May 24, 2024, marks the final approval date of the EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence. However, the attention of national governments, the business community,
academics, human rights advocates, and civil society—both in the EU and globally—has long
been focused on this document, as it represents a pivotal moment: human rights and
environmental due diligence are becoming mandatory for large companies in the EU, including
their supply chains.
These changes are relevant to Ukraine not only in light of European integration processes but
also because Ukrainian companies are already part of European business supply chains.
Additionally, the Directive significantly impacts investor expectations regarding responsible
business conduct. Furthermore, direct references to corporate sustainability due diligence
appear in Ukraine’s recovery documents. Special attention in the Directive is paid to conducting
business in conflict-affected areas.
The Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University, in partnership with the Ministry of Economy of
Ukraine, the State University of Trade and Economics, and the Business and Human Rights
Resource Centre, invites you to participate in the round table “Corporate Sustainability Due
Diligence: A Turning Point in the EU and Its Impact on Business in Ukraine.” The event is
supported by the Horizon Europe Rebalance project (#101061342).
The round table will be held on May 30, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM Kyiv Time at the State University of Trade and Economics. Participation is available both in-person and online.
The program will include discussions on the following topics:
● Key provisions of the EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence and its
implementation process. What changes has the Directive already prompted, and is
business in the EU and beyond prepared for them?
● How are Ukraine’s recovery programs connected to corporate sustainability due
diligence, and how can Ukraine strengthen its business sector?
● What is the list of fundamental due diligence issues in the context of war and post-war
recovery?
● Does the Directive have the potential to impact the rule of law in the country?
Speakers include:
● Marina Kupchuk, Deputy Head of the International Investment Cooperation and
Promotion of Socially Responsible Business Department, Ministry of Economy of
Ukraine, Secretary of the OECD National Contact Point in Ukraine
● Yevhenii Shakotko, Head of Regulatory Policy and Government Relations at Advantage
Ukraine
● Ella Skybenko, Expert at the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre (UK) for
Eastern Europe and Central Asia
● Olena Uvarova, Ph.D., Head of the International Business and Human Rights Laboratory
at Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University, Co-President of the Global Business and
Human Rights Scholars Association, UNDP International Expert on Business and Human
Rights
● Irena Fedorovych, Business and Human Rights Expert and Trainer, Director of the Social
Action Centre.
