The reconstruction of Ukraine is “the common task of the entire democratic world”, the country’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said today at the start of the conference in Lugano, which is expected to outline the future reconstruction of the war-torn country.
“Ukraine’s reconstruction is the common task of the entire democratic world” and “the most important contribution to world peace,” he said during a video-broadcast speech before the leaders of Kiev’s allied countries and several international institutions.
Almost a thousand officials from Ukraine’s allies, international institutions and the private sector are meeting in Lugano, Switzerland, today Monday and tomorrow Tuesday. The Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Smigal, the Speaker of the Parliament Ruslan Stefanchuk and a delegation of 100 people already arrived in Lugano on Sunday.
Smigal told the conference that Ukraine needs $750 billion for a recovery plan in the wake of the Russian invasion. He said there has been more than $100 billion in direct infrastructure damage from the Russian invasion.
Swiss President Ignatius Cassis, who is co-hosting this conference with his Ukrainian counterpart, said that reconstruction and reforms “do not compete with each other”.
“They reinforce each other,” added Cassis, who called for continuing, despite the war, efforts against corruption and ensuring the functioning of justice.
The Lugano conference must lead to “an effective political process”, the Swiss president underlined.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen opened with a powerful “Slava Ukraini” (Glory to Ukraine) to end a speech in which she insisted on rebuilding a better Ukraine than the one that existed before the war.
“Ukraine can emerge from all this on the way to a stronger, more modern country, with a stronger judiciary and institutions, with successes in the fight against corruption, but also a greener, more digital economy and more resilient,” he said.
“We know that their (Ukrainians’) struggle is our struggle and that is why we are helping Ukraine win this war. We must also ensure that Ukraine wins the peace that will undoubtedly come,” he pointed out.
SOURCE: APE-ME
Source: Capital
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
