CESVI took part in the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2025), hosted this year by Italy, bringing its field experience and long-standing commitment to Ukraine into the spotlight during a panel focused on finding sustainable, long-term solutions for people most severely affected by the war.
Representing CESVI was Marzia Lazzari, Area Manager for Ukraine, who highlighted the importance of an integrated approach that combines humanitarian aid, development, stabilisation and social cohesion. Only through coordination across these areas can we provide effective responses that address the concrete needs of communities and support their long-term recovery.
“Recovery is already happening – not after the war, but during the war,” said Lazzari, sharing stories gathered during CESVI’s fieldwork, such as that of a mother raising her child alone while her husband serves on the frontline, or a grandmother who freezes every time the phone rings, fearing the worst for her son. “Behind every story lies a life, a longing for normality, and a silent struggle for dignity.”
CESVI’s work in Eastern Ukraine
Since 2022, CESVI has been operating in Eastern Ukraine, in areas most exposed to conflict, with an integrated approach that addresses both physical safety and emotional recovery – two deeply connected aspects, particularly for children and teachers living under prolonged stress.
Thanks to CESVI’s mobile units:
- nearly 6,000 medical consultations have been carried out;
- over 1,300 psychological support and protection services have been provided;
- more than 200 professionals have been trained in trauma care.
In parallel, CESVI has delivered mine risk education to over 7,000 people, through door-to-door sessions, school-based outreach and digital campaigns.
To support children’s return to in-person learning, we have also installed air raid shelters in schools, helping create a safer environment where students can continue their education and regain a sense of normality.
Beyond the emergency: building a future today
Present in Ukraine since the early days of the full-scale invasion, CESVI has supported the population through the most acute phases of the emergency. Today, our commitment continues as we transition towards recovery and reconstruction, working alongside Ukrainian institutions and international partners to ensure that what we build today outlasts emergency aid and lays the foundations for a more resilient future.
At URC2025, we reaffirmed a clear message: rebuilding is not only about restoring infrastructure, but about healing invisible wounds, strengthening the social fabric, and creating real opportunities for people who have lost everything. Only then can recovery be truly sustainable.
© Photo credits: Roger Lo Guarro