On September 22, 2025, within the framework of the IX Kharkiv International Legal Forum, a panel discussion “Resilience, security and the principles of justice: Environmental and climate dimensions of post-war reconstruction” brought together Ukrainian and international experts in law, security, climatology, and governance. The event, held in an offline format, became an important platform for discussing the challenges Ukraine faces on its path to recovery.

The discussion focused on key issues, including accountability for environmental damage caused by the war, legal mechanisms for ecological restoration, alignment of reconstruction processes with European and international climate commitments.

The event was held within the framework of the MSCA4Ukraine research project ‘Towards Resilient and Resistant Climate Change Law (RESClimLaw)’ and the UniCities project, implemented under the Erasmus+ programme with the co-funding of the EU. In addition, the discussion was supported by colleagues from the project ‘Towards a Sustainable and Resilient Climate Change Law’, implemented with the support of the European Union.

Participants emphasized that legal systems must become a key tool in addressing environmental crises during emergencies and recovery processes. At the same time, it is the integration of environmental justice, the rule of law, and the security dimension that can ensure the sustainable development of the state.

The UniCities team highlights the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration in shaping modern approaches to Ukraine’s post-war recovery, where climate and environmental priorities are combined with legal and security ones. Only by uniting the efforts of scientists, legal professionals, policymakers, and communities can we lay the foundation for a resilient, safe, and climate-neutral Ukraine of the future.