Rome, Italy - Anna Bjerde, the World Bank's Managing Director of Operations, addressed the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 on July 10. Speaking on behalf of the World Bank Group, she highlighted the significant financial and strategic support required for Ukraine's recovery.
According to Bjerde, Ukraine needs $524 billion over the next decade for reconstruction efforts. "Since February 2022, the World Bank Group has mobilized more than $81 billion for Ukraine," she stated, with $57 billion already disbursed to address urgent needs.
The World Bank is working alongside entities like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) to engage private capital in Ukraine's recovery. Bjerde emphasized that public resources alone are insufficient and that private sector involvement is crucial.
She outlined a vision for Ukraine's future economy centered around EU integration and emerging sectors such as information technology and defense technologies. However, challenges remain, including capital destruction and labor shortages. The war has also led to macroeconomic imbalances and increased poverty.
Bjerde stressed the importance of reforms in four key areas: growth foundations, infrastructure rebuilding, business dynamism improvement, and labor regulations. "Reforms to strengthen the foundations for growth" are necessary to support reconstruction without hindering economic progress.
International support remains vital for Ukraine’s path forward. "Continued international support and partnerships will be essential," Bjerde said. She concluded by reaffirming the World Bank Group’s commitment to supporting Ukraine's growth and reform agenda.