ESG Matters: how can business grow — UN Global Compact Ukraine’s Forum
Resilience, human capital, ethics, and inclusion are becoming the new benchmarks of business success. In a world where ESG principles increasingly shape competitiveness, responsible business practices are no longer optional — they are the expected standard.
Ukraine is no exception. The country must accelerate its alignment with global standards: investing in education, developing new skills, building inclusive environments, and redefining the role of business in national recovery.
This forum brings together companies that are setting a new bar for responsible business.
At “ESG Matters: How Business Grow”, we will focus on practical solutions and real-world approaches that companies can apply today:
- how large enterprises and MSMEs can integrate ESG effectively, regardless of size or resources;
- what skills teams need to support economic growth and reconstruction;
- how to build a corporate culture that drives both people and businesses forward.
The forum will unite Ukrainian companies, government institutions, international partners, and MSMEs to discuss how investments in sustainability, people, and ethics are becoming key drivers of Ukraine’s economic growth.
This event by the UN Global Compact Ukraine is part of the project “Business & Human Rights Initiative: For a Sustainable and Responsible Future,” implemented with the support of UNDP in Ukraine and funded by the Government of Japan under the project “Transformational Recovery for Human Security in Ukraine.”
Date: 9 December, 14:30-18:30
Venue: Kyiv (venue details will be sent to registered participants)
How to join? Complete the registration form:
PROGRAMME
14:30 – 15:0 Registration
15:00 – 15:20 Opening Remarks
Speakers:
- Tetiana Sakharuk, Executive Director of the UNGC Ukraine, Chair for the Regional Network Council for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the UN Global Compact.
- Representative of the Government of Japan
- Representative of the UNDP Ukraine
15:20 – 15:35 Presentation of the Research “Needs and Challenges of SMEs in the Field of ESG”
This year, UN Global Compact Ukraine conducted the new research “Needs and Challenges of SMEs in the Field of ESG”.
Key findings include:
— only 48% of entrepreneurs understand the essence of ESG;
— at least 10.6% lack policies in one or more ESG areas and do not plan to introduce them.
The presentation will highlight how businesses understand ESG, which practices they already apply, and the barriers preventing further progress.
Moderator: Daria Ruban, Social & Governance Lead, UN Global Compact Ukraine
15:35 – 15:45 Presentation of the ESG 360° School
The first Ukrainian educational product designed to make ESG knowledge accessible to all.
ESG 360° School supports companies in integrating sustainability principles, social responsibility, and transparent corporate governance.
Moderator: Tetiana Sakharuk, Executive Director of the UNGC Ukraine, Chair for the Regional Network Council for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the UN Global Compact.
15:45 – 16:40 Panel Discussion “People as the Core Investment”
Ukraine’s recovery is driven by people, their resilience, skills, and capacity to create new opportunities.
This discussion will explore how investments in education, skills development, and inclusive environments form the foundation of economic growth and strengthen ESG practices across companies.
Topics include:
- critical competencies for today’s business;
- how reskilling programs enhance company resilience;
- how to support MSMEs on this path;
- the role of human capital and modern skills in economic recovery.
16:40 – 17:00 Premiere of the Documentary Series “WE”
“WE” is a documentary about how Ukrainian businesses evolve through responsibility, humanity, and sustainable development.
The series showcases companies and people proving that human-rights-based business models are both resilient and innovative.
Key themes include:
- inclusion and equal opportunities;
- veteran reintegration;
- mental health and employee well-being;
- responsible use of AI;
- human capital development and education.
The premiere will demonstrate how these topics are reflected in real company cases, with practical insights for MSMEs.
17:00 – 17:45 Panel Discussion “ESG for MSMEs: Debunking Myths, Breaking Barriers”
A conversation with entrepreneurs who are already integrating ESG principles into their operations.
We will discuss how companies integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) approaches into their business processes, from sustainable production and corporate culture to transparent relationships with customers and partners.
17:45 – 18:00 Closing and Acknowledgments
18:00 – 18:30 Networking
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