Marking a significant step toward enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of Ukrainian enterprises, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) organized a series of raising awareness activities and facilitated an expert group meeting aimed at equipping these enterprises with sustainable practices critical to their economic recovery and long-term progress. By aligning with international environmental and social standards, Ukrainian enterprises are now better positioned to participate and thrive in demanding global markets, boosting Ukraine’s broader economic stability in these challenging times.

The workshops covered a range of topics essential for integrating environmentally sustainable practices into the operations of Ukrainian exporters. Key focus areas included enhancing competitiveness through sustainability in alignment with the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Participants explored effective strategies for producing and exporting environmentally friendly and socially responsible products. Discussions emphasized the importance of meeting high environmental and social standards to facilitate entry into international markets.

The series of workshops concluded with a dedicated expert group meeting that brought together experts sharing key insights and strategies, reflecting the commitment of Ukrainian export-oriented SMEs to achieving sustainable development and enhancing their global market presence.

Participants gained useful insights into how to effectively integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into their corporate plans. By incorporating ESG standards into all business processes, they improved their strategic planning and risk management capabilities. The workshops gave participants practical tools for market analysis, allowing them to find new markets, analyse product requirements, and develop focused entry strategies. They also gained skills in assessing their companies' readiness for export by examining internal resources and adapting to varied regulatory requirements.

"Our focus is on advancing fair and environmentally responsible production and trade throughout the value chains of key Ukrainian export products. This commitment is crucial for both the economic recovery and a sustainable progress of Ukraine" highlighted Mattias Larsen, Industrial Development Expert at UNIDO in his opening remarks.

These activities are part of the program "Industrial capacity-building, policy advice and diagnostics for the green recovery of Ukraine", funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by UNIDO.

For more information, please, contact k.monaco@unido.org and p.ladetskyi@unido.org