Declaration including seven principles for Ukraine's reconstruction has been approved in Lugano

The conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine, held in the Swiss city of Lugano, has approved the Lugano Declaration, which sets out seven principles that should guide the reconstruction of Ukraine.

This was informed by the President of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis, who presented the declaration.

"In Lugano, we launched the process of reconstruction of Ukraine at the international level and identified the principles that underlie the restoration. The basis of the declaration is the seven Lugano principles. They determine the beginning of the restoration process, the criteria and methods of restoration," - President Cassis said.

Accordingly, the declaration will contain the following principles:

1. Partnership. It assumes that Ukraine will lead the reconstruction process and implement it together with international partners. Progress and financial flows will be monitored regularly.

2. Reform focus. Reconstruction, sustainability, duration, as well as continuation and deepening of reforms are interdependent things.

3. Transparency, accountability and rule of law. This process, including ensuring an independent judiciary, as well as the fight against corruption, must include accountability.

4. Democratic participation. The reconstruction process will not be centralized, but will be based on democratic participation, as well as the participation of local communities.

5. Multi-stakeholders engagement. It means the involvement of numerous interested parties and should facilitate the participation of international players from the spheres of business, civil society, academia, as well as local communities.

6. Gender equality and inclusion. The process must include everyone, including representatives of minorities.

7. Sustainability. Reforms will not be limited to changes in infrastructure and institutions. They will also cover social, economic, and environmental aspects, maintaining the principle of "Building better than it was".

"I am convinced that this is a key step on the long way to the reconstruction of Ukraine," - Kassis commented.