Ukrainian pavilion opens at the COP31 climate conference in Turkey

As part of the COP31 global climate summit, the Ukrainian forum has begun its work; its programme includes over 70 panel discussions, presentations and bilateral meetings running until 20 November, according to the Ministry of Economy and Environment of Ukraine.

As the Minister for the Economy and the Environment, Oleksandr Kravchenko, noted, the experience of developing a decentralised energy sector and restoring ecosystems during a full-scale war is vital for tackling global climate challenges. For his part, Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga emphasised that for Ukraine, the environment is a matter of national security, whilst European Commissioner Dan Jørnensen assured Ukraine of the EU’s unwavering support.

Particular attention has been paid in the pavilion’s themed areas to documenting the environmental damage caused by Russian aggression, in particular the state of Ukraine’s aquatic ecosystems and the Black Sea. The central art piece of the exhibition is the interactive installation ‘Tree of Life’, inspired by Alla Horska’s monumental 1967 work, which was damaged by Russian shelling. The structure consists of 51 elements made from fragments of brick, tile and glass from destroyed Ukrainian buildings, which together form a map of Ukraine.

The project was implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine with funding from the Government of Japan, support from the Ministry of Economy and Environment, the Alla Gorska and Viktor Zaretsky Foundation, and the ‘Monument-ta’ studio. The opening ceremony was also attended by Mykola Serga, Ukraine’s ambassador to COP31 and founder of ‘Cultural Forces’.

Read more news on GreenPost.