Discours - National Statement by Switzerland: Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2022)

Excellencies
Dear Colleagues

We have come together to kick off Ukraine’s recovery.

Ukraine has to lead. But we, the states and international organisations gathered here in Lugano, will support Ukraine on its path.

Switzerland has been a partner to Ukraine for many years. We have been supporting reforms and sustainable development. We are providing humanitarian assistance, following our humanitarian tradition.

In the face of war - and with a view to recovery – we must increase our support:

- Switzerland will double its funding towards bilateral cooperation with Ukraine to over 100 million Swiss francs until the end of 2023.

- In addition, we are providing funding through Ukraine’s multilateral partners: the UN, the OSCE, the ICRC, the World Bank, the EBRD, and others.

- Following the call of Ukraine’s Prime Minister, we will earmark at least 15 million Swiss francs for digital transformation.

- Switzerland highly values private initiative. Swiss companies have made major investments in Ukraine, and civil society has provided support over decades.

But support takes many forms: the Lugano conference will deliver principles for recovery. These principles will help Ukraine implement its Recovery and Development Plan. They will also help mobilise support from international partners.

Switzerland will continue to promote international law and effective multilateralism as antidotes against the use of force.

Switzerland also provides good offices. The Lugano Conference is one such example. We are willing to follow up on that. And we stand ready to support talks to end the war - when the time comes.

Thank you all for supporting Ukraine and its people!