Ukrainian American House

First Ukrainian-American Forum War Time Economy Held in Kyiv

Kyiv, Ukraine - The First Ukrainian-American Forum titled War Time Economy took place in Kyiv on May 19, attracting approximately 500 participants from both the United States and Ukraine. Ukrainian American House hosted the event, partnered with American University Kyiv, the U.S. - Ukraine Business Council, Kyiv School of Public Administration Named After Serhiy Nyzhnyy, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine to host the first Ukrainian-American Forum in Kyiv. The forum aimed to create a platform for dialogue and cooperation to restore the Ukrainian economy, attract investments, and address the urgent issue of demining territories. The forum commenced with a powerful performance of the Ukrainian anthem by Mykhailo Khoma DZIDZIO, a Ukrainian singer, setting the tone for a productive and inspiring event. About 30 speakers from both the USA and Ukraine contributed to the dialogue. Distinguished participants at the forum included Christopher W. Smith, Deputy Chief of Mission in Ukraine; Kurt D. Volker, former U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine; Howard Buffett, head of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation; Dan Rice, President of American University Kyiv; Morgan Williams, Chairman of the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council; Andy Hunder, President of the American Chamber of Commerce; Roman Sheremeta, Founding Rector of American University Kyiv and Co-chair of the Ukrainian American House; Alexander Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine; Oleksiy Reznikov, Minister of Defense of Ukraine; Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv; and Vitalii Kim, Head of the Regional Administration of Mykolayiv. Christopher W. Smith, Deputy Chief of the U.S. Mission to Ukraine, emphasized that the success of Ukraine's reconstruction requires the collective efforts of all partners and international organizations, not only from the government but also from the private sector. He stated that once the economy starts functioning, life will gradually return to the affected regions of Ukraine, allowing companies to rebuild their devastated enterprises. During the forum, discussions focused on developing a comprehensive plan of action to rebuild the Ukrainian economy, attract investments, and address the pressing issue of demining territories. The speakers emphasized the need for international cooperation and private-sector involvement in Ukraine's reconstruction efforts. They also highlighted the importance of creating accessible financing options, insurance mechanisms for war risks, and support for Ukrainian farmers in demining activities. According to Vlad Skots, one of the organizers and the head of the Ukrainian-American House, the forum proved to be a timely initiative as the interest in establishing a business partnership between Ukraine and the United States has significantly increased since the beginning of the conflict. Skots expressed hope that the forum would serve as a hub for exchanging ideas, fostering connections, and creating a platform for developing innovative solutions to the complex challenges faced by Ukraine. Organizers are confident the Ukrainian-American Forum has the potential to become one of the most influential platforms in U.S.-Ukraine business relations during the war.