URC Side Conference: Business contributing to find solutions for energy, climate and food challenges in Ukraine

The Russian invasion into Ukraine has far reaching consequences in a variety of areas: such as food and energy security volatile and broken supply chains. These challenges will not be limited to Ukraine, but due to the globalised world we live in, will pose challenges across the globe.

The Ukraine war shows that such a crisis causes widespread damage and sets back the progress of the Agenda 2030 and the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs).

The future of Ukraine also depends on its ability to maintain and improve the rule of law, strong democratic institutions, a dynamic civil society and a clear anti-corruption policy.

In our workshop, we will explore and exchange on how we as private sector can connect and collaborate to and find solutions for both short- and long-term challenges. What are the preconditions we need from governments, national, regional and international institutions.

How can business support and influence Governments in the region to fortify their macroeconomic buffers and credibility of their policies to reduce risks and deal with the potential fragmentation of trade and investment channels and how to strengthen the social systems and institutions to strengthen social safety nets to protect the most vulnerable.

17:00 - 17:10     OPENING &   WELCOMING REMARKS

Tetiana Sakharuk & Antonio Hautle

17:10 - 17:20     CHALLENGE #1: “Energy Safety”

Will the war and the crises accelerate clean energy installations? What can we do to create a longstanding positive impact?

Input by: Mr. Maksym Timchenko, CEO DTEK

17:20 - 17:30     CHALLENGE #2: “Food Safety”

Another key question is how the potential loss of crop supplies from Ukraine could reinforce inflationary effects and drive-up prices for food and other commodities.

Input by: Tanya Smovzh, Head of Business Sustainability Ukraine, Syngenta

17:30 - 18:15     DIALOGUE &  EXCHANGE with all participants

18:10- 18:30     NEXT STEPS FOR SOLUTIONS

The full programme can be found here.

A summary of the event and pictures can be found here.