United Nations annual Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs: Side event on SDG 9 and reconstruction of Research and Technology Infrastructures of Ukraine.
Russia’s full-scale war of aggression has severely damaged Ukraine’s research and technology infrastructures. Rebuilding these systems is essential for Ukraine’s recovery and long-term development in line with SDG 9 on resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrialisation and innovation.
This side event of the 2026 UN STI Forum provides a unique opportunity for governments, international organisations, academia, and the private sector to share experiences, lessons learned, and best practices in restoring and modernising Ukraine’s scientific capacities. Through this dialogue, participants will explore how recovery efforts can align with SDG 9, ensuring that Ukraine’s research infrastructures become drivers of Ukraine’s modern and sustainable recovery.
Meeting starts at: 14:00 CET Brussels, 8AM EST New York, 15:00 EEST Kyiv time.
- research infrastructure | international cooperation
- Thursday 7 May 2026, 14:00 - 15:15 (CEST)
- Online only
Programme
- 7 May 2026, 14:00 - 14:20 (CEST)Opening and welcome remarks
- Opening & Welcome on behalf of the European Union, Maria Cristina RUSSO, Deputy Director-General - Innovation, Prosperity and International Cooperation, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission
- H.E. Ambassador, Andrii MELNYK, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, confirmed
- Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination, Bjørg SANDKJÆR, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), United Nations, a video message
Moderator: Carole MANCEL-BLANCHARD, Head of Unit, Unit 03 „International cooperation- Europe and Americas“, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission
- 14:20 - 15:10 (CEST)Panel discussion
Advancing Ukraine’s STI Agenda for Sustainable Recovery: Rebuilding Research Infrastructures and Implementing SDG 9”
- H.E. Natalka CMOC, Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine
- Serhii BABAK, Head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Education, Science and Innovation
- Yuriy PETRUSHENKO, Head of the Fund of the President of Ukraine on Education, Science and Sports
- Sc.D., Prof. Nataliya SHAKHOVSKA, Rector, Lviv Polytechnic University
- Prof. Chiara Dezzi BARDESCHI, Head of UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine
- Ondrej HRADIL, Department Head, Division of Research Infrastructure, Masaryk University
- Prof. Fumihiko IMAMURA, Tohoku University, Vice President and Prof. International Research Institute of Disaster Science
Moderator: Michael ARENTOFT, Head of Unit, Unit A.4 „Open Science and Research Infrastructures‘, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission
- 14:20 - 15:10 (CEST)Q&A
- 15:10 - 15:15 (CEST)Closing remarks
- H.E. Ambassador, Andrii MELNYK, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
- Maria Cristina RUSSO, Deputy Director-General - Innovation, Prosperity and International Cooperation, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission
Moderator: Carole MANCEL-BLANCHARD, Head of Unit, Unit 03 „International cooperation- Europe and Americas“, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission
Practical information
- When
- Thursday 7 May 2026, 14:00 - 15:15 (CEST)
- Where
- Online only
- Languages
- English
- Organisers
- Directorate-General for Research and Innovation
- Website
- Event website
Description
The discussion will highlight concrete initiatives, such as the Horizon Europe-funded RIFF project (Research Infrastructures for the Future of Ukraine), which develops a roadmap for recovery of research infrastructures in Ukraine. UNESCO’s UNESRALE (UNESCO’s Remote Access to Lab Equipment), aimed at revitalising Ukraine’s scientific and educational institutions The International Coalition for Science in Ukraine, a multi-stakeholder initiative aiming to address the urgent and long-term recovery of Ukraine’s research and innovation sector will be as well presented.
By facilitating a discussion on the role of research and technology infrastructures in Ukraine’s recovery, this event will seek to advance the STI Forum’s mission to strengthen Ukraine’s research and technology infrastructures as key drivers of the country’s reconstruction and sustainable recovery. It will centre Ukrainian perspectives, ensuring that recovery efforts reflect local priorities and expertise, while drawing on international experience to rebuild a stronger and more sustainable Ukraine.
The event will be held online, and registration is required for all participants.
