Conference on Ukraine's Reconstruction Kicks Off in Rome: Program and Participants

Rebuilding a country isn't just about rebuilding infrastructure, but also about rebuilding trust, the economy, and shared prospects. In this spirit, the fourth edition of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2024), dedicated to Ukraine 's recovery and future, kicks off today in Rome at the La Nuvola conference center in EUR. Scheduled for July 10 and 11, the conference brings together representatives of governments, financial institutions, businesses, and civil society to discuss concrete strategies for international support and cooperation.

Reconstruction of Ukraine: Minister Tajani and President Mattarella's remarks

Introducing the event , Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized that military assistance to Ukraine must proceed alongside civilian cooperation. He explained that, precisely for this reason, the Italian government has chosen to make reconstruction a central pillar of its efforts. Tajani reiterated Italy's support for the reconstruction process, Kiev's reform program, and its path toward European Union membership.

" We're seeing strong interest and expect the active participation of numerous businesses. We will work to ensure that the Rome Conference can be a springboard for peace, including through increased investment in the country," he concluded.

During yesterday's meeting at the Quirinale Palace with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella reiterated Italy's support for Kiev in clear and decisive words.

“Welcome to this palace, Mr. President. It is a great pleasure to meet you again to reaffirm the great friendship that binds Italy and Ukraine. Our country fully supports the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine , with the most intense and concrete support. Our position is and remains absolutely firm in this position.”

Over 3,500 participants , more than 100 official delegations, 40 international organizations, 2,000 companies—including approximately 500 Italian ones—and hundreds of representatives from local governments and civil society. These are the numbers of the fourth edition of the Ukraine Recovery Conference , scheduled for July 10 and 11 in Rome, at the La Nuvola conference center in EUR. The event includes a Recovery Forum and a specific section dedicated to the business world.

The main goal is to continue the active involvement of governments, the private sector, financial institutions, territories, and civilian communities in planning Ukraine's recovery once the conflict with Russia ends.

After introductory remarks by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the plenary session will be opened by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This will be followed by remarks from key figures in European politics, including Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (representing the 2024 host country), and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who will host the next edition. In the afternoon, a video conference with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is scheduled for the "willing" group, along with the leaders present in Rome.

The program includes high-level panels structured around four key themes: private sector development, human capital, territorial governance, and reforms in preparation for EU accession. The Recovery Forum will offer roundtables and workshops dedicated to strategic sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, digital, construction, and healthcare.

A dedicated space for discussion between Italian, Ukrainian, and international companies is also planned, with B2B and B2G meetings with Ukrainian institutions. The work will continue on July 11th with the same format.