EU, UNDP and MinDigital host Digital Forum: Effective Administrative Service Center 4.0 – paving the way for a digitally empowered Ukraine

October 29, 2023.

    The Forum was organized to open channels for dialogue centred on the evolution and digital transformation of the system for delivering administrative services, particularly during wartime and its aftermath
    
    Kyiv, 23 October 2023 – The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine (MinDigital), convened the Digital Forum: Effective ASC 4.0 on 19-20 October in Kyiv. The Forum underscored the transformative potential of delivery of administrative services during the war and in the post-war and reconstruction era.
    
    Amid increasing hostilities affecting Ukrainians’ access to government services, the Government of Ukraine, backed by the UNDP and the EU, initiated efforts to support its citizens, particularly in war-torn communities. With the EU and UNDP's aid, efforts include developing Administrative Service Centres (ASCs), enhancing digital platforms, refurbishing ASCs, advancing service digitalization, and introducing mobile ASCs for remote communities. The all-Ukrainian two-day Forum was established to engage stakeholders and plan further actions.
    
    Gathering together 170 participants, the event served as a confluence point for representatives from UNDP, the EU, government agencies, ASCs from every oblast of Ukraine, and software developers. The event was geared towards fostering an environment for sharing innovative approaches and learning from previous experiences. The goal was to enhance the digitalization and overall efficacy of ASCs, which are essential for the growth of communities and territories, especially in these challenging times.
    
    Panel discussions were a major part of the Forum's agenda, addressing essential subjects such as setting up efficient ASCs, utilizing advanced IT solutions for optimal service provision, digitalizing services, and the hurdles faced when rehabilitating ASCs in war affected areas.
    
    Valeriia Ionan, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for European Integration, emphasized the importance of developing digital services. “Digitalization of public services, and the creation and development of a network of barrier-free ASCs in the regions is how to build the most convenient digital state in the world,” she said. “CDTOs [Chief Digital Transformation Officers – ed.] play a key role in this process – they are the leaders of digital reforms and the engine of innovative projects. We are grateful to the CDTOs of each community and region for their qualitative impact on the lives of Ukrainians.”
    
    Chloe Allio, acting Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Ukraine, expressed the European Union's strong dedication to advancing Ukraine towards a future that is digitally inclusive and resilient. “In collaboration with UNDP and MinDigital, we envision a future where technology empowers every Ukrainian, fostering innovation, and ensuring seamless administrative services, even in challenging times,” she emphasized. “This initiative goes beyond digital tools; it aims to strengthen communities, improve governance, and establish a resilient and forward-looking Ukraine.
    
    Christophoros Politis, UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative, underscored UNDP's unwavering commitment to Ukraine's modernization and development. “Together with our partners, the European Union and MinDigital, we are united in our mission to boost access to top-tier public services across all communities,” he said. “Our attention is particularly centred on regions affected by the ongoing war. Through the integration of digital innovation, the adoption of best practices, and a steadfast dedication to unity, UNDP stands at the forefront of transformations of the system for administrative service delivery in Ukraine.”
    
    Background
    
    The Forum was organized by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine in partnership with UNDP in Ukraine in the framework of the “EU4Recovery – Empowering Communities in Ukraine” (EU4Recovery) project, with financial support from the European Union.
    
    UNDP in Ukraine is implementing EU4Recovery with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).