UNLA Is Building the Infrastructure for the Lobbying Profession in Ukraine: Results of the First Year and Priorities for 2027
The Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association (UNLA) is developing the professional infrastructure for lobbying, establishing a support system for specialists, and defining strategic priorities for 2027. Key areas of focus include developing a professional standard in the field of Government Relations (GR), creating a master’s degree program, and expanding the network of representative offices and international partnerships.
According to Oleksiy Shevchuk, chairman of the UNLA, in just over a year of operation, the Association has laid the organizational and professional groundwork for the industry’s development. Its structure includes an Ethics Council, a Board of Trustees, an Executive Board, the Higher School of Lobbying, and the Institute for Strategic Lobbying and Representation in Ukraine and Europe. Researchers, the academic community, and industry experts are involved in its work. A professional association has also been established.
This organization is designed to provide comprehensive support to professionals: from professional development and adherence to ethical standards to the development of professional competencies and the delivery of high-quality services to clients.
During its first year of operation, UNLA provided professional support to more than 30 lobbyists. The Association views this figure as evidence of the practical development of the professional community and the establishment of a system of institutional support for lobbying in Ukraine.
UNLA’s Strategic Priorities for 2027
The next stage in the Association’s development will focus on three key areas.
The first is the completion of the development of a professional standard in the field of Government Relations (GR), which is intended to serve as an important tool for professionalizing the industry and defining competency requirements for specialists.
The second is the creation of a separate master’s degree program to train specialists in the field of lobbying and government relations. The initiative is aimed at developing a systematic professional education system and training personnel for the industry.
Third, scaling up the Association’s activities by expanding its network of representative offices, developing professional partnerships, and strengthening its international presence.
Oleksiy Shevchuk emphasizes that the development of the profession requires not only regulatory oversight but also the active participation of the professional community itself in shaping ethical principles, educational approaches, standards, and mechanisms for professional development.
UNLA continues to build the institutional framework for lobbying in Ukraine, focusing on professionalizing the industry, advancing education, and strengthening national and international ties.
