new conditions.
The meeting underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue between authorities, humanitarian organizations, and the community sector. In times of declining financial support from donors, close collaboration and coordination may become the key to effectively addressing the urgent needs of the community.
