Participants at the Ukraine Prosperity Forum examined mechanisms for sharing investment risks, financing infrastructure recovery, and fostering the growth of Ukrainian businesses. Special attention was given to the energy and agricultural sectors, the role of international financial institutions, and the rehabilitation of those affected by the war.
This is reported by the World Federation of Ukrainian Women's Organizations (WFUWO).
The "Ukraine Prosperity Forum: Building Tomorrow through Philanthropy & Investment Today" took place in New York at the Devex Impact House, coinciding with the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The discussions brought together representatives from international investment funds, financial institutions, charitable organizations, and various Ukrainian projects. The event was organized by the platform Devex, with financial support from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
A key focus was the mobilization of private capital for the Ukrainian economy and the distribution of investment risks among businesses, charitable foundations, and international financial institutions.
Howard G. Buffett, Chairman and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, stated that since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the foundation has directed approximately $1.4 billion toward supporting Ukraine. Funding areas include agriculture and humanitarian demining.
Buffett highlighted the capacity of private philanthropy to respond rapidly to urgent needs and to assume risks that might otherwise deter other investors.
“You can’t say there is no risk, but there are things that are worth doing.”
According to him, once the active phase of the war concludes, the fund plans to focus on innovation, leadership development, agriculture, and the restoration of both people and trust.
Lenna Koszarny, Founding Partner and CEO of Horizon Capital, discussed the fund’s investment activities. She noted that Horizon Capital has raised $1.8 billion and invests approximately $100–200 million annually, specifically in sectors vital to Ukraine’s economic development.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, companies within the fund’s investment portfolio have demonstrated an average annual growth rate of around 30%. Koszarny also estimated that Horizon Capital’s $100 million in investments this year could help attract approximately $1 billion in capital for Ukraine.
Andrew Forrest, founder of the Minderoo Foundation and Executive Chairman of Fortescue, presented a proposal to establish a distributed energy system in Ukraine, with an estimated cost of $5 billion. This model is intended to reduce reliance on large, centralized energy facilities and enhance the resilience of the energy supply.
International Financial Institutions on Project Readiness
Anna Bjerde, Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank, stated that the institution estimates that approximately 40% of the roughly $588 billion required for Ukraine’s reconstruction should come from the private sector.
At the same time, she pointed to a shortage of projects that are sufficiently prepared to secure funding. Ambroise Fayolle, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, emphasized the importance of infrastructure investment for sustaining economic activity and maintaining the confidence of private investors.
Oksana Markarova—Advisor to the President of Ukraine on Reconstruction and Investments, Chair of the Board of Ukraine House and the Ukraine House DC Foundation—and David Beasley, former Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme, discussed financing for Ukraine, the mobilization of private capital, frozen Russian assets, and the impact of the war on global food security.
A distinct focus area: investment in rehabilitation
Olga Rudneva, CEO of the Superhumans Center, shared the experience of the organization, which provides care to individuals with war-related injuries. According to Devex, the center operates in Lviv, Dnipro, and Odesa; it has assisted over 5,000 patients and brings together approximately 650 specialists.
The center’s work encompasses prosthetics, reconstructive surgery, comprehensive rehabilitation, and technological solutions for those who have sustained war-related injuries.
During the forum, Zoryana Holovata (representing the World Federation of Ukrainian Women's Organizations at the UN Department of Global Communications), Yevheniia Lukianchenko (Public Diplomacy Advisor at the Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S.), and Nadiia Khomaziuk (Vice President of the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council) congratulated Andriy Stavnitser, founder of the Superhumans Center, on the international recognition received by his team.
The Superhumans Center was named a recipient of the 2026 Clinton Global Citizen Award. Olga Rudneva accepted the award on behalf of the center in New York.
Photo: WFUWO
Author: Danylo Pievchev