On 7 December 2023, we extend an invitation to businesses, state institutions, investors, development banks, international organizations, civil society organizations, business associations, academic and research institutions for the International Conference on "Recovery of Ukraine through responsible business conduct: values and standards," organized by the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine. 

In times of war, the importance of responsible businesses that adhere to human rights becomes crucial for the economic recovery of Ukraine. The conference aims to foster collaboration among all stakeholders to promote private sector engagement in Ukraine's recovery through responsible business standards. 

The international community is increasingly raising expectations for responsible business conduct through various initiatives, such as the UN Guidelines on Business and Human Rights and the Guidelines of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development for multinational companies. Global frameworks like the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights provide an internationally recognized foundation for ensuring that businesses prioritize human rights obligations, offering an opportunity for businesses to play a positive role in the reconstruction and transformation of Ukraine. 

During the conference, participants will engage in discussions on: 

• How standards of responsible business conduct can ensure a people-oriented, fair, and sustainable recovery of Ukraine; 
• The integration of responsible business conduct standards into the recovery process. 
• How Ukrainian businesses and investors can incorporate responsible business conduct standards, and how the government, international organizations, and investors can support them. 
• Approaches to strengthening the OECD National Contact Point in Ukraine to establish the groundwork for responsible business conduct. 

When: On 7 December 2023, at 10:00 – 18:00 

For whom: representatives from business, state institutions, investors and development banks, international organizations, civil society organizations, business associations, academic and research institutions. 

How to join: The conference will take place in a hybrid mode, offering both in-person (in Kyiv) and online options. To register for the conference, please fill out the online registration form via the link.

The detailed agenda and location of the event will be sent to registered participants. 

Organizers: This Conference is organised by the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the Government of Japan, and co-organised by Centre Social Action, Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University, European Business Association in partnership with UN Global Compact in Ukraine, Danish Institute for Human Rights, Kyiv School of Economics.