Taking part in the 5th World Business Forum of the Ukrainian Diaspora “The Global Ukrainian Community in Times of Challenge – the Diaspora for Ukraine”

28 May 2025, Kyiv, Ukraine
Vadym Sydiachenko, representative of the National Congress of Ukrainian Associations in Italy (CNAUI), took part in the 5th World Business Forum of the Ukrainian Diaspora “The Global Ukrainian Community in Times of Challenge – the Diaspora for Ukraine”, held in a hybrid format at the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Forum brought together leading representatives of government bodies, international organisations, business and Ukrainian communities around the world to discuss the diaspora’s unique role in supporting Ukraine during the war, rebuilding the country, attracting investment and promoting a positive international image of Ukraine.

Our sincere thanks go to the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which has been holding these important forums for five years now, and to the German, Swedish and Swiss co-organisers.
More than fifty diaspora organisations from all over the world took part in the business forum – from Italy to Japan, from Spain to Canada, from Germany to Poland and Australia.

The Forum featured three key panel discussions:
1. The Ukrainian diaspora: a bridge to the world – advocacy, cultural diplomacy, business promotion, coordination with the state
2. The role of Ukrainian diaspora women in attracting investment to Ukraine – leadership, mentoring, innovation and sustainable development
3. Experience and opportunities: the Ukrainian diaspora as an engine of economic development – business associations, investment, export support, partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The discussions focused on the unique role of the Ukrainian diaspora as Ukraine’s advocate worldwide.
Participants discussed how members of the diaspora shape a positive image of Ukraine on the international stage, promote national interests, attract investment and support Ukraine’s integration into the global community.

In the third panel Vadym Sydiachenko presented the work of CNAUI.
Successful examples of advocacy for Ukraine’s interests were reviewed: legislative initiatives, humanitarian aid, sanctions against aggressors.
Ways of shaping Ukraine’s global image were discussed, in particular:
– the role of cultural diplomacy
– organising international events and media campaigns
– success stories of Ukrainians abroad
Representatives of diaspora organisations also spoke about the tools of international marketing, explaining how the diaspora uses its networks to promote Ukrainian business, culture and educational initiatives, attract foreign investment and promote Ukrainian goods on global markets. Emphasis was placed on coordination and cooperation – in particular, on how Ukrainian communities in different countries can work together to speak with one voice on the international stage.

Substantive and thought-provoking addresses were given by:
Oleksii Chernyshov, Minister for National Unity of Ukraine
Mariana Betsa, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Bohdan Raichynets, President of the European Congress of Ukrainians
Oleksandr Ivan Hrecheniuk, President of the World Congress of Ukrainian Youth Organisations

The Forum proved a powerful platform for dialogue, the exchange of experience and the strengthening of international support for Ukraine.