The Kyiv Investment Forum 2025, held in Berlin, emerged as a leading European platform advancing Ukraine’s recovery and strengthening city-to-city collaboration across Europe. The Forum showcased how Kyiv and Berlin are turning solidarity into action — through new agreements, innovation partnerships, and investment in reconstruction. From energy and health to digital transformation, these initiatives are reshaping daily life and building a more connected, resilient Europe.

The ninth edition of the Kyiv Investment Forum (KIF 2025), held in Berlin, reaffirmed its position as a leading international platform for advancing Ukraine’s recovery and Europe’s sustainable development. Under the theme “Investing in Resilience, Shaping the Future,” the Forum gathered over three hundred European leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators to explore how partnerships and technology can transform crisis into a catalyst for shared growth.

Jointly organized by the Kyiv City State Administration, the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises and Impact Force, and co-hosted by Mayor Vitalii Klitschko and Governing Mayor Kai Wegner, the Forum showcased how cooperation between Kyiv and Berlin is strengthening Europe’s unity and renewal.

Berlin – Kyiv Partnership Strengthened for Europe’s Common Future

The KIF 2025 marked a new chapter in the partnership between the capitals of Ukraine and Germany, translating years of solidarity into concrete cooperation. Two key documents signed during the Forum — the Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Direct Berlin – Kyiv Rail Connection (signed by Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin and Vitalii Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv) and the Joint Declaration of Intent on Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship (signed by Vitalii Klitschko and Franziska Giffey, Mayor of Berlin and Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises) — will have a lasting impact on connectivity, economic growth, and technological collaboration across Europe.

The Berlin–Kyiv rail link is more than a transport project — it symbolizes Europe’s unity in action, creating a new corridor for trade, tourism, and mobility while connecting Ukraine to the EU’s economic system. At the same time, the Joint Declaration on Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship establishes long-term cooperation in innovation, startup development, and digital transformation — strengthening entrepreneurship, cross-ecosystem exchange, and cybersecurity between the two capitals. Together, these outcomes redefine the Kyiv–Berlin partnership as a practical engine of European renewal — transforming shared resilience into joint innovation and growth.

In his remarks, Governing Mayor Wegner underlined Berlin’s steadfast solidarity with Kyiv: “Berlin is proud to be hosting the Kyiv Investment Forum. The Forum stands for the future, for a sense of confidence, and for the close friendship between Berlin and Kyiv as partner cities. Working with Kyiv unlocks significant business opportunities – in rebuilding, economic development, and making both cities more resilient. Europe’s stability, security, and prosperity depend on a free, strong Ukraine – and Berlin will continue to stand firmly at Ukraine’s side.”

Mayor Klitschko emphasized that these steps reflect a broader vision of resilience through cooperation: “Each new agreement between Kyiv and Berlin brings us closer to the future we are building together — a future where Ukraine is not only recovering but contributing to Europe’s strength through innovation, resilience, and shared values.”

Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises, emphasized “With the Kyiv Investment Forum and the “Joint Declaration of Intent”, we are intensifying economic cooperation between our partner cities Berlin and Kyiv and connect our innovation ecosystems. Through knowledge exchange and the promotion of innovation, we want to create new perspectives for companies, strengthen the economic competitiveness of both cities and, of course, prepare for and support the reconstruction of Ukraine. The agreement focuses on the exchange of know-how and best practices, support for start-ups, access to European funding programmes and the expansion of joint economic networks. Berlin continues to stand firmly by Ukraine’s side.”

Cities as Engines of Resilience

The KIF 2025 underscored a powerful shift in how resilience is built — not only by states, but by cities that have become strategic actors in times of crisis. In an era of war, energy shocks, and global uncertainty, Europe’s cities are protecting citizens, sustaining economies, and driving innovation under immense pressure.

At the heart of this transformation stands Kyiv, whose governance and digital capacity have become a global example of urban endurance and adaptability. The city continues to function, modernize, and attract investment even amid ongoing attacks, demonstrating that true resilience is rooted in trust, leadership, and the ability to evolve.

The mayors of Berlin, Brussels, Poznań, Vilnius and  Deputy Mayor of Wrocław joined Kyiv in reaffirming that the future of Europe’s recovery will be determined not only by national strategies, but by local leadership and cooperation across borders. Their discussion highlighted that when cities share experience and align their efforts, they become engines of growth, innovation, and stability for the entire continent. The KIF 2025 confirmed that cities are not just participants in Europe’s recovery — they are its driving force. Resilience today is not a single policy, but a shared mindset built through trust, collaboration, and long-term vision.

Philippe Close, Mayor of the City of Brussels, highlighted this shared responsibility: “Local governments play a central role in responding to crises. Without the leadership of cities, effective crisis management is simply not possible. During my visits to Ukraine, I saw that resilience is not only about endurance — it is also a genuine opportunity and a strategic asset. Investing in Ukraine today goes beyond solidarity with a country that shares our values. It is an investment in Europe’s long-term stability and economic strength.”

Investing Amidst Uncertainty: Turning Risk into Opportunity

One of the strongest messages of the KIF 2025 was that Ukraine’s recovery cannot wait until the war is over. Every day that people rebuild their businesses, reopen factories, and restart production sends a powerful signal — that the country is already moving forward. The discussion showed that despite the risks, investing in Ukraine today is possible and, in fact, essential for the country’s stability and for Europe’s long-term security.

Thanks to new support tools from the European Union, the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and other international partners, investors now have practical ways to protect their projects — through guarantees, insurance, and special financial programs that share the risk. Kyiv is already using these instruments to rebuild energy, housing, and production facilities, proving that with trust and good management, development can continue even under the hardest conditions.

A strong example comes from Farmak, one of Ukraine’s largest pharmaceutical companies, which kept investing during the war — opening a new production hub and starting work on a modern innovation site that will meet EU standards.  As Yevgeniya Piddubna, Corporate Affairs Director and Member of the Board at Farmak, explained: “Investing during the war is not a headline — but a responsibility and the only way to keep running. Because medicines are among the basic needs of people and they cannot wait until the “better times”. By working to EU standards and partnering with trusted institutions, we show that investing in Ukraine is not only realistic — it’s vital for Europe’s resilience.”

Farmak’s example shows a broader truth: when clear rules, professional management, and international partnerships are in place, private investment in Ukraine is not only safe — it helps secure the region’s future. Kyiv is becoming a model for how cities can turn crisis into opportunity, attracting investors who see not just risk, but the potential to build a stronger and more connected Europe.

From Energy to Smart Industry: Building a Resilient Economy

Building on this momentum, the Industry Lead Dialogues brought the KIF’s themes to life — showing how innovation is already improving how people live, work, and recover. Across energy, mobility, health, and industry, participants demonstrated that Ukraine’s transformation is not abstract — it is practical, visible, and deeply human.

In energy, Ukrainian and European experts presented how cities are maintaining power and heat through smarter, more decentralized systems that can withstand attacks. Municipalities are introducing solar generation, energy management tools, and microgrids — projects supported by Germany’s development agency GIZ. As Miriam Faulwetter, GIZ Programme Director for Just Transition, noted: “Our work is guided by the vision that green energy security and climate protection improves the lives of Ukrainians on their way to the EU. I believe that the EU accession process provides us with a clear guideline on what reforms and changes are needed to achieve our vision”.

In mobility and urban technology, Kyiv is using recovery to create a city built around people. Together with European partners, it is redesigning spaces and services to be more inclusive, accessible, and connected — ensuring that reconstruction leads to a modern, human-centered capital where everyone can thrive.

In health and biotechnology, new approaches are combining medical innovation with human care. The city’s prosthetics center, built with international partners, is restoring mobility to thousands, while national platforms such as Impact Health help citizens rebuild mental and emotional strength. Together with universities and startups, these initiatives are forming a growing health-tech ecosystem with global potential. As Olga Diakova, Co-founder of Impact Force, noted: “Recovery is not only about rebuilding hospitals — it’s about rebuilding people. Through Impact Health, we are turning mental resilience into national infrastructure, giving Ukrainians the tools to restore balance, strength, and confidence in their own lives.”

In smart industry and dual-use technologies, Ukraine’s ingenuity under pressure is becoming a foundation for long-term growth. Technologies born on the battlefield — drones, automation, AI analytics — are being adapted for civilian use, opening new export opportunities and connecting Ukrainian manufacturing to Europe’s industrial networks. The dialogue made clear that when governance, standards, and partnerships align, innovation turns from survival to competitive advantage.

The outcomes of these discussions go far beyond technical progress. They show that Ukraine’s recovery is already changing everyday life — keeping lights on in hospitals, bringing safer mobility to cities, improving healthcare, and creating jobs in new industries. This is how cooperation between Kyiv, Berlin, and Europe is shaping not only recovery, but a more connected, modern, and sustainable future for all.

Digital Transformation for Growth and Recovery

The KIF 2025 highlighted Kyiv as one of Europe’s leading digital capitals — where technology has become vital to survival, governance, and growth. The Kyiv Digital platform kept public services and communication running even under attack, setting a global benchmark for transparent and citizen-centered governance.

As Ukraine shifts from crisis response to renewal, its digital achievements offer valuable lessons for Europe. In dialogue with Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernization and Berlin’s tech ecosystem — and through active partnership with Google — Kyiv is strengthening cybersecurity, advancing open data, and expanding digital skills, turning Ukraine’s digital progress into a shared European asset.

Annette Kroeber-Riel, Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google Europe, highlighted the company’s role in supporting this transformation: “Google remains a strong partner to Ukraine’s and Kyiv’s digital resilience. Through our advanced cloud infrastructure and AI capabilities, we help guarantee that essential services maintain transparency, inclusivity, and continuous availability, even in times of crisis. These collaborative efforts are vital to Ukraine’s recovery and are simultaneously setting the benchmark for citizen-centered digital transformation across Europe.”

By integrating its digital advances with Europe’s innovation agenda, Kyiv is helping shape a shared digital future — one that connects resilience with openness, and recovery with long-term competitiveness across the continent.

From Recovery to Renewal: Building Europe’s Shared Future

The Kyiv Investment Forum 2025 in Berlin concluded with a clear message — Ukraine’s recovery is already underway, and its progress is strengthening Europe as a whole. What began as a story of survival has evolved into a roadmap for renewal, driven by partnership, innovation, and the determination of its people.

Alongside the main sessions, the Social Entrepreneurship for Inclusive Recovery discussion spotlighted the human side of rebuilding — restoring opportunity and dignity. It introduced the Kyiv Social Impact Cluster, a new city initiative uniting entrepreneurs, investors, and partners to make inclusion a driver of growth. Evolving from dialogue to action, the Cluster embodies Kyiv’s vision of recovery that rebuilds not only structures, but lives — turning shared ideas into lasting change.

In his closing remarks, Mayor Vitalii Klitschko emphasized that Ukraine’s experience carries meaning far beyond its borders: “Kyiv stands today not only as a city defending its freedom but as a city shaping Europe’s future. Every new partnership, every innovation, every project we launch proves that rebuilding Ukraine means building a stronger Europe — one that stands for democracy, trust, and shared progress.”

Throughout the Forum, this vision came to life — in new agreements between Kyiv and Berlin, in the commitment of investors, and in the innovative projects that are transforming energy, healthcare, and governance. The conversations in Berlin showed that Ukraine is not waiting for peace to start rebuilding; it is already contributing to Europe’s strength, sustainability, and competitiveness.

The Kyiv Investment Forum 2025 closed not as the end of an event, but as the beginning of a new phase of cooperation — one where Ukraine’s recovery becomes Europe’s shared opportunity to build a future that is more secure, inclusive, and forward-looking than ever before.

The 9th edition of a premier event dedicated to Kyiv’s transformation marks a pivotal moment for international win-win collaboration. Uniting leaders and investors, the Forum will advance the recovery of Ukraine and its capital while contributing to Europe’s shared future through strategic investment and innovation. This year’s gathering goes beyond traditional narratives of post-war rebuilding, focusing on groundbreaking partnerships that redefine what sustainable urban growth means.

Taking place on November 12, 2025, the Kyiv Investment Forum (KIF) will be held in Berlin, bringing together global investors, urban leaders, innovators and policy-makers to facilitateexplore and unlock new avenues for Kyiv’s ongoing transformation and Europe’s collective resilience. Under the theme “Investing in Resilience. Shaping the Future”, Vitaliy Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv, and Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, will jointly opening the Kyiv Investment 

the Forum, jointly organized by the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises, the Kyiv City State Administration and the Impact Force NGO., will serve as a platform for high-impact partnerships, investment-ready opportunities and scalable solutions for long-term recovery. Vitaliy Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv, and Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, will jointly opening the Kyiv Investment 

Following the success of the 2022 and 2023 editions in Brussels, KIF 2025 moves to Berlin — a city that embodies reunification, innovation, and civic strength. Hosting the Forum in Berlin highlights that the future of Ukraine’s recovery is closely interlinked with Europe’s broader trajectory of resilience and transformation.

The Forum’s positioning has also evolved: from pledging to partnering, from recovery to reinvention. Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities are no longer presenting only their urgent needs, but also demonstrating their growing capacity to shape and deliver scalable solutions in digital transformation, urban sustainability, and public-private collaboration — solutions that resonate well beyond Ukraine’s borders.

Placing the 9th edition in Berlin reflects this shift. From Brussels, the hub of policy-making, the Forum now moves to a European capital of business, technology, and industrial cooperation. Here, in one of Europe’s most dynamic ecosystems for green and digital economy players, financial institutions, and municipal leaders, the focus turns firmly to investment, innovation, and private sector engagement. The decision was enthusiastically welcomed by the Berlin Senate and its Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises, who see in the Forum a powerful vehicle for strengthening Europe’s economic solidarity with Ukraine.

The program will unfold across three strategic dimensions. The political track will focus on city-to-city cooperation, financial instruments and guarantees, as well as the challenge of sustaining Ukraine’s rapid digital transformation and embedding it within the broader European digital landscape. The industrial track will highlight cutting-edge sectors – from energy efficiency and urban tech & mobility to health tech, biotech, smart industries and dual-use innovations. Finally, the social impact economy track will explore how social entrepreneurship is emerging as a foundation for recovery and what systemic measures are needed to scale this phenomenon as a driver of post-war equality and human-centered development.

KIF 2025 will serve as a platform for metropolitan business ecosystems, bringing together cities, companies, and investors to exchange practical insights, proven policies, and financing models that can accelerate Kyiv’s transformation and strengthen resilience across Europe. From municipal energy transitions and accessible housing to mental health services and industrial automation, the Forum will spotlight scalable, market-ready solutions and foster collaborative action demonstrating how Kyiv’s recovery can catalyze broader systemic change for Europe’s urban economies.

Set against the backdrop of Berlin – a city that has redefined itself through collective effort and embodies the very idea of rebuilding for the future – the Forum marks a defining moment for Ukraine and its international partners. It is both a space for bold ideas and a catalyst for concrete coordinated action. Kyiv Investment Forum 2025 is where long-term recovery begins to take tangible shape, where impact becomes investment and where Europe’s shared future takes another step forward.

Vitaliy Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv, emphasized the power of cooperation: “On November 12, we invite you to join the Kyiv Investment Forum Berlin platform. Together with our partners in Berlin, we will bring a shared vision for the future, strong leadership and investment to unlock new opportunities for our cities and our people. Together, we are stronger and more effective. Europe has vital interest in a successful Ukraine. Let us build our common future together.”

Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to stand with Kyiv in solidarity and in action. This forum is more than just an event. It’s a space to build bridges between cities, economies and people. Bridges based on investment, innovation and international cooperation. We invite business leaders, investors and changemakers to join us. Let’s connect ecosystems. Let’s explore new projects. Let’s build a strong future based on sustainability and shared growth”.

The 8th Kyiv Investment Forum, with the theme “Brussels Platform: Sustainable Revival of Greater Kyiv,” continued its influential role in driving discussions and actions for the sustainable revival of Ukraine’s capital. Organized by the Department of Economy and Investments of the City of Kyiv and hosted by Philippe Close, Mayor of Brussels, and Vitalii Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv, this year’s forum was built on the foundation laid by the Brussels Declaration, a landmark initiative from the 2022 forum. 

For the second consecutive year, the city of Brussels hosted the Kyiv Investment Forum due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, bringing together over 350 participants from across the globe, including more than 27 ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, 10 city representatives. The audience attended by more than 500 participants featured heads and representatives of European municipalities, ambassadors and members of diplomatic missions, prominent European policymakers, leaders of major businesses and financial organizations. Additionally, 2 000 participants joined the forum via livestream, extending its reach and impact.

This year’s event was opened by Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission who addressed the forum participants with a video message. 

“The city of Kyiv is leading the effort to build a better future for Ukraine. I have seen firsthand how the city is reimagining itself, as a dynamic, green, and inclusive capital. Kyiv can also be an example for other Ukrainian cities, as well as for cities in the EU. We can learn so much from each other, and help one another. Including through the “mayor’s platform”, which this forum brought to life last year”, stressed the president of the European Commission.

A focal point of the forum was the signing of a memorandum on bilateral cooperation between Brussels and Kyiv, marking a strengthened partnership dedicated to supporting Kyiv’s reconstruction. This agreement highlights the broader commitment to Ukraine’s support by European entities, further demonstrated by the signing of the Cooperation Agreement between the Kyiv Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the BESI-Brussels Chamber of Commerce. 

Mayor of Brussels Philippe Close, emphasizing the importance of this alliance, stated, “To dear Vitalii Klitschko and the resilient people of Ukraine, Brussels stands as a steadfast ally. In 2023, the promise echoes: ‘As long as it takes.’ Across Europe, cities unite in solidarity, reinforcing the bonds that make our shared European destiny unbreakable. Kyiv Investment Forum isn’t just about Kyiv’s future; it’s a collective reflection on the future of Ukraine and the shared destiny of European nations.”

 A significant highlight of this year’s event was the expansion of the Brussels Declaration, a mayors’ platform for city-to-city cooperation. The declaration was extended to include three additional municipalities – Barcelona, Tirana, and Metropolia Grand Paris, demonstrating a growing solidarity and commitment to mutual support, crisis cooperation, and socio-economic development.

Vitalii Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv expressed profound gratitude for support, highlighting the strategic importance of the partnership with Brussels : “International support is very important for the reconstruction and restoration of the Ukrainian capital and the implementation of important projects here.  At last year’s Forum in Brussels, mayors and representatives of 15 European cities agreed to join forces to help rebuild Greater Kyiv. And they created the Brussels Platform, which launched active processes in important projects for Kyiv: the creation of a modern rehabilitation center for the military, the arrangement of a laboratory for the production of innovative biomedical products, the renewal of the rolling stock of city transport, and social support projects. We cooperate with European municipalities that communicate with local businesses and look for opportunities to implement priority projects for us”. 

The Forum also witnessed a new cooperation agreement between the European Investment Bank and the Kyiv City Council, an initiative underscoring the commitment to modernize Kyiv’s urban public transport system. This agreement includes consulting services and preparatory work and is bolstered by a €480,000 technical assistance grant from the EIB’s Eastern Partnership Technical Assistance Trust Fund (EPTATF). Its goal is to invest in the renewal and renovation of rolling stock of Kyiv metro, a critical step towards modernization. This move is instrumental in reducing the city’s reliance on Russian-made metro carriages and spare parts, contributing significantly to the resilience and effective functioning of Kyiv under the current challenging conditions.

Building on the foundation of strong international support, the Kyiv Investment Forum 2023 further highlighted its focus on investment and economic opportunities, steering the narrative beyond European aid to explore avenues for self-sufficient, synergistic growth and sustainable economic development.

Keynotes and panel sessions explored Kyiv’s potential to meaningfully contribute to the regional and European economy. The discussions underscored how investing in Kyiv’s infrastructure, technology, and human capital could yield substantial returns, both economically and socially.

Moreover, the forum introduced the concept of synergy growth, encouraging collaboration between various sectors – public, private, and civil society – to create a robust economic ecosystem. This approach aims to foster an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive, contributing to the city’s overall economic vitality.

A pivotal aspect of the forum centered around shaping a resilient, sustainable, and future-ready economic landscape in Kyiv, guided by a comprehensive vision for transformation. Key discussions revolved around enhancing the education system, fostering social mobility, and reimagining the financial architecture to propel Kyiv toward a prosperous, inclusive future.

The forum’s participants emphasized the profound role of empowered communities, with a special focus on the vital contributions of women, in offering people the opportunity to actively participate in decision-making processes and create economic opportunities. Recognizing that women play a pivotal role as defenders and contributors to their communities, it was underscored that their leadership and involvement are essential in shaping Kyiv’s sustainable future.

The forum also emphasized the critical role of decentralization, transparency and good governance in attracting and retaining investment. By committing to these principles, Kyiv positions itself as a reliable and attractive destination for international investors.

In conclusion, the Kyiv Investment Forum 2023 marked a significant shift in the city’s in/post-conflict narrative. It was not just a platform for seeking support but a stage for presenting Kyiv as a metropolis of opportunity for investment and growth. The forum successfully laid out a vision of Kyiv as a city poised for economic transformation, ready to embrace partnerships that promise shared prosperity and advancement within the European community and beyond.

In the 8th Kyiv Investment Forum: Brussels Platform, influential speakers will come together to address challenges arising from recent conflicts and chart Kyiv’s course towards global economic integration. As Kyiv navigates through the horrors of the war, the unwavering support from the European community takes center stage.

The European Union stands firm in fortifying  Ukraine’s resilience, deploying a wide range of financial, humanitarian, and military support. This year’s narrative places a spotlight on long-term strategies, championing sustainable recovery and development. The overarching objective is to firmly entrench Kyiv within the intricate fabric of the European economy.

This European commitment, fortified through city-to-city collaborations, robust partnerships, and institutional aid, signifies more than mere assistance to Ukraine. It’s a testament to the continent’s vision of a united, integrated Europe where every city, Kyiv included, thrives, resonating with shared values and mutual aspirations.

Scheduled for November 16th, 2023, in Brussels, the Kyiv Investment Forum: Brussels Platform unveils “Sustainable Revival of Greater Kyiv“  The forum promises the mix of city leaders, esteemed European and Ukrainian policymakers, government representatives, leading economists, investors, and changemakers. The mission is to harness collective European wisdom and city-to-city collaboration for the holistic betterment of Kyiv.

The keynote session will center on Europe’s changing geopolitical landscape and the growing importance of metropolises. It will address the challenges caused by conflicts and wars in urban regions, emphasizing the value of sustainable development and the integration of war-affected communities into broader development initiatives. Additionally, the session will explore strategies for building resilience in megacities, underlining the adaptive approaches required to address the unique challenges and opportunities of urban environments.

Moderator: Olga Diakova, Co-founder of Impact Force and David Lynch Foundation in Eastern Europe

Keynote speakers: 

• Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission /video addressing
• Didier Reynders, EU Commissioner for Justice
• Hadja Lahbib, Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, Foreign Trade 
• Ludivine Dedonder, Belgian Minister of Defence
• Ans Persoons, State Secretary of the Brussels Capital Region
• Philippe Close, Mayor of the City of Brussels
• Vitaliy Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv 

The keynote session will be followed by four panel discussions and two breakout sessions to give profound answers for both in- and post-war challenges.

The first panel will bring together mayors from Kyiv, the City of Brussels and other European cities and will focus on revitalizing Greater Kyiv through city-to-city cooperation, stressing the significance of international municipal collaboration and impactful peer-to-peer projects. The panel will examine the efforts, already made and those yet to be implemented to boost the city’s ability to absorb, recover, and prepare for future shocks. 

Moderator: Maithreyi Seetharaman, Founder of Facultas Media

Speakers: 

• Philippe Close, Mayor of the City of Brussels
• Vitaliy Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv 
• Patrick Ollier, President of the Metropolis of Greater Paris
• Jasmin Ademović, Chairman of the Sarajevo City Council
• Daniel Sazonov, Deputy Mayor of Helsinki
• Linda Ozola, Deputy Mayor of Riga
• Anuela Ristani, Deputy Mayor of Tirana
• Pau Solanilla,  Commissioner of International Relations and City Promotion of Barcelona City Council 
• Marlene Rosemarie Madsen, Deputy Director of Ukraine Service, and Head of the Economic and Sectoral Policies Unit, European Commission

Keynote listeners: 

Vadym Boychenko Mayor of Mariupol

Markus Heilig, Hamburg’s Director for International Affairs

The second panel will break down the role of decentralization in promoting fair and sustainable development and look into ways to boost investment in Greater Kyiv for its ongoing progress. They’ll use Kyiv as an example, showcasing the benefits and tactics of decentralization in driving local development and economic growth.

Moderator: Svitlana Kovalchuk, Executive Director at Yalta European Strategy

Speakers: 

• Lamia Kamal-Chaoui, Director of OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities / virtually 
• Mykola Povoroznyk,  First Deputy Head of Kyiv City State Administration
• Susan Goeransson, Director, Head of Infrastructure Europe of The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
• Remigijus Šimašius, Centenary Policy Institute
• Markus Heilig, Hamburg’s Director for International Affairs

The third panel will dive into investments for sustainable change. They’ll cover crucial areas like building impactful business hubs and innovative clusters, setting smart priorities for Greater Kyiv, using innovative funding models for game-changing investments, and rallying private finance for post-war recovery projects.

Moderator: Grégoire Roos, Head of Political Dialogue & Policy Innovation at the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt

Speakers: 

• Caroline Gennez, Belgian Minister for Development cooperation and City Policy
• Gert Jan Koopman,  Director-General of DG NEAR, European Commission
• Lisa Kaestner, IFC’s Regional Manager for Ukraine and Moldova
• Nina Levchuk, Co-founder of Impact Force
• Anthony Naralingom, Head of unit ‘Economic transition & Inclusive Entrepreneurship’ of  hub.brusssels
• Yevgeniya Piddubna, Corporate Affairs Director, Member of the Board of Directors, Farmak JSC, Head of Healthcare Committee at the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs

The last but not the least panel discussion titled “Building Sustainable People-Centered Metropolis: Empowering Post-Conflict Communities” will dive deep into various challenges, focusing on the role of women, mental health, community integration, and food security. The panel will discuss the creation of a comprehensive service ecosystem, spotlighting clever solutions for community well-being and revealing strategies not just for quick fixes, but for building long-term strength and harmonious amalgamation of these communities into Kyiv’s urban matrix.

Moderator: Nataliya Kozak Klaverstijn, Chief Strategy Officer, Impact Force

Speakers:

• Sabine Freizer Gunes, Country Representative in Ukraine, UN Women
• Brian Lee, Program Director for Eastern Europe, Center for International Private Enterprise 
• Olga Diakova, Co-founder of Impact Force
• Emmanuel Julien, Deputy Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia at the International Labour Organization
• ​​Kateryna Spivakova, Head of Communications and Government Relations, Kernel
• Serge Stroobants Director, Europe, The Institute for Economics and Peace

In addition to the main program, two breakout sessions will be organized. The first one will provide an analysis on a macroeconomic forecast for Ukraine & Kyiv recovery 2023-2030, looking at investment transparency and other post-war risks. This session will dive into where Ukraine and Kyiv are headed and share strategies to build trust during Kyiv’s recovery.The second breakout session will explore the potential of using impact investments for inclusive, sustainable growth. The discussions will touch upon the global push for impact investing, the emerging social impact ecosystem in Ukraine, and how impact businesses can deliver both financial returns and positive changes for society.

The annual Kyiv Investment Forum (KIF) returns for its 8th edition on 16th November 2023 at The City Hall of Brussels. This paramount gathering aims to rally international support for the sustainable revival and reconstruction of Greater Kyiv.

Established as a keystone platform for international collaborations, the Kyiv Investment Forum (KIF) has consistently championed Kyiv’s vision for growth and resilience. Throughout its storied journey, KIF has marked several milestones, each amplifying its influence and reach. A pivotal moment was in 2022 when, under the leadership of Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko and with support from Brussels Mayor Philippe Close, the forum transcended geographical confines to be hosted in Brussels for the first time. This historic move culminated in a joint declaration signed by 15 European cities, pledging to unite in the reconstruction and restoration of areas in the Kyiv region affected by external aggression. The declaration not only signified solidarity but also set the stage for multilateral investment projects and targeted assistance.

This year’s KIF is poised to address one of the most pivotal moments in Kyiv’s history. Its central theme is “Sustainable Revival of Greater Kyiv.” Through this lens, the forum aspires to define and activate a multifaceted vision that encapsulates recovery, resilience, and innovative development for our city.

The 2023 edition of KIF sets out to galvanize global collaboration in propelling the growth of Kyiv’s investment ecosystem. By attracting investors from all corners of the world, our goal is to fuel the modernization and rejuvenation of Greater Kyiv’s infrastructure. At the heart of this year’s agenda is the intention to foster meaningful collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Furthermore, KIF will champion the virtues of the social impact economy. This approach seeks to marry economic pursuits with the overarching welfare of the public. Such a focus not only addresses the immediate restoration imperatives of Ukraine but also sketches out a sustainable and inclusive economic trajectory, edging us closer to our aspirations within the EU.

Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko commented on the upcoming forum, stating, “In the face of challenges, our city has shown unparalleled tenacity. At this year’s KIF, we gather to not only celebrate this spirit but to channel it into tangible solutions, innovations, and partnerships that will ensure a brighter, sustainable future for all Kyivites.”

Echoing the sentiment, Brussels Mayor Philippe Close added, “Brussels stands with Kyiv, not just as a host city for the forum but as a steadfast partner and friend. This year’s KIF underscores the incredible potential when European cities come together, share insights, and co-create solutions. Kyiv’s resilience inspires us, and through our collective efforts, we aim to pave a pathway to recovery, growth, and enduring prosperity.”