Destroyed Bucha is already in the process of reconstruction

The items delivered in three transports (from December 2022 to August 2023) allowed for the insulation and reconstruction of 50 buildings, including homes located on Yablunska Street, where fierce battles for the liberation of Bucza took place just a year ago; Bucza is a city that has become a symbol of the cruelty of the Russian army towards the civilian population.

The scale of material destruction and the number of people forever harmed in Bucza is enormous. It is unimaginable that in the 21st century, in the heart of Europe, such cruel things occurred. We do not accept such a world, which is why we are doing our utmost to repair what has been destroyed. Thanks to three transports of construction and aid materials, the residents of devastated Bucza survived the last winter, and now they are trying to rebuild their city anew. I am proud of the cooperation between UN GCNP, UNOPS Ukraine, PCK, and the business sector. Through our actions, we have contributed a brick towards a better future for the world.– says Kamil Wyszkowski, Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network Poland and representative of UNOPS in Poland.

Along with other representatives from business and non-governmental organizations, he took part on August 29, 2023, the day commemorating the victims of war crimes, in a meeting organized in Bucza by Mayor Anatolii Fedoruk.

The first transport from UN GCNP, UNOPS Ukraine, and PCK reached the brutally harmed city back in December 2022. At that time, materials such as mineral wool, sheets, and modular roof tiles were delivered. The next transport in February 2023 included power generators, as well as additional food packages and hygiene kits. The last of the three transports left Poland in July 2023. The Polish Red Cross coordinated the implementation of humanitarian convoys, ensuring their smooth organization from a logistical standpoint.

The authorities in Ukraine have praised the effective use of the donated gifts received so far: 46 houses in Bucza have been equipped with insulation film, and 13 properties have received new sheets. Mineral wool has been used in 10 houses and an administrative building. Moreover, 4,670 roofing tiles will be used to construct a roof at the local cultural center in the center of Bucza. Two out of 19 power generators ensure the continuity of operations of the public utility company, while the others will be used during the upcoming winter.

The scale of humanitarian challenges brought about by the war in Ukraine is immense: it exceeds the capabilities of one state, organization, or company to respond independently. That is why partnerships are so important, cooperation among entities that possess various, often essential resources – means, experience, and above all, determination and commitment to carrying out actions distinguished by high efficiency. I am immensely pleased with the cooperation with UN Global Compact Network Poland. Thank you for this tangible partnership. This is how we understand cooperation at the Polish Red Cross in aiding those in need of support.– says Michał Mikołajczyk, member of the Management Board of the Polish Red Cross.

The oldest and most powerful humanitarian organization in the world, represented by him – operating in 192 countries, supported by 16 million volunteers – has been helping Ukraine from the very first hours of the armed conflict in 2022. Assistance will also be needed after the ongoing hostilities end. The World Bank in its current report forecasts that rebuilding the destroyed Ukraine will require 411 billion USD. This is more than double the GDP of Ukraine achieved in 2021.