An International Conference on Responsible Business Conduct took place in Ukraine: Declaration on Responsible Investment was presented
Ukraine's Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held an International Conference on Responsible Business Conduct and Human Rights Due Diligence. The event brought together representatives from the Ukrainian government, international financial institutions, businesses, and civil society.
The conference featured panel discussions exploring how responsible business principles can serve as a foundation for attracting quality investment and Ukraine's sustainable recovery. The conversations included participants from the European Commission, OECD, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, International Finance Corporation, National Bank of Ukraine, and leading Ukrainian companies.
The conference's highlight was the unveiling of the Declaration on Responsible Investment for Ukraine's Sustainable Reconstruction. The document is built on five principles:
- Respect for human rights and enhanced due diligence
- Environmental sustainability and green recovery
- Transparency, accountability, and good governance
- Long-term vision and sustainability
- Collaboration between government, business, international partners, and civil society
Opening the conference, Oleksii Sobolev, Ukraine's Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, emphasized: "Ukraine's recovery isn't just about rebuilding destroyed cities and communities. It's an opportunity to build the economy of the future—one that will be resilient, innovative, and competitive. An economy where human rights, environmental responsibility, and transparency become part of the business model."
The Minister also shared concrete steps the Ministry is already taking:
- Developing a roadmap
- Aligning national policy with the new EU Due Diligence Directive
- Establishing a platform for dialogue between business, civil society, and government
- Creating training programs for businesses and public servants
Shoko Noda, Assistant Secretary-General of the UN and Director of UNDP's Crisis Bureau, highlighted the global significance of a responsible approach to recovery: "Recovery is about trust, justice, and laying the groundwork for a sustainable and inclusive future that brings Ukraine closer to Europe."
Conference participants discussed the role of responsible business conduct in the context of Ukraine's European integration, particularly in light of the new EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Special attention was given to implementing human rights due diligence in wartime conditions, green financing, dialogue with workers and communities, and practical tools for businesses.
Following the conference, a series of working meetings and webinars will be held from November 2025 through January 2026, focusing on specific thematic areas identified as priorities.
The conference was organized by Ukraine's Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, UNDP in partnership with Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University, the NGO "Social Action Center," and the Ministry's Green Transition Office.
Background Since 2022, UNDP in Ukraine has trained nearly 1,000 businesses in human rights due diligence, provided individual consultations to over 250 companies, and reached 147,000 people through an information campaign.
The Green Transition Office is an independent advisory body under the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine that helps to implement reforms in the field of green transition, energy and climate policy of Ukraine. The Green Transition Office operates with the financial support of the UK Agency for International Development and is implemented by DiXi Group.
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