“Who shapes the future? Veterans’ path in Business” — Event
The business of tomorrow cannot thrive without people who turn challenges into bold solutions. Veterans bring unique experience, resilience and leadership that can be effectively applied in business. As a society—and as business leaders—we share the responsibility to support those who are helping shape our shared future.
At the event “Who shapes the future? Veterans’ path in Business”, we will explore how companies can create an inclusive corporate environment that enables veterans to unlock their potential and apply their valuable skills.
The discussion will highlight opportunities for the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Ukraine, with a particular focus on businesses founded by veterans and their families.
Key discussion topics:
- How businesses can prepare to fully unlock veterans’ potential in the workplace.
- What resources, knowledge, and tools do veterans need for a successful return to the workforce
- Inspiring stories of veteran entrepreneurs who transformed their service experience into successful business models.
- How to build a structured dialogue with veterans to ensure business support is relevant, targeted, and effective.
- How large companies can support veteran-founded MSMEs — from mentorship and acceleration programs to financing.
This event is organized by the UN Global Compact Ukraine as part of the project “Business & Human Rights Initiative: For a Sustainable and Responsible Future,” supported by UNDP Ukraine and funded by the Government of Japan under the project “Transformational Recovery for Human Security in Ukraine.”
Date & Venue: October 8, Kyiv (venue details will be shared with registered participants).
The event will be held in Ukrainian with simultaneous English interpretation.
Participation is free of charge with prior registration.
AGENDA
14:30–15:00 | Registration & Welcome Coffee
15:00–15:20 | Opening Remarks
Tetiana Sakharuk, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Ukraine; Chair, Regional Network Council for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the UN Global Compact
- Nataliia Kalmykova, Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine
- Representative of the Government of Japan
- Representative of UNDP Ukraine
15:20–15:40 | Introduction & Interactive Poll
Overview of the event’s key topics with interactive audience participation.
15:40–16:30 | Panel Discussion: “How Can Business Transform Veterans’ Experience into New Opportunities?”
Discussion on how large companies adapt workplaces and policies to veterans’ needs and skills, with examples of mentorship and flexible programs that enable veterans to reintegrate into corporate environments.
Key focus on MSMEs founded by veterans and on corporate programs that provide mentorship, financial, and operational support.
Moderator: Yuliya Tkach, Editor-in-Chief, Vector media
Speakers:
16:30–17:15 | Panel Discussion: “Veteran Business Lab: Where New Opportunities Are Born”
Real-life stories of veteran entrepreneurs who transformed their military experience into sustainable businesses.
The session will demonstrate how access to resources, knowledge, and support can turn ideas into competitive business models, while building a resilient ecosystem of veteran entrepreneurship.
Speakers:
Serhii Pozniak, Head, Veterans Entrepreneurs Association
Oksana Farenik, Co-founder, Yes Straws; Finalist, “Trajectory 2” Programme
Anatolii Pylypenko, Co-founder, Zelenyi Hai Cheese Farm; Winner, SEED Programme; Participant, MHP “Standing Together” Programme
Maksym Stukalo, Founder, Mandry in UA; Finalist, “Trajectory 2” Programme
17:15–17:30 | Graduation Ceremony: Business & Human Rights Accelerator 2025
Awarding certificates and recognizing the achievements of participants who integrated human rights principles into their business practices.
Alina Konovalchenko, Director of Operations, UN Global Compact Ukraine
17:30–18:00 | Closing & Networking
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