Olga Zykova at the 9th International Meeting on Triangular Cooperation: Ukraine aims to become a regional hub of innovation, resilience, and knowledge exchange

On October 29, 2025, Deputy Minister of Finance of Ukraine Olga Zykova delivered a keynote address at the 9th International Meeting on Triangular Cooperation, organized by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The conference, held on October 29-30 in Lisbon, Portugal, focuses on the role of triangular cooperation in advancing sustainable and inclusive development.

“For Ukraine, this discussion holds special importance. We are fighting for our freedom, rebuilding our cities and institutions, and shaping a new vision for our future. We know that cooperation and solidarity are not abstract notions - they are the foundation of recovery. The ongoing russian war against Ukraine has underscored the importance of strengthening democratic institutions, restoring the economy, and advancing digitalization. It has also opened new opportunities for Ukraine to reinforce its international alliances and expand the potential of triangular cooperation,” - emphasized Olga Zykova.

The Deputy Minister highlighted that despite the unprecedented challenges caused by russia’s full-scale aggression, Ukraine has maintained macro-financial stability, ensured the continuity of government institutions, paid salaries, and sustained public services.

Today, Ukraine has returned to effective annual and medium-term budget planning and continues to implement structural reforms in public finance management, public investment, and fiscal oversight - all aligned with EU and IMF requirements.

Olga Zykova stressed that Ukraine now seeks to become an active provider of knowledge, technology, and experience that can benefit other countries.

“Behind every successful military operation on the battlefield stand financial discipline, innovation, and partnership. We aim to become a regional hub of innovation, resilience, and reform exchange - a country that shares its knowledge and technologies,” - noted the Deputy Minister of Finance.

She outlined three key areas where triangular cooperation can serve as a driving force - both for Ukraine and its partners: rebuilding stronger institutions, advancing digital transformation, and promoting inclusive recovery.

Ukraine is already building partnerships in e-governance and digital innovation, post-war reconstruction, and public-private partnerships (PPP).

The country is among the global leaders in e-governance, introducing online tax filing, electronic identification, and public procurement systems, and is eager to share this expertise while learning how to make digital services even more inclusive.

In the process of post-war reconstruction, Ukraine applies the “build back better” approach, focusing on creating smart cities and implementing sustainable technological solutions. The Government is also expanding PPP mechanisms in transportation and renewable energy. Ukraine is ready to share its experience and to learn more about attracting private investment for large-scale reconstruction projects.

Also, Ukraine’s Government stands ready to contribute to triangular cooperation by sharing its crisis management experience amid the war.

The 9th International Meeting on Triangular Cooperation highlights how triangular partnerships continue to drive progress despite the challenges currently facing international development cooperation. The event brought together representatives of development and cooperation agencies, as well as government and business leaders from Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and Latin America.