Together with partners, we are increasing the accessibility and usability of important administrative services through the “ASC in a Suitcase”

Kyiv, 2 August 2023 — The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, have delivered 30 state-of-the-art suitcases for providing “Mobile Administrator” service to remote and war-torn communities in Chernihiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Poltava and Sumy oblasts.

The “Mobile Administrator” service — also referred to as “Administrative Service Centre (ASC) in a Suitcase” — is a convenient way to provide essential public services to citizens at their places of residence or temporary stay. It acts as a mobile remote workplace for ASC administrators, equipped with portable equipment: namely a laptop with licensed software, a portable printer, a handheld scanner, an ID card reader, a video camera, mobile 4G/3G internet, a Wi-Fi router, and other necessary supplies.

With the “ASC in a Suitcase,” administrators can reach clients directly, simplifying the process and bringing basic public services to those that need them. This is particularly crucial for older people, people with disabilities, people with limited mobility, and residents of communities where ASC premises have been damaged or destroyed by hostilities.

Martin Schroeder, Head of the Local and Human Development Section at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, wholeheartedly endorsed the initiative to bolster the provision of vital public services to Ukrainian citizens. “The European Union is fully committed to promoting inclusive and equitable development in Ukraine,” he said. “Granting local communities direct access to essential public services holds particular significance for their resilience, especially in areas affected by the Russian war of aggression.”

Christophoros Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, said that UNDP, together with its development partners, underscores the importance of empowering citizens and fostering inclusive service delivery in challenging times. “Provision of these mobile cases is another milestone in advancing decentralization efforts and expanding access to essential public services for Ukrainian citizens,” he said. “This initiative is particularly important in bringing public services closer to the people, particularly to vulnerable groups, who often face difficulties accessing services.”

Oleksii Vyskub, First Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation, commented on the importance of supporting communities that are restoring and bringing administrative services closer to their residents. “We are grateful to the European Union and UNDP in Ukraine for their consistent and effective partnership,” he said. “I am confident that mobile solutions for administrative services will bring them closer to all beneficiaries, especially on the territories affected by the Russian aggression.”

Background

The mobile cases were purchased, equipped, and delivered by UNDP in Ukraine in the framework of the “EU4Recovery — Empowering Communities in Ukraine” (EU4Recovery) project, with financial support from the EU.

Media inquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org