Humanitarian Coordination Amid New Challenges
On April 24, 2025, the Southern Hub of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) organized a coordination meeting that brought together representatives from local authorities and non-governmental organizations.
The main aim of the meeting was to strengthen collaboration in light of the decreasing international humanitarian support.
The meeting gained particular significance due to the cessation of funding for several projects by the US government, posing a serious challenge for the humanitarian sector in the region.
From the Odessa City Council, advisor on humanitarian issues Veronika Etnarovich and the deputy director of the Department of Labor and Social Policy, Tetiana Vikovan, participated in the meeting.
During her speech, Veronika Etnarovich expressed gratitude to international and local partners for their enduring support and reliable partnership, which is of special importance during this challenging period.
During the meeting, existing social programs in the city were discussed, along with the humanitarian challenges faced by both permanent residents of Odessa and internally displaced persons. Key topics included the need to maintain continuous assistance to the most vulnerable population groups and the coordination of efforts in new conditions.
The meeting highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue between authorities, humanitarian structures, and the public sector. In the context of reduced financial support from donors, close collaboration and coordination may become the key to effectively responding to the urgent needs of the community.
