April 24, Kyiv – United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UN Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Director Kalman Mizsei today called on the world to remember the suffering caused by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident. He also expressed confidence in the potential for the region’s social and economic recovery. Addressing a high-level international conference in Kyiv devoted to the 20th anniversary of the accident, Mizsei acknowledged that “the legacy of Chernobyl is very much with us today, even after two decades.” He stressed, however, that “we believe that the future of Chernobyl-affected areas is far from bleak.” The UN shifted its strategy on Chernobyl from emergency relief to long-term recovery and development in 2002. In line with this shift, UNDP assumed responsibility for UN-wide coordination of Chernobyl issues in 2004. UNDP sees a lack of social and economic opportunities – the result both of resettlements and economic restrictions imposed after Chernobyl, and of dislocations following the disintegration of the Soviet Union – as the biggest challenge facing Chernobyl-affected communities in , the and . “The new UN development approach is already yielding practical results, in three important areas: first, the provision of factual and credible information; second, community social and economic recovery; and third, policy advice,” Mizsei continued. With UNDP assistance in , 207 community organizations have so far been founded in 139 villages, with almost 20,000 members. These organizations address priority community needs and also gain a new sense of self-reliance by implementing locally-designed projects. Typical examples include school renovation projects and the creation of new health clinics and youth centers. The youth centers are especially important in the small villages where there is often no place for the young to gain computer skills, learn about healthy lifestyles, or participate in social activities. “More significant than these numbers, however, is the impact on community attitudes, transforming a deep-seated helplessness into a spirit of activism,” Mizsei added. Addressing policy issues, Mizsei highlighted the need to make government spending on Chernobyl more efficient and also to adjust broader economic and social policies in ways that “will spur economic development nationwide, including in the Chernobyl region.” He ended his remarks by calling on the sustained generosity of the international community in supporting the restoration of the region’s economic and social vitality. Full speech of Mr. Kalman Mizsei is available here . Photogallery for the event is available here For more information about UN activities on Chernobyl , please visit: www.chernobyl.undp.org Media contacts: - Ms. Snezhana KOLOMIETS, e-mail:
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, Tel.+38 044 254 0035,
- Ms. Veronika VASHCHENKO, e-mail:
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, Tel+38 044 253 9363
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24.04.06
