On September 23, an important event for Ukraine’s development and post-war reconstruction took place in Washington D.C. with the participation of distinguished guests, investment funds, and US business representatives — the UA-US Economic Recovery Business Forum. The Washington Institute for Business, Government and Society and the Mayors’ Club organized the event as part of the "Rebirth of Ukraine" Trade Mission, September 23-26.
The main goal is to unite American and Ukrainian businesses, municipalities, academia, and government organizations to recover Ukraine from the consequences of russian military aggression.
The key topics discussed on the business forum:
- Restoration and development of the energy sector in Ukraine. Investment opportunities.
- The latest technologies in agriculture.
- Development of the aerospace industry in Ukraine.
- Restarting the health care system and providing medical services.
- Energy efficiency and sustainable construction.
In particular, speakers during the panels repeatedly stated that the recovery strategy must adhere to the ethics norms, justice, and zero tolerance for corruption compliance.
At the Business Forum, Olena Nikolaienko, president of the FFU in the United States and volunteer curator of strategy and development for FFU International, presented the charity sector of Ukraine to potential US donors. Delivering a speech on the same stage as the U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery and former Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker, CEO of the Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce, Harbir Bhatia, and the Vice Chairman of BlackRock leading investment company, Philipp Hildebrand, Olena focused on social responsibility as an essential component of conducting modern business. She also presented the Future for Ukraine activities and talked about the foundation’s main values, to encourage American donors to implement charitable projects for the benefit of Ukraine jointly.
“We understand that the donors’ trust is our most valuable asset, so transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to the highest standards lay at the core of everything we do. The rebuilding of Ukraine is a global mission, it goes beyond infrastructure. It’s about restoring our people’s spirit and their hope for the future. When we help one person return to a normal life with a prosthetic, we do more than heal the body. We help the veterans' family regain their loved ones and help our society rediscover its heroes. This has a profound impact on the collective consciousness of our nation!”
Our defenders Ivan Bolohov and Serhii Kovalskyi also spoke in the discussion panel about the protection and rehabilitation of Ukrainian veterans. The wounded soldiers are currently undergoing a rehabilitation and prosthetics program at the Medical Center Orthotics & Prosthetics in Silver Spring, they are very proud to have this opportunity to speak to the American people.
Ivan Bolohov, who lost a leg in the battles near Robotyne in the Zaporizhia direction, in his short speech reminded the audience about the heroic struggle waged by Ukraine:
“We stay unbreakable under the airstrikes for the third year in a row and more than that, we keep fighting for the whole free world! For me, it’s a great honor to represent the pixel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a symbol of invincibility and resilience”.
54 organizations, including mayors, private and NGOs represented Ukraine at the business forum. Among the American guests were heads of leading investment companies and business representatives who believe in the post-war growth of the Ukrainian economy, are ready to invest in the reconstruction, and contribute to the Ukrainians’ well-being.
We sincerely thank the organizers, the Honorable James P. Moore, Jr., CEO and Founder of the Washington Institute for Business, Government and Society, and Mayors’ Club for the trust and the opportunity to represent Ukraine in the international investment arena!
