For the second time, Ukraine House in Washington DC hosted a large-scale forum Ukraine Innovation Days 2.0 under the slogan "Ukraine: Reinvent. Innovate. Leapfrog". The event brought together more than 300 participants, including diplomats, government officials, investors, academics, military personnel, and representatives of the Ukrainian community. They discussed strategic visions and innovative solutions for Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction.
This was report by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova.
"Even in the midst of a full-scale war, Ukraine has never stopped creating and building partnerships - from defense technologies and digital solutions to global partnerships and sustainable development. Ukraine is not only defending its freedom, but also helping to build the world of the future. I am grateful to all investors who are already working with Ukraine on reconstruction projects, developing innovations and implementing them," Markarova said in a statement.
The event was opened by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal, who emphasized in his speech that Ukraine's recovery is a big task, but it also offers great opportunities, and innovation is the cornerstone of recovery.
"We thank our friends and partners from around the world for their support. In particular, we thank the American people and the Ukrainian diaspora. Today we need American leadership, including the proactive position of Ukrainians in the United States. Not only with money for the destruction they have caused. We want Russians who committed crimes to be brought to justice personally. Including the highest military and political leadership of the Russian Federation," warned Shmyhal.
The forum became a platform for dialogue on Ukraine's innovative recovery. Keynote speakers included Sergiy Marchenko, Minister of Finance of Ukraine, Andriy Pyshnyi, Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine, Anna Byrde, Managing Director of the World Bank, Adrienne Arsht, Executive Vice President of the Atlantic Council, and Mark Ordan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The program of the Forum, which included four thematic panels, focused on the strategic vision of Ukraine's recovery, the search for innovative solutions, and the development of international partnerships. A separate block was devoted to the presentation of student projects on the reconstruction of Ukrainian cities, prepared as part of international university initiatives.
Visitors also had the opportunity to see the unique exhibition Freedom in the Equation, a series of portraits by Niklas Elmeched, the official artist of the Nobel Prize, dedicated to Ukrainian scientists whose lives and scientific breakthroughs were destroyed by the Soviet regime or the current war. The participants also took part in the presentation of 50 Ukrainian inventions, "Alley of Innovations", which have changed the world - from electric welding to the most advanced technologies in IT and medicine.
The event was organized by the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States and Ukraine House with the active participation of numerous partners from both sides of the ocean. Special Envoys for the Reconstruction of Ukraine Pierre Elbrunn (France) and Davide La Cecilia (Italy) played a special role in coordinating the event.
"Peace is only possible through strength, and prosperity through innovation" was one of the main messages that united the guests of the event.
Author: Inna Mikhno