As part of the Global Wastewater Initiative (GWWI), the UNEP-DHI publication ‘Sustainable wastewater management as a pillar for the sustainable reconstruction of Ukraine’ will be presented during the Associated Event Wastewater as a solution on December 10th, during the Seventh Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7).

This report underlines the importance of investing in sustainable wastewater management. It aims at changing the paradigm of viewing wastewater as a burden to treating it as a valuable resource, integral to solving the most pressing issues facing the Ukrainian Government in the recovery and reconstruction effort.

State of wastewater management in Ukraine:

Only 50% of household wastewater is estimated to be safely treated in Ukraine, posing severe public health and environmental risks. The estimated financial need exceeds USD 3.35 billion for the rehabilitation and modernization of wastewater infrastructure. Yet, the reconstruction effort presents an opportunity to transition to sustainable wastewater management, addressing the national goals for energy security, improved quality of life, climate change mitigation, and water and resource recovery. The Ukrainian Government continues to progress with alignment of its water policies and regulations with EU standards, despite the on-going armed conflict. Therefore, it is essential that implementations and investments are made on the underlying principle of sustainable wastewater management and integrated with other sectors.

Call to action and science-based solutions:

This publication highlights both a call to action for decision-makers and partners as well as practical solutions that can transform wastewater from a challenge into a resource for green recovery and climate resilience.  

This report is a collaboration between UNEP-DHI Centre, UNEP’s Global Wastewater Initiative (GWWI), and national partners, and has been endorsed by the ministry of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine.

Stakeholders are encouraged to join the UNEP Global Wastewater Initiative (GWWI), a global platform connecting governments, researchers, and practitioners to accelerate sustainable wastewater management and innovation. For more information, contact: unep-gwwi@un.org or visit GWWI. 

Find the full report (both in English and Ukrainian) here: