This session highlights the transformative role of Water Operator Partnerships (WOPs) in supporting Ukrainian utilities amidst the ongoing war following Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Ukrainian water professionals will share firsthand insights into how their operator partnerships, supported by the German Utility Platform (www.utility-platform.com) and GWOPA/UNICEF, help ensure access to dignified living conditions through resilient water and solid waste services. The discussion will explore the impact of these partnerships on the ground, with a particular focus on which knowledge-sharing methodologies have proven most effective in the context of the war in Ukraine. Tools such as blended learning (combining digital and in-person formats) will be presented, showing how they foster sustainable capacity building and practical cooperation even under extreme conditions.

To ground the conversation in the broader context, the audience will also gain insights into the current state of the Ukrainian water sector through an input by the Ukrainian Water Association “Ukrvodokanalecologiya”.

In addition, the German Utility Platform Logistics Hub will be introduced, that has enabled German water suppliers to send essential water technologies to Ukraine since January 2023, delivering urgently needed technical equipment, which support Ukraine in maintaining and restoring critical infrastructure.

The session will conclude with a high-level donor discussion between different funding organisations, notably AFD, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany (BMZ) tbc, the World Bank, and UNICEF tbc. This panel will explore the collaborative efforts, challenges, and future plans for supporting Ukraine's water sector. Building on the impact reports from Ukrainian operators and examples of coordinated logistical and technical assistance, the panel will examine the role of WOPs as a cost-efficient, long-lasting instrument for reconstructing Ukraine through inclusive, resilient public services. It will also highlight how financing from international partners can help translate human rights principles into practical action ensuring that access to water and sanitation becomes a reality in Ukraine, affected by the ongoing war.