After the successful holding of the first forum „The Best social projects of Ukraine” in the spring of 2013 in Kyiv, the main purpose of which was creation of the perspective informational platform for identifying and promoting the best social programs, projects and practices implemented by state-owned enterprises, business structures and public organizations in Ukraine, 51 social projects were collected and systematized in the “The Best social projects of Ukraine” catalogue, 43 organizations of different forms of ownership took part in the Forum. The signing of the National Declaration of social responsibility by 39 organizations within the framework of the event can be considered as an important step towards realization of this extensive project.

The rich business program which agenda included conducting the conference «New trends and prospects of social partnership development in Ukraine», public workshop "The Best CSR project: how it to be prepared” and round table discussion "The Revival of cultural values in Ukrainian society: problems and ways of their solving" gathered more than 500 attendees from 18 regions of Ukraine in the very heart of the capital.

Business establishments as well as the state and public bodies had an opportunity to share their experience in social projects implementation and discussed results of their work, plans for further development and successful cooperation between government, business and society.

Close attention was paid to the topic of the contribution of business in social development. Rostislav Kurinko, Director of the Center of interaction of business and society, pointed to the fact that in comparison with other countries the conception of social responsibility is insufficiently developed in Ukraine; however, in recent years this issue has been widely discussing in the media. As a result, numerous dialogues are being carried out around the theme, what leads to necessity of constructivism: the coordination and development of mechanisms for successful work.

Rostislav Kurinko’s colleague, Anna Danilyuk, coordinator of the UN global Compact network in Ukraine, also highlighted that any activity, including both social and ecological projects, should have a double purpose: firstly, it has to promote sustainable social development, and secondly – it has to be useful for initiating company. This can be achieved only by adhering to the basic principles of the Global compact, among which are anti-corruption, ecological standards, labor relations and human rights.

As a result of such significant event for Ukraine media showed their keen interest in the topic of socially responsible business in Ukraine, what is affirmed by 109 media reports and articles, which appeared after the forum «The Best social projects of Ukraine» had been conducted. Furthermore, the Organizers and representatives of the companies-participants of the forum were invited to take part in the TV program «Descendants», which is broadcasted on the First national channel, where they had an opportunity to provide more information on the event and their further plans.

One of the most important points of future plans was to establish constructive relations with authorities, business and public organizations for ensuring the development of the National strategy of social responsibility. Its implementation was started in autumn 2013 and today 25 members of the working group of Coordination Council for civil society development are also working on a draft of this important document.

We would like to remind you that the forum «The Best social projects in Ukraine» was initiated by NGO “Ukrainian Marketing Association” (UMA) in cooperation with Ukrainian National Committee of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC Ukraine), European Business Association (EBA) and O2 Social marketing company.

The Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine, Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and Kiev City State Administration also expressed their support to the Forum. 

We invite everyone to enter the community of socially responsible organizations! Your initiatives, programs and projects you may present at the forum «The Best social project of Ukraine - 2014». We welcome you to join us!