Over the course of a year, UNLA has built a comprehensive ecosystem for the development of the lobbying profession
During its first year of operation, the Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association established a comprehensive institutional structure that encompasses all key elements of the development of the lobbying profession in Ukraine.
This was stated by Vitaliia Nesterenko, executive director of UNLA.
During this period, a unique organizational structure for civil society organizations was established, including an anti-corruption commissioner, an ethics council, a system of professional standards, and an educational infrastructure. In particular, the Higher School of Lobbying, training institutes—including those with an international component—and specialized training programs are now in operation.
A key component is the sector-based approach: each sector is assigned specific lobbyists, which helps build systematic expertise and ensure professional representation of interests.
The association’s governing and advisory bodies play a distinct role. Management is carried out by the board of directors, which consists of leading experts in various fields of law and practicing lobbyists. The advisory function is performed by the board of trustees, which brings together scholars, professors, and academics.
The Ethics Council ensures compliance with professional standards and principles of integrity. It is composed of representatives from various fields, including legal and economic expertise. The Council is responsible for ensuring that association members adhere to regulatory standards and for establishing ethical guidelines for professional practice.
In addition, as Vitaliia Nesterenko notes, a professional cluster has been formed within the UNLA structure, roadmaps for development have been established, the foundations for the institutional framework of the profession have been laid, and the conditions for the operation of a lobbyists’ union have been created.
In her view, UNLA is already a unique platform that ensures the systematic development of the profession and is ready for the next stage—the full implementation of legislation in the field of lobbying.
