The Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association took part in the “35 Years of Faith and Freedom” forum
On August 23, the “35 Years of Faith and Freedom” Forum of Conservative Forces took place in Kyiv—an event marking the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine’s independence. The forum brought together leaders from nearly 50 countries around the world, including leading conservative politicians from the United States, heads of global Christian alliances and missions, as well as representatives of Ukrainian civic and professional organizations. Among the event’s participants was a delegation from the Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association (UNLA).
On the Ukrainian side, the forum was opened by Kirill Budanov—Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Hero of Ukraine, and Lieutenant General, who served as head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine until January 2026. Addressing the forum participants, he thanked international partners for their long-standing support of Ukraine and emphasized the importance of unity among the democratic world in the face of Russian aggression.
Among the forum’s key speakers are the 48th Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence; General Keith Kellogg, the U.S. President’s Special Representative for Ukraine for 2025–2026; Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, renowned conservative public figure Dr. Ben Carson, as well as a delegation of U.S. senators and members of Congress. Their speeches were united by a common theme: the sacrifices of the Ukrainian people deserve not only recognition but also consistent, long-term support from their allies.
“Ukrainian independence is not a threat. It is a duty that every man and woman upheld while standing their ground when it mattered most,” General Keith Kellogg declared from the stage, addressing the forum participants. “Thirty-five years ago, you chose freedom. Today, you are defending it. Tomorrow, you will build it.”
“Ukraine is on the right side of history, and today every free nation on Earth confirms this,” Mike Pence emphasized in his speech. “We will never give up. We will never stop fighting until Ukraine prevails once again. That is why Ukraine will win this war.” The vice president recalled President Ronald Reagan’s words that no Western country—and especially the United States—can hope to win the fight for freedom while limiting its support for its allies.
Dr. Ben Carson compared Ukraine’s resilience to the biblical story of David and Goliath: “Today, you are that David who holds the shield of freedom,” he said, wishing the Ukrainian people success in building a strong nation based on the unshakable values of family, faith, and freedom.
Alongside the topics of defense and spiritual unity, another message resonated just as strongly at the forum: continued support for Ukraine from conservative forces in the West is inextricably linked to consistent domestic reforms. Representatives of the American delegation emphasized that building transparent democratic institutions and resolutely fighting corruption are just as important for victory as military aid; — this is precisely how the state demonstrates that it is defending not only its territory but also the values it shares with its allies.
It is precisely in this context that the Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association insists that the development of a civilized, legally regulated lobbying system is no less important a component of anti-corruption reform than the judicial or law enforcement components. According to the Association’s representatives, legal lobbying is a tool that brings the interaction between business, civil society, and the government out of the shadows and into the open: instead of opaque backroom deals—a public registry, disclosure of interests, and personal accountability for results. UNLA emphasizes that this approach aligns with the best international practices of Ukraine’s democratic partners, particularly the United States, where the lobbying system has operated publicly and transparently for over a century.
The Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association is consistently working to promote relevant legislation and foster a professional, transparent culture of lobbying in Ukraine, viewing this as part of the country’s broader movement toward European democratic standards. The Association’s participation in the “35 Years of Faith and Freedom” forum served as yet another confirmation that the struggle for independence, which began 35 years ago, continues today not only on the battlefield but also in the development of transparent and accountable state institutions.
