Igor Terekhov discussed further cooperation with UNHCR

28 october 2025 18:18 International cooperation

Today, October 28, Mayor Igor Terekhov met with Bernadette Castel-Gollingsworth, the new head of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Ukraine.

The parties discussed further areas of cooperation, joint humanitarian and recovery projects, as well as prospects for supporting Kharkiv in the context of the war.

Igor Terekhov thanked the team of the previous head of the UNHCR Representation in Ukraine, Karolina Lindholm-Billing, for their fruitful cooperation, thanks to which Kharkiv was able to implement a number of important projects on housing reconstruction, support for internally displaced persons, and the development of humanitarian programs. The mayor expressed his confidence that the partnership with UNHCR would continue to be as effective as ever, particularly in terms of housing repairs, preparing the city for winter, and implementing new social initiatives.

"Kharkiv is currently the most affected large city in Ukraine. More than 9,000 residential buildings have been damaged or destroyed by shelling, half of which are high-rise buildings. The city has registered 208,000 displaced persons who need our support. Together with UNHCR, we opened the Svoy adaptation center, and then, on our own, a specialized administrative service center for IDPs. We are working comprehensively to restore housing and communal infrastructure, and we support the education, medicine, and culture sectors. All of this creates an environment in which people want to stay," said the mayor.

In response, Bernadette Castel-Gollingsworth emphasized that she had already familiarized herself with the situation in the city and had personally seen the extent of the destruction. She stressed that the organization would continue to support Kharkiv in its reconstruction efforts.

"The situation is difficult, so we are proud to be able to support Kharkiv in repairing damaged housing, preparing for winter, and creating social infrastructure for displaced persons. It is important not only to rebuild houses, but also to support people's spirits. Culture and education help people feel more or less normal even in the most difficult times. Kharkiv remains one of the main partners of UNHCR in Ukraine," said Bernadette Castel-Gollingsworth.