Navigating Climate Challenges Amidst Russian Aggression in Ukraine

During COP28 in Dubai on December 3 and 4, the Ukrainian Blue Zone pavilion will convene leading Ukrainian business figures alongside representatives from international businesses and organizations. They will engage in discussions focusing on pivotal aspects of Ukraine’s sustainable recovery.

Organized by the UN Global Compact Ukraine, the Ukrainian network of the world’s largest community of responsible businesses, these discussions will delve into key topics such as the Ukraine Business Compact initiative, energy security, green anti-corruption measures, and more. The objective of this series of events is to cultivate collaboration and present practical solutions that can expedite Ukraine’s progression toward a resilient, low-carbon energy future. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing Russian invasion, these efforts aim to foster economic growth, enhance social well-being, and champion environmental preservation.

AGENDA (based on local time GMT+4)

December 3

11:00 — 12:00 PANEL DISCUSSION 1: Securing Critical Infrastructure for a Sustainable Society. Ukraine Business Compact

Experts will delve into strategies and solutions for fortifying critical systems. This session aims to explore innovative approaches to enhance key infrastructures, ensuring their reliability and sustainability as society progresses towards a low-carbon future. Discover best sustainability practices and gain a visionary perspective from Ukraine Business Compact (UBC) signatories, as well as potential signatories, offering models that can steer future recovery efforts.

Moderator: Tetiana Sakharuk, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Ukraine, Ukraine Business Compact

Speakers:

• Robert Ivanschitz, Associate General Counsel, Microsoft Central and Southeast Europe, Middle East and Africa
• Richard Threlfall, Global Head of Infrastructure, Government and Healthcare, KPMG International
• Harpreet Sandhu, Founder & Executive Director, Urban-Air Port & Urban.MASS
• Jon Erik Høgberg, Group Chief Operating Officer, Itera АССА

12:30 — 13:30 PANEL DISCUSSION 2: Building Business Resilience through ESG Strategies. Ukraine Business Compact

Government and business representatives will explore the utilization of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies to fortify organizational and community resilience amidst crises. Delve into discussions surrounding best sustainability practices and visionary insights shared by Ukraine Business Compact (UBC) signatories, and prospective signatories, offering exemplary models to propel future recovery initiatives.

Moderator: Salome Zurabishvili, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Georgia, UN Global Compact Board Member

Speakers:

• Kamil Wyszkowski, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network Poland
• Jan-Willem Scheijgrond, Vice President of Global Government & Public Affairs, Royal Philips
• Oksana Prosolenko, Founder and CEO, I.P.Cert
• Miles Celic, CEO at TheCityUK
• Bohdan Dreihaupt, Managing Director, Crosscheck

14:00 — 15:00 PANEL DISCUSSION 3: Securing Europe’s Energy Future: Ukraine’s Role in the Green Transition

Examining Ukraine’s renewable energy potential and its pivotal role in contributing to Europe’s sustainability objectives amid multifaceted challenges. Engage in discussions centered on catalyzing investments and positioning Ukraine as a leading provider of clean energy solutions.

Moderator: Tetiana Sakharuk, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Ukraine, Ukraine Business Compact

Speakers:

• Roger Martella, Chief Sustainability Officer, General Electric
• Gilles Vermot-Desroches, the SVP Corporate Citizenship and Institutions, Schneider Electric France, former UNGC France President
• Maxim Timchenko, CEO, DTEK
• Nadiia Petruchenko, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer, SPP Development Ukraine

15:00 — 16:00 SIDE EVENT: The Ukraine Energy Initiative: Connecting Businesses for a Prosperous Green Recovery

The event will bring together government, business, and civil society leaders to spotlight opportunities for climate-smart investment and collaboration. The focus is on supporting Ukraine’s green reconstruction efforts and fostering long-term sustainable development.

Speakers:

• Tania Chauvin, Senior Project Manager, Electriciens sans frontières
• Oleksii Tsukanov, Adviser to CEO, UkraineInvest
• Tetiana Sakharuk, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Ukraine, Ukraine Business Compact

December 4

09:00 — 09:20 INTEGRITY FOR SUSTAINABILITY: UNITING AGAINST CORRUPTION FOR A GREEN FUTURE

The event focuses on the link between environmental sustainability, anti-corruption, and Ukraine’s recovery. It will unite government officials and business leaders to emphasize the role of transparency in promoting green initiatives and sustainable growth. By highlighting successful cases and promoting collaboration, the event will provide a platform for exchanging ideas, best practices, and innovative solutions.

Keynote speaker: Ruslan Strilets, Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine (TBC)

09:20 — 10:00 PANEL DISCUSSION: Green Anti-Corruption Policies and Strategies

Government representatives share experiences in developing and implementing anti-corruption policies that promote sustainable practices. Experts discuss the role of regulatory frameworks, transparency, and accountability in combating corruption in the green sector.

Moderator: Richard Threlfall, Partner, Global Head of Infrastructure, Government and Healthcare, KPMG International

Speakers:

• Simon Michael Winter, Executive Director, Syngenta Foundation
• Nadiia Petruchenko, Chief Business Officer, SPP Development Ukraine
• Tetiana Sakharuk, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Ukraine, Ukraine Business Compact

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