On October 16, the 11th Kyiv International Economic Forum took place in Kyiv. The theme of this year’s Forum was “Ukraine 2.0: The Power of People.” The event brought together over 1,000 participants, including representatives of the government, diplomatic corps and embassies, international organizations, business leaders and top managers of leading companies, entrepreneurs, investors, representatives of the public sector, and experts.
Discussions at the Forum took place within the framework of 15 discussion panels, in which more than 100 speakers from Ukraine and around the world took part. The focus was on economic development in the context of protracted war and global change: how to maintain macroeconomic stability and competitiveness, attract investment and integrate into global chains, develop industry and technology, and strengthen energy security. Special attention was paid to the role of people in the transformation of the country—their leadership, entrepreneurship, and ability to make decisions that determine the direction of economic change.
The forum was opened by the Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine, Oleksiy Sobolev, who recorded a video message to the forum participants.
“The war has forced about 10 million Ukrainians to leave their homes. Direct losses amount to $176 billion, and economic losses to $589 billion. Despite these challenges, we see that the economy is growing. Our businesses have survived, adapted, and continue to develop. They continue to operate even during blackouts and with disrupted logistics. It is this flexibility and creativity that is our key competitive advantage,” said Oleksiy Sobolev.
The minister added that the state is working to create favorable conditions for business development—providing access to financing through EU and international bank programs, supporting industry and processing, developing industrial parks, stimulating investment in strategic sectors, reducing risks for investors, and continuing deregulation.
“People are at the center of all changes. This year’s Forum confirmed the great potential of Ukrainians. Despite the fact that we have been living in a state of total crisis for almost four years, we remain in the country, invest in the economy, and take responsibility. The country we will live in tomorrow depends solely on joint action and trust between business, the state, and society. The most important thing is to create opportunities for people to plan their future and live with dignity here in Ukraine,” emphasized Vasyl Khmelnytsky, initiator of the forum and founder of the UFuture holding.
The forum showed that Ukrainian business has not only adapted to the conditions of war, but is also actively shaping a new economy through innovation, education, and human development. Companies are investing in training programs, supporting universities, and creating their own educational initiatives and technology projects aimed at training the specialists of the future. Participants emphasized that partnership between the state and business, deregulation, digital solutions, and trust are the basis for attracting investment and sustainable economic recovery in the country.
Summing up the Forum, KMEF CEO Yuriy Pyvovarov noted that one of the key issues in the discussions was security, as it is unknown when the war will end, and that is why the issue of economic stability comes to the fore.
“Ukraine 2.0 is not about returning to the past, but about building a new country: with an innovative economy, a capable security and defense system, partnerships between business and the state, and education that prepares the specialists needed for economic development. We can already see these changes happening—in government decisions, in business actions, in the willingness to take responsibility. The future should not be waited for—it must be created, and that is what Ukrainians are doing today,” said Yuriy Pyvovarov.
Traditionally, the Kyiv International Economic Forum brings the business community together around important social initiatives.
This year, KIEF raised UAH 3 million, which will be donated to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Soborna Ukraine charity fund, which helps the families of fallen soldiers.
Title partners: Mastercard, AEQUO, UFuture, Work.ua.
Partners: Sense Bank, EFI Group, umgi, MHP, FUIB, DTEK, PrivatBank, NEQSOL Holding, Biopharma, Kyivstar, INTERPIPE, Biosphere Corporation, Ajax Systems, CEO Club Ukraine, OKKO, Done, Metinvest, Balex, GORO Development.
Program partner: ACC (American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine).
Business expert: Forbes Ukraine.
Title media partners: 1+1 media, Starlight Media.
Media partners: Kyiv Post, LIGA.net, The Kyiv Independent, FOCUS, Tvoe Misto, RBC-Ukraine, Mind.ua, Delo.ua, UkrInvestClub, Interfax-Ukraine, TAVR Media, Huxley, finance.ua, Minfin.
Interfax-Ukraine – information partner
