National Identity as a Point of Strength: A Discussion That United Business, Education, and Culture
On April 11, 2025, an intersectoral meeting and public discussion titled "National Identity in Business and Education: Shaping Meaning" took place in Kyiv. The event was organized by the KOLO Charitable Foundation in partnership with the Ivan Honchar Museum and the Zagoriy Foundation, with the support of informational partners: MriyDiy Foundation, CSR Ukraine, and Blagomay Foundation.
This gathering became a space for profound insights, practical solutions, and shared responsibility. Educators, entrepreneurs, civil society leaders, experts, and cultural figures came together for an open conversation about how to nurture Ukrainian identity during wartime and in the face of global transformations — and why this issue has long transcended the boundaries of the humanitarian sphere.
Key Topics and Speakers
Leading experts shared powerful messages on cultural heritage, the power of education, the social responsibility of business, and the role of each individual in shaping the identity of future generations:
Nataliia Kryvda, Doctor of Philosophy and Academic Director of Edinburgh Business School in Ukraine, emphasized that identity is not merely about history or symbols — it is a conscious decision to act in the interests of one’s nation and culture.
Oksana Lykhozhon, CMO of Zagoriy Foundation, presented a practical case of the “Vytoky” project, which integrates national values into corporate culture — proving that business can and should be a bearer of meaning.
Artur Proidakov, Executive Director of the MriyDiy Foundation, highlighted the educational challenges facing the "generation of war" — a generation in need of not just knowledge but deep support in self-identification.
Olena Kryvenko, Chair of the Board at KOLO Charity Foundation, focused on preserving cultural heritage as a tool for patriotic education, especially in the context of children’s educational initiatives.
Special Guests — New Dimensions of Dialogue
Valuable insights were also shared by:
Petro Honchar, Director of the National Center of Folk Culture “Ivan Honchar Museum”
Yevhen Klopotenko, the event’s culinary visionary
Nataliia Hontarenko, Acting Head of the Department for Promoting Ukrainian National and Civic Identity at the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine
Kateryna Yasko, Co-founder of the Ukrainian Meanings Ambassadors initiative
Their contributions added interdisciplinary depth to the discussion, showing how music, cuisine, language, and collective memory help preserve national identity.
The event’s musical space was created by Mykhailo Chudnovskyi (“The Cymbalman”), a member of the band ONUKA.
We are especially grateful to Nataliia Hontarenko from the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine for engaging in a meaningful dialogue and supporting the event. Her speech highlighted the state's vision of national identity as a pillar of national security and resilience.
"Russia kills Ukrainian men and women on the battlefield. At the same time, it tries to erase our Ukrainian national identity — by destroying language, culture, and memory in temporarily occupied territories. This is an existential war. The policy of affirming Ukrainian national and civic identity is about our security, our strength, our present, and our future,” emphasized Ms. Hontarenko, underscoring the importance of systematic state efforts in this area.
What’s Next?
During the event, the KOLO Charity Foundation presented its new information campaign:
“The Year of National Identity: A Generation of Meaning”, which will serve as a platform to support teachers and promote educational development. Its slogan: “Ambassadors of the Future.”
The gathering concluded in the warm spirit of a traditional Ukrainian noble assembly — with authentic treats prepared by Yevhen Klopotenko, co-owner and brand chef of the restaurant "100 Rokiv Tomu Vpered". Each guest became part of a shared creative process — and we believe that together, we can achieve even more.
Photo report from the event is available here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13bNbSmnXHrQJEYWSNAW1CXoby-ezSTiT?usp=sharing
Contact:
Daria Fysun, PR Manager at KOLO Charity Foundation
+380666144921 | d.fysun@kolo.fund
