Ukraine recovery conference brings reconstruction expertise to Gdańsk

The Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk is a pivotal moment, bringing together the public and private actors needed to move from commitment to delivery, and from reconstruction plans to practical solutions.

Scale of recovery requires immense investment

A joint assessment by the Government of Ukraine, the World Bank Group, the European Commission, and the United Nations, estimates that recovery and reconstruction will require almost USD 588 billion over the next decade.

Behind that figure are communities that need functioning infrastructure: homes and public buildings, modern district heating and water management systems, and sustainable energy systems.

Ramboll is contributing to that effort through a combination of philanthropic support and technical expertise across areas closely linked to Ukraine’s long-term recovery: energy, buildings, water, environment & health, and municipal infrastructure.

From shelter to stable housing in Chernihiv and Mykolaiv

A central part of Ramboll’s work in Ukraine is linked to housing and community recovery, helping create homes, safe spaces for children, and long-term housing solutions for those directly disrupted by the war.

Through reconstruction initiatives funded by the Danish Foundation for Ukrainian Reconstruction, Ramboll is supporting projects that aim to provide permanent housing for internally displaced people and families affected by the war. In Chernihiv, this includes the design and construction of new residential buildings and a kindergarten with capacity for 200 children.

“For families displaced by war, housing is more than shelter. It is the starting point for stability, dignity, and community life,” says Søren Brøndum, Senior Director, Ramboll Buildings and lead of Ramboll's Ukraine task force.

He adds: “That is why these projects focus on safe homes, local collaboration, transparent allocation, and long-term value.”

In the Mykolaiv region, Ramboll is involved in housing and community projects based on prefabricated wooden houses, public buildings, and medical centres. These projects are designed to be flexible, scalable, and adapted to local needs, while also involving local partners and manufacturers.

Ramboll’s role includes project management, legal and technical advisory, design review, procurement coordination, quality supervision, and support for transparent allocation processes. Beneficiaries are selected through a points-based screening process in line with national legislation, with additional criteria developed in collaboration with local authorities to help ensure support reaches those most in need.

Not only about replacing damaged infrastructure

Reconstruction efforts go beyond replacing damaged infrastructure as they help determine the kind of infrastructure Ukraine will rely on in the decades ahead.

When Ukraine’s heating systems are modernised, they become more efficient and reliable, and less dependent on natural gas. Upgraded water and wastewater systems can become more reliable. As public buildings are renovated, they become safer and more energy efficient. When housing is planned carefully, it can support dignity, community, and long-term recovery.

“Ukraine’s recovery will be measured over many years. Ramboll’s contribution is to combine immediate support with the long-term expertise needed to rebuild infrastructure and create lasting societal value,” says Jean-François Quillard, Business Development Manager, Ramboll Energy.

“Ramboll has built up substantial experience in Ukraine’s energy sector over the years, including feasibility studies, district heating, biofuel combined heat-and-power plants, renewable energy, procurement support, and implementation support for municipal utilities,” he adds.

Philanthropy as well as projects

Ramboll’s work in Ukraine includes philanthropic activities supported by the Ramboll Foundation. In 2025, Ramboll contributed in-kind hours from corporate volunteering programmes, complemented by financial contributions from the Foundation.

This included support to Engineers Without Borders (Denmark), providing urgent technical assistance to rebuild and strengthen critical infrastructure and facilities in the Mykolaiv Oblast region in collaboration with local NGOs and stakeholders.

Together, these contributions reflect how Ramboll aims to support Ukraine: by applying professional expertise where it can help turn urgent needs into practical solutions. The work in Mykolaiv also illustrates why reconstruction depends on close collaboration between local communities, humanitarian partners, funders, and technical experts.

As reconstruction partners gather in Gdańsk, Ukraine’s needs remain urgent, complex, and long-term. For Ramboll, the contribution is to support responsible rebuilding where expertise, local collaboration, and practical delivery can help strengthen the communities affected by the war.