Meeting of the Higher School of Lobbying with Valentyn Nalyvaichenko and the Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association
An important event for the Ukrainian political and civil society community took place in the dynamic space of the capital: A practical meeting of the Higher School of Lobbying with the participation of Valentyn Nalyvaichenko, Member of Parliament of Ukraine, and leading experts of the Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association (UNLA).
This event became a platform for discussing critical issues of transparency, integrity and mechanisms to support veterans in modern Ukrainian lobbying.
Focus on transparency and veteran initiatives
The main focus of the meeting was on the need to develop an open and accountable system of advocacy in Ukraine. The participants, including representatives of the UNLA Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees, focused on how the best international practices can be integrated into the Ukrainian legislative framework.
The issue of supporting veterans and their initiatives was highlighted as a separate priority. According to the participants, professional lobbying should become an effective tool for ensuring social justice and rapid implementation of necessary changes for this critical part of society.
Addressing the audience, Valentyn Nalyvaichenko emphasized the strategic importance of the profession in building democracy:
“Transparent and responsible lobbying is not just a necessity, it is the key to the success of reforms.
I am convinced: Lobbyist is the profession of the future! After all, it is these specialists who will become a bridge between civil society, business and government, ensuring an honest and open dialogue.”
Professional recommendations: From Washington to the regions
The practical part of the meeting was full of in-depth professional recommendations. UNLA experts and invited specialists shared their knowledge on key areas that shape the modern lobbying landscape:
- Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), a register of lobbyists in the United States: The US experience was discussed in detail, including the mechanisms of the Registry, which is the gold standard for transparency and accountability in this area. Participants received practical advice on how to implement similar transparent mechanisms in Ukraine.
- Ethical standards and integrity: The discussion focused on clear codes of ethics that should regulate lobbyists’ activities, guaranteeing their integrity and preventing corruption risks.
- Regional development and lobbying culture: The importance of spreading professional skills beyond the capital was emphasized, contributing to regional development and the formation of a high culture of lobbying at the local level.
The Higher School of Lobbying workshop was a significant step towards professionalization of Ukrainian lobbying. It not only provided the participants with valuable knowledge and practical recommendations, but also confirmed their common commitment to transparency, integrity and effective lobbying.
