On April 24, 2025, the Southern Hub of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) held a coordination meeting that brought together local government representatives and non-governmental organizations.

The aim of the meeting was to strengthen collaboration amid decreasing international humanitarian assistance.

The meeting gained particular relevance due to the cessation of funding for several projects by the US government, posing a significant challenge to the humanitarian sector in the region.

From the Odesa City Council, the meeting was attended by the advisor to the mayor on humanitarian issues, Veronika Etnarovich, and the deputy director of the Department of Labor and Social Policy, Tatyana Vikovan.

During her speech, Veronika Etnarovich expressed gratitude to international and local partners for their consistent support and reliable partnership, which is crucial in this challenging time.

The meeting discussed the ongoing social programs in the city as well as the humanitarian challenges faced by both permanent residents of Odesa and internally displaced persons. Key topics included the need to maintain continuous assistance to the most vulnerable groups and the coordination of efforts under new conditions.

The meeting underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue between government, humanitarian organizations, and the civil sector. In the context of reduced financial support from donors, close cooperation and coordination may be the key to effective responses to the urgent needs of the community.