Fashion of Diplomacy #14 ENG

“The Ukrainian Institute will represent the interests and values of the modern Ukrainian political nation�

VOLODYMYR SHEIKO Director General of the Ukrainian Institute

EDITOR’S WORD: My sincere greetings to you, our dear readers.

We have prepared a very special FD edition.

I know a lot of you personally, so I do want this edition to be interesting and useful to everyone.

And why is it special? – you will ask. Because it is a spring one. This is my favourite season. In the nature, everything comes to life, wakes up from the winter dream and starts a new cycle.

The country is also changing. This is the fifth spring since the colossal transformations in Ukraine, when we made a choice as a nation and passed the point of non-return. The challenges are still ongoing. We have to pass them with dignity. Once again, we have to prove our desire for democracy and freedom in the election that is awaiting us.

I am sure we will succeed; we will have enough strength and folk wisdom. And a reliable shoulder of our partner countries, as always, adds faith in the victory.

Thanks to all, who goes this way with us!

Sincerely Yours, Editor-in-Chief of the “Fashion of Diplomacy” Anna Avramenko

«Fashion of Diplomacy» №14 Editor-in-Chief — Anna Avramenko Chairman of the Supervisory Council — Iryna Reznik General director — Ihor Skrypnyk The issue was realized by: Oleh Yanchenko, Petro Miskovych, Alina Arkhypova, Nataliya Zatyshna, Liudmyla Maistrenko, Serhii Koshka Designer — Artem Shulga Artist — Svitlana Umanska Literary editor — Natalina Zelinska, Natalia Germanovich Translation into English — Aksinia Sinko Photographer — Yevhenii Zatyshny, Yurii Bondarev Additional photo materials are provided by: Google source, www.freepik.com, www.thenounproject.com Concerning advertising, please, call +38 /044/ 228 06 48; +38 /094/ 828 06 48 Editorial adress: prosp. Stepana Bandery, 21, office 521, Kyiv

info@fashion-diplomacy.com www.fashion-diplomacy.com uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Модна_дипломатія Publisher — LLC «AMEDIA COMPANY» Printed in LLC «Univest Marketing» Company Circulation — 5 000 copies Certificate of State Registration of the print media KV № 22712-12612Р as of May 30, 2017 The editorial board of the magazine is not responsible for the stylistics and reliability of the information contained in the promotional materials.

The authors of the publications are responsible for the authenticity of the facts and personal names.

The opinion of the publisher and the editorial board may not coincide with the views of the authors of the materials published in the magazine.

Full or partial use of the materials is possible with the written consent of the editorial board and with reference to the magazine.

All materials are protected by the copyright law of Ukraine.

JUNE 15 The venue – GolfStream (Ukraine, Kyiv oblast, Makariv raion, Havronschyna village) The time — 0700–1900

INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC GOLF TOURNAMENT

TOLERANCE GOLF CUP 2019 The main goal of the event – is to unite peoples and states with the help of sports, to create an informal space for free communication, to spread the values of tolerance among peoples, states and nations for the sake of security, sustainable development and happiness of people around the world.

Detailed information: www.golf.in.ua The status of TOLERANCE GOLF CUP 2019 is OFFICIAL

The Tournament is held with the support of: · UKRAINIAN GOLF FEDERATION · MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF UKRAINE · EMBASSY OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES IN UKRAINE

Organizer:

IN THIS ISSUE:

8

“UKRAINE IS A WONDERFUL LAND WHERE THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE LIVE, WHOM WE WISH PEACE, GOODNESS AND PROSPERITY WITH ALL OUR HEART.” Azer Khudayar oglu Khudiyev, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Ukraine.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND.

18 THE FEATURES OF THE REGISTRATION FOR THE IMPORT DELIVERIES IN UKRAINE. Svitlana Moroz, a managing partner of the “DICTUM Law Firm” company.

26

10 20

“THE NORM OF THE CONSTITUTION OF UKRAINE ON FREE MEDICAL CARE HAS TO WORK IN REALITY WHEN IT IS FREE OF CHARGE FOR PATIENTS, BUT IT IS PAYABLE FOR THE STATE.” Iryna Sysoyenko, a Ukrainian lawmaker, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Health Care of the Ukrainian Parliament.

“THE UKRAINIAN INSTITUTE CREATES AN ADDITIONAL DIMENSION THAT IS IN THE CULTURAL DIPLOMACY THAT ALSO HELPS THE STATE TO ACHIEVE ITS STRATEGIC GOALS.” Volodymyr Sheiko, the Director General of the Ukrainian Institute.

“UKRAINE’S ATTRACTIVENESS FROM A LOGISTIC POINT OF VIEW MEANS, ABOVE ALL, THAT UKRAINE IS A MARITIME COUNTRY.” Andriy Radchenko, the Director General of EUROASIAN LOGISTICS COMPANY.

30

38

“TODAY THE DESTINY OF THE WORLD IS BEING SOLVED IN UKRAINE. IF WE FAIL — EVERYTHING WILL BE LOST.” Victoria Lisnycha, the Chairman of the International Diplomatic Council in Ukraine.

“SPORT IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS THROUGH WHICH COUNTRIES CLAIM AND DECLARE THEMSELVES IN THE WORLD.” Valery Morgun, the President of the Ukrainian Federation of Boat Rowing “The Dragon”.

48 “I WAS NOT A WONDER CHILD SINCE THE BIRTH, BUT BEING THIRTEEN OR FOURTEEN YEARS OLD I MADE MY MIND UP TO LINK MY LIFE WITH MUSIC.” Oleksiy Botvinov, the founder of the Odessa International Classics Festival.

58

42 CELEBRATING NEW YEAR AND CHRISTMAS IN UKRAINIAN TRADITIONS.

54 INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC GOLF TOURNAMENT “TOLERANCE GOLF CUP 2019”.

THE PLANNED MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S CLUB “THE LADY INTERNATIONAL CLUB”.

60

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

THE YEAR OF THE ZAYED

2018 was proclaimed by the Year of the Zayed in the UAE – this initiative belongs to the second UAE President, the son of Sheikh Zayed – Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This decision was announced on 6th of August, 2017, as it was the day, when 51 year ago Sheikh Zayed became a ruler of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. This day became historical not only for this emirate, but for the whole country as well, since in a few years Sheikh Zayed invited the rulers of the other 6 emirates to unite into a single state, and as a result, the United Arab Emirates was created on December 2, 1971.

In general, during 2018, a large number of events dedicated to the life, heritage and values of Sheikh Zayed were conducted. The purpose of these activities was to familiarize the inhabitants and peoples of the region and the world with the lives and achievements of the First Governor of the UAE, as well as the implementation of his vision and values through the various projects and initiatives in the field of culture, science and humanitarian assistance that have been undertaken both in the Emirates and in other countries.

The main values of the Year of Zayed are: wisdom, respect, sustainable development and the formation of a human. Sheikh Zayed has always considered human and state development the most important driving forces, and wisdom, knowledge, respect and generosity – the indispensable tools for achieving success and happiness.

10

#14, March 2019

As part of the celebration, the following projects and initiatives were carried out by the Embassy of the UAE in Ukraine: •

Drawing by the embassy staff, depicting the culture, history and civilization of the UAE.

•

Opening of the Center for Arab Studies at the Institute of International Relations of the Taras Shevchenko National University, in the presence of H.E. Pavlo Rosenko, the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND •

A lecture on the heritage, values and life of the deceased Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE, for Arab students of the Institute of International Relations of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.

•

A meeting with Ukrainian business ladies in order to highlight the achievements of the Emirates’ women.

•

A solemn opening of the Center for Arab Studies at the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine named after Gennadiy Udovenko of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the participation of H.E. Dr. Anvar Gargash, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of the UAE, and H.E. Pavlo Klimkin, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, and with the assistance of the Embassy of the UAE in Ukraine.

•

Organization of a charity event in the Kyiv Palace of Children and Youth.

•

On the occasion of the start of the new school year, during which the UAE Embassy in Ukraine donated 500 school portfolios from the Charitable Organization of Muhammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to children in need of assistance.

•

A lecture on the heritage, culture and traditions of the UAE at the Center for Arab Studies at the Institute of International Relations of the Taras Shevchenko National University.

•

A charity event for the distribution of food packages for people with special needs on the International Day of People with Disabilities (the 3rd of December).

H.E. Eng. Salem Ahmed Al-Kaabi, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates in Ukraine

BEFORE RELEASE

UKRAINE IS A WONDERFUL LAND WHERE WONDERFUL PEOPLE LIVE, WHOM WE, WITH ALL OUR HEART, WISH PEACE, GOODNESS AND PROSPERITY Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Azerbaijan in Ukraine, Azer Khudayar oglu Khudiyev, in an exclusive interview for the FD tells about the beginning of the history of diplomatic relations between Kyiv and Baku, the common challenges and the common threats facing our states.

BEFORE RELEASE Tell us about the start of the bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Azerbaijan. Of course, there were relations in the time of the USSR, but it is difficult to call them bilateral...

– Relations between our countries began much earlier than in the days of the USSR. Their roots date back to the time of Kievan Rus, when there was the Great Silk Road connecting Europe and Asia. Our country, Azerbaijan, was part of the Silk Road and it is still a bridge between Europe and Asia, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Basin. That is why the trade relations existed even in those distant times – unless the state education in our lands had other names.

There were Kievan Rus, Kaganat, the Azerbaijani Khanate, but the peoples knew about the existence of each other – at least geographically.

At the official level, relations between our countries began to emerge in the Soviet period, when we were part of one big empire. These were, above all, economic relations. Also, in the Soviet Union there was a peculiar program of multiculturalism, all peoples had to be friends. In the framework of this program there was a lot of useful, intensive cultural exchange and, let’s say, the singer and composer Muslim Magomayev, the son of a great Azerbaijani people, gained popularity and respect in Ukraine. After the collapse of the USSR, our relations with Ukraine brought our nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev to a new level. At that time, we had problems – we faced the loss of the territorial integrity of the state. Neighboring Armenia, as a result of a 2-year war, occupied a part of our territory and this part is a very considerable part of almost 20%.

Until now, this conflict has not been resolved peacefully. In the OSCE, this conflict is called

14

#14, March 2019

frozen, but we cannot agree with this definition – because officers and soldiers are killed every day on our side. We faced this conflict, when we had a difficult economic situation, as a result of this conflict; there are above 1.000.000 refugees in our country. It was during this difficult time that our leader, Heydar Aliyev, led Azerbaijan and, together with President Leonid Kuchma, laid the solid foundation for our bilateral cooperation and gave impetus to the development of our bilateral relations in the economic field. Why did Heydar Aliyev so warmly treat Ukraine and command the next generation of Azerbaijani politicians and government officials to maintain good relations with Ukraine? Because when facing this conflict with Armenia, we almost did not have our own army, and Ukraine helped us to build our own armed forces. Therefore, none of the Azerbaijani leaders will ever be negatively affected or they will express a negative attitude towards Ukraine. I also have to emphasize the fact that many of our government officials were educated in Ukraine. Our current minister graduated from Kyiv Institute of International Relations. I studied at the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine, and therefore, I can note that relations between our countries are very strong and have a long history. Ukraine is not only a name for the Azerbaijanis on a geographic map.

Which directions would you prioritize in the relations between our two countries?

– For our countries, a very serious political dialogue at the presidential level and strong diplomatic cooperation are the common things.

We have reached a full understanding with all branches of government in Ukraine. We do

BEFORE RELEASE not have and have not had any interstate problems, but we have a level of strategic partnership. If there is a political dialogue, then it will surely be economic. We have always had good indicators of our economic cooperation. By 2013, the trade turnover between our countries amounted to one billion dollars; there was a certain decline in 2015–2016 to 334 million dollars.

In 2016–2017 we managed to raise it up to 878 million. We increased our export volumes to Ukraine, mainly due to petroleum products.

After the visit of Mr. Poroshenko in 2016, important agreements were reached, including the agreements on the supply of Azerbaijani oil of AzerLight brand, one of the best in the world. We supply it mainly to the Kremenchuk oil refinery. We also supply other petroleum products that our brotherly country needs.

Azerbaijani company “Socar” is one of the largest investors in Ukraine.

This company has already invested more than $ 300 million in the Ukrainian economy and we plan to increase the number of Azerbaijani investors in Ukraine. I would like to take this opportunity and thank the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine, Stepan Kubiv, who has always provided and continues to provide all possible assistance to us and who is a great friend of Azerbaijan.

Also, I cannot help but say that the

#14, March 2019

15

top management of Azerbaijan has obliged us to open the Trade House of Azerbaijan in Ukraine.

We have already opened a similar facility in Belarus, Latvia and China, and they are working very well. The Trade House of Azerbaijan is a very powerful business platform, which deals with the purchase of all what is produced in Azerbaijan, including petroleum products. There is legal support of trade agreements there and the market analysis will be carried out. I can say that the opening of this trading house will give a very good impetus to the development of our trade relations. Our economic priorities are trade, transport, energy and tourism, of course.

Azerbaijan is currently developing its tourism potential quite rapidly and I think that the flow of tourists from Ukraine to Azerbaijan and from Azerbaijan to Ukraine this year has increased.

Your country is very active in regard to the development of the Silk Road. How fast will it start to function?

– I hope that in 2019. We have done everything that was needed for our part. In 2017, a jubilee GUAM meeting at the level of heads of government was held in Kyiv in order to revive this intergovernmental organization. This meeting was held for the first time in 20 years. In my opinion, the next meeting should be held at the level of heads of state.

16

#14, March 2019

GUAM was an inter-state association that should balance the geopolitical influence of the Russian Federation on the post-Soviet space. How possible is it to revive this association at all?

– The geopolitical risks that are so common in our region lead us to the creation of an intergovernmental association, and the main goal of such association should be to identify such risks in time. Such risks should not be detrimental to the regional security system.

This is the situation when it can be said – “One soldier does not make a battle.” When uniting several countries, it is much easier for them to respond to any challenges. Therefore, 20 years ago, GUAM was created. Then, the only participant who did not have an armed conflict in its territory was Ukraine. But – and it is a pity for us – Ukraine has a similar disaster too. We, all the Azerbaijani people, the political leadership of our state hope that your conflict will not last for 25 years as ours. The whole world community helps you, after all. However, I should note that if the international community had condemned the aggression against us in Karabakh in time, then, I am sure, there would not have been any other conflicts or separatist movements in the post-Soviet space. Separatism must be strongly condemned on time – that is why in 2014, at the UN General Assembly, Azerbaijan supported

BEFORE RELEASE the territorial integrity of Ukraine. By the way, I must point out that one way or another, but all the GUAM member countries integrated with Europe – in a different way, but integrated. And this can be considered our common achievement.

Is there an interest in Ukraine and Ukrainian culture in your country?

– Of course, there is. I will tell you very briefly and accurately. If there was not much interest in Ukrainian culture at the academic level, then about 12 thousand would not be trained in Ukraine. This indicates that we trust your educational system and trust your culture. Also, we study Ukrainian language at Slavic University in Azerbaijan; we have many academic departments of the Ukrainian language, many translations of Ukrainian art works into Azerbaijani language. Very often the visits of scientific institutions take place in order to deepen and extend our cooperation.

This year, the director of the State Translation Center Ms. Fah Massoud, a person, who is very famous in Azerbaijan, visited Ukraine.

She is very interested in modern Ukrainian literature.

Ukrainians and Azerbaijanis are not close geographically, but our peoples share a spiritual similarity.

Which regions of Ukraine do you like most of all? Is there a place in Ukraine where would you like to spend your holidays?

– Without any diplomacy, I have to tell you – each of the Ukrainian regions is a special one.

Each of the regions has its own attractive sides and it is difficult to distinguish one of them. As for a vacation, in the winter I visited the Carpathians with my family. In the summer, we are in Odessa.

Ukraine is a wonderful land, where wonderful people live, to whom we, with all our heart, wish peace, goodness and prosperity.

The conversation was held by Ihor Skrypnyk

Do you travel a lot around Ukraine?

– Of course. We know that Ukraine has great potential, but only being in the regions you can understand how powerful your country is. Ukraine is moving fast forward. It is no longer a raw material base. Ukraine is developing its high-tech production.

Azerbaijan is ready to invest money there and therefore, the representatives of the Embassy are monitoring the situation – we are considering which region is most promising and safest (at the same time) for investing. #14, March 2019

17

JURIDICAL VECTOR

SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF IMPORT DELIVERIES REGISTRATION IN UKRAINE Ukraine has a significant not just territorial but human resource as well. Each person is a potential consumer for the manufacturer.

We are currently able to observe a rather interesting tendency. On the one hand, Ukrainian manufacturers tend to look for market outlets abroad, because the resident there has higher average earnings and, accordingly, competitive purchasing power. On the other hand, foreign manufacturers consider Ukrainian market with significant consumer potential. For example, according to official data, the population of Ukraine in 2017 is 44.03 million people (32nd place in the world). To put that in context, the population of Poland is 37.95 million, Lithuania – 2.872 million, the Netherlands – 17.02 million.

Cost loading The central focus of the importer while entering the Ukrainian market should be the calculation of cost loading – an economic component. After all, the purpose of any business is a certain level of its marginal component.

Quite often, it is necessary to observe when the importer begins to study and investigate the market, to formulate a marketing strategy, to search for ways of production distribution, however, we recommend, first of all, to start with the economic component and taking into account customs rules of Ukraine.

In particular, to calculate the financial component it is necessary to predict the tax burden. For example, nowadays,when importing products, the value-added tax is 20% of the invoice amount. If the imported production does not have a Euro-1 certificate (the presence of which, according to the agreement with the EU, dispenses from paying import payments), an import duty is paid additionally, which can range from 5% to 15%. It is also necessary to consider the cost of the customs broker services.

Moreover, in case of conflict situations with the

20

#14, March 2019

customs control authorities, it may be necessary to attract lawyers, which will also increase the expense part of the delivery procedure.

Consequently, the cost loading for customs clearance of the goods can reach about 40% of the goods cost. In addition, the party purchasing such a product in Ukraine should add its own margin profit to obtain certain income. The given financial indicators should be taken into account in order to understand the final cost of the goods for the consumer. In addition, an understanding of the full final price of a product affects the formation of a marketing strategy that will help to clearly distinguish market outlets.

Currency control One should not neglect the rules of customs control and forget about the specifics of currency transaction regulation in Ukraine. In particular, in the territory of our state, state control over foreign exchange operations is carried out.

Residents, who purchase imported goods, have to report to the banking institution within 180 days and the bank – to the bodies of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine. The rules of currency control are often not followed by importers,

which results in imposing fines on them and the need for obtaining individual permits for import operations. In most cases, the violation of the rules of customs control is associated with circumstances unrelated to the importer – delayed delivery of goods, delayed launch date or delayed production, lack of goods, etc.

Adjustment of the customs value of the goods Also, one of the peculiarities of the state regulation of import operations is monitoring the pricing of goods by the customs authorities.

The current legislation allows customs control authorities to monitor prices of similar to imported products goods, to investigate the cost of products of the original producer, to compare prices of the producer of such products and the specified by the importer price in the invoice.

Moreover, the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine carries out its own customs register with prices for goods. Quite often, customs authorities make adjustments to the customs value of the goods in cases of discrepancies found between the amount indicated in the invoice and the cost of products, which is noted in the register.

Such an adjustment leads to an increase of sums while paying VAT and customs payments. And in the event when the importer does not agree with the adjustment of the customs value of the goods, he is expected to have a fairly long legal proceedings.

Patent trolling Patent trolling is one of the types of unfair competitive struggle. Unfairness lies in the registration of patents for already existing inventions, industrial designs or useful models. Then such patents are registered in the customs register of objects of intellectual property rights. During operational import execution, the

customs control authorities verify the presence of proper rights to import the goods. In the case of information in the customs register of intellectual property rights items regarding the registered patent, respectively, the importer must provide the consent of the patent owner for the import. The owners of such patents, as a result, carry out blackmail and financial extortion.

As for the legality of the actions of customs control authorities, I will provide the official statistics. As for customs disputes, in 2009, 3362 customs cases worth 1.7 billion UAH were considered, 1455 of which were solved in favor of the customs worth 848.6 million UAH, which is 44 per cent of the total number of customs disputes. In 2015, 2900 customs cases worth 933.9 million UAH were considered, 1137 of which were solved in favour of the customs worth 551 million UAH, which is 39 per cent of the total amount of customs disputes. In the same period of 2016, 769 cases worth 340.2 million UAH were solved in favour of the customs authorities, which is only 32.7 per cent out of a total amount of 2352 cases worth 340.2 million UAH amount.

Over nine months of 2017, the share of tax and customs disputes, decided by the courts of various instances in favour of the fiscal services out of the total number of tax and customs disputes settled by courts of different instances (the quantitative effectiveness of the consideration of tax and customs disputes in a judicial proceeding), was 48, 8%.

The mentioned statistics show that in more than 50% of cases, the fiscal service authorities take unlawful decisions. This situation clearly does not contribute to the increase in the number of import operations, so when importing, we recommend you to immediately calculate all risks.

Svitlana Moroz, a managing partner of the “DICTUM Law Firm” company.

A WOMAN IN POLITICS

Iryna Sysoenko, People’s Deputy of Ukraine, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Parliament Committee on Health Care, explains the political election processes, victories of Ukraine in 2018, gender equality, exclusively for the FD. Dear Iryna, we are talking to you at the beginning of the New Year – both calendar and political. Therefore, it would be advisable to ask about the political New Year, which promises to be rich in significant events for our country, as you see it. What will it bring to the Ukrainians in your opinion?

– The next year will be the year of double elections: presidential and parliamentary. Of course, I want to believe that 2019 will be the year of real change. But we already see a series of dirty political manipulations, false slogans and promises used by politicians in the struggle for positions and armchairs. However I hope that Ukrainians will prudently approach the main political events this year, before the elections. It is said that every nation chooses the authorities it deserves. So, I think that Ukrainians deserve an honest government that will work efficiently, and not simulate, which, with its clear steps and actions, will improve the standard of citizens’ living, the level of education, medicine, and will bring our country to a new economic level, and finally, to the level of developed European countries. When deciding who to cast a vote, it is important to evaluate not the promises that many times had sounded from the mouths of those who held the reins of power, but to evaluate the things done.

The past political year was not easy as well. What would you name the main Ukrainian victory of 2018?

– Yes, indeed, the last year was not easy, but very important. Since I am in the parliament dealing with medicine, I would like to talk about the main positive points in the medical field.

This is primarily due to the fact that in 2018 the first changes in the financing of the health system began, the first steps to implement new laws, which were adopted by the parliament.

2018 became the year when the state began to pay for medical services to family physicians, pediatricians, and therapists through the state budget funds. Medical institutions began to be reorganized into non-profit enterprises, which will allow them to receive much more money from the state, insurance companies, employers, and any sources of financing. Nowadays, the patients have not felt changes yet, because it needs time. But in the coming years, the state will pay for diagnostic services in the hospitals, from 2020 for operations, appeals to surgeons, urologists, cardiologists, narrow specialists.

With the new laws we have foreseen, and the government has to do it, that patients have to spend less and less money when they go to the hospital. In the end, the norm of the Constitution of Ukraine on free medical care should work in reality when it is free of charge for patients, but paid for the state.

How and when did your political career begin? What made you go for politics?

– Being an attorney by education, I understood that all processes are carried out according to certain rules, which are established by law. That is why, I have set myself the goal to be where the laws are written and adopted – the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. This was precisely the motivation that was the main impetus for me to go for politics. Helping one, two people is good, but I want to change the system to help many people. And without new laws, the health care system will never change. #14, March 2019

23

A WOMAN IN POLITICS There is a lot of talking that Ukrainian women are not sufficiently represented in politics. Do you agree with such a point of view? Do not you think that your political career refutes such allegations?

– Not only I am a successful example of a woman-politician in our country. I want to say that in Ukraine, more and more women are holding high positions in various fields of government.

No one will be surprised by the representative of the fair sex on the post of minister, vice speaker, each subsequent VRU composition with more women. The same applies to women, who are the deputies of city, regional, district councils; women who are the heads of villages, women governors, heads of regional councils. Therefore, we cannot say that we are lagging behind the world in the issue of women’s presence in Ukrainian politics. And this brings hope that Ukraine will develop precisely thanks to women.

How difficult is it to be a womanpolitician in Ukraine? What is the main obstacle, and what is the main advantage in the activity of a womanpolitician?

– First, I will talk about the benefits. Based on my experience, I can name the main qualities of women in politics, where they are more advantageous than men: •

•

a woman intrinsically is a guardian, a man intrinsically is a warrior. A woman is focused on the result, while men are often busy with the process itself and are sometimes so enthralled by the process of competition and warfare, that they do not remember what they were struggling for and what the whole process was for at all; the ability to take responsibility. It is a natural quality; it is connected with the process of delivery of a child and further responsibility for him/her.

As for the obstacles, first of all, I want to say about the main stereotypes and challenges faced by a woman-politician: For example, the widespread assertion that politics is not a women’s profession. All around try to obtrude on a woman-politician an opinion that politics is a hard day-to-day job, daily stress, it is communication skills, the ability to take the heat and stick to their position. There are attempts to devalue women-politicians, to persuade that as a woman, she acts emotionally, not intellectually,

24

#14, March 2019

and so on. That is, there will always be people who resist the change of paradigm, but their views are becoming obsolete in the first place. I am sure that when you are praised by colleagues in politics, you do not exist. An excuse to drink champagne is when you begin to be criticized by your colleagues, rejoice when it starts to happen.

Another stereotype: “A woman-politician is a bad wife and mother”. There is a widespread perception that a woman working in politics cannot be a good wife or mother, since she leaves her strength at work. This is a stereotype with which it is necessary to work hard. After all, the position of the leader is not only new rights and opportunities in the world of men, but also responsibilities that do not exclude the duties given to us by nature: being a mother and a wife.

In my opinion, it is necessary to educate children by our own example. So, you will never teach a child to love work if you do not work yourself. Children do not always hear us, but they perceive very well our behavior, what we do and how we do it. From my own experience, the more you have achieved, the better the future you form for your children.

It is also said: “A woman-politician is doing work all the time, so she’s strong, but lonely.” 4 years being in parliament, I work a lot, but last year I got married a second time. In addition to me, three other women-deputies also added the status of the wife to their status, the same applies to pregnancy and giving birth to a child.

That is, in the modern world, a woman can also build a political career, and marry and give birth to children!

“A woman who goes to politics ceases to belong to herself” and this is the biggest mistake.

That is, your day begins with a lot of calls, a large number of simultaneous tasks, a high level of stress, you do not sleep and at a certain stage negative physiological processes begin! This is the limit you must not reach. The issue of your own health should always be in the first place.

In politics there will always be people who will quickly replace you, but you will never replace your health and appearance. I see how my female colleagues work from morning till night, how they cease to pay attention to their body, they are getting overweight, their hormonal background changes, health problems begin, then men start to behave differently, in the end you do not want your husband to live with you just because you have a deputy’s badge.

A WOMAN IN POLITICS or the issue of gender equality, which is now very fashionable.

This is all very important, but it is only a component of that large and many-sided female happiness! That’s exactly what I wanted to talk to women about.

After all, every person wants to be happy, but for everyone in a certain period of life, happiness will mean something different.

And it is important for every woman to understand what her happiness is, what she really wants. And I am very pleased that many women approached me, thanked and asked when the next event would take place. Therefore, it was just a good start, I plan to continue a series of similar events, because I felt they were useful.

As Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Parliament Committee on Health Care, what you can say about medical reform. How fair, in your opinion, is its critique, which we encounter in the media and social networks?

– The Parliament has adopted the necessary qualitative medical laws, as I have already noted. But whether it will be good for people depends on how the Government will implement / realize these laws. Personally, I will do my best and all that depends on me, so that people feel protected, crossing the threshold of the hospital.

What would you like to wish the readers of our edition?

Recently, the women’s forum “I’m happy”, initiated by you, has taken place. What is the purpose of the forum, how is it different from other forums?

When I planned to hold a women’s forum, first of all, the goal was to make it useful for women. I wanted to raise the issue not only about women’s success in politics or women in business,

– Despite the continuous distrust of the society to the authorities, the parliament; the disappointment in everything that is happening in our country, I want to wish to keep good and love to Ukraine, to relatives and friends in heart.

Much depends on each of us and only we can build a strong, successful country, nobody, except us, will do it. Successful and happy Ukraine begins with a happy Ukrainian, happy family. #14, March 2019

25

VERLOS is clothing for those who feel the rapid change of the world, where we are becoming different second by second, better than yesterday.

Our brand offers clothing – transformer. One piece of clothing has several images.

VERLOS is an area for those who appreciate their personality.

You should always be stylish and unique.

+38 050 289 34 53 facebook.com/verlos.design instagram.com/verlos_design St. Pirogova 2/37-b Kyiv

INTERNATIONAL VECTOR

THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF UKRAINE FROM A LOGISTIC POINT OF VIEW, FIRST OF ALL, LIES IN THE FACT THAT UKRAINE IS A MARITIME COUNTRY. THUS MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION OF VARIOUS CARGOES IS PROVIDED, WHICH IN TURN INCREASES THE FINANCIAL PART OF THE BUDGET, – SAYS ANDRII RADCHENKO, GENERAL DIRECTOR OF THE EURO-ASIAN LOGISTIC COMPANY IN A CONVERSATION WITH THE FD.

Mr. Radchenko, when was your company created?

And for what purpose?

– Euro-Asian Logistic Company was established for the purpose of realizing many years of experience in logistics, and its implementation in the modern Ukrainian business environment. We can offer domestic business the best conditions for transport and warehouse logistics, retail support, establishment of cross-docking operations, the logistic component of e-commerce for merchandising companies and much more.

What has become the main impetus for its creation?

– Creation of the company was facilitated by preliminary work with the partners from China, studying the market and potential opportunities which appear in the conditions of co-operation and collaborative work. Logistic potential of Ukraine is very attractive for attracting foreign partners, therefore, due to this fact, after our numerous visits and negotiations, our company was created.

What do you consider the main achievement of your company for all the time of its existence?

Now the company acts as a 4PL operator and provides a wide range of logistic services, such as transport logistics and warehouse logistics, customs services, retail operations, etc. Our warehouse is managed by the WMS Logistic Vision Suite system, with the help of which we have reduced

28

Your company is a joint UkrainianChinese project. What are the main advantages and preferences of joint activities with the business and economic structures of this country?

– If we analyze the foreign activity of Chinese companies, their growing expansion in the world and, in particular, in Europe should be noted.

Acquiring technological competitors gives access to new technologies and new markets.

Ukraine is not an exception. Joint activity with Chinese partners has its advantages – access to technology and financial resource, and most importantly – their interest in the Ukrainian market. operations for collecting orders; we have high KPI indicators, and very low percentage of errors. The system has an integrated transport management system, which allows us to coordinate the work of the warehouse and transport facilities, which adds value by reducing transport downtime and optimizing the routes.

Thanks to WMS Logistic Vision Suite, there is productivity growth, warehouse operations’ optimization; the volume of processed goods is increasing, the opportunity to provide information in real time is realized, leftover stock is reduced, the human factor is leveled out.

30

#14, March 2019

Ukraine is joining the international transport and logistics project “Silk Road”. How effective and useful for our country is this project?

– The Silk Road project should change its geography in terms of recent relations with the Russian Federation, which make it impossible to transit goods directly. In view of this, a significant part of

INTERNATIONAL VECTOR

the trade turnover can be oriented at the route Ukraine-Georgia-AzerbaijanTurkmenistan-Kazakhstan (Uzbekistan) – China. The potential of this transport corridor is very attractive, but its implementation requires coordinated actions of the relevant authorities in all the countries involved in the project.

What are the ambitious goals and projects you plan to implement during 2019?

– Among our immediate goals is the expansion of our activities not only in Ukraine but also in neighbouring countries, involvement of new volumes of trade turnover, though not extensive growth is important, but technological innovation that can bring efficiency growth.

For example, the volume of e-commerce is growing rapidly. According to The 2017 UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper, the share of mobile e-commerce in 2020 will reach 250 billion dollars, almost half of the total online business volume.

In view of this, we offer and develop a respective direction of our activity – warehousing services, order batching, servicing of payments, courier delivery, etc.

At the same time, one more prioritized direction of our activity is the development of a network of grocery stores near the “Kolo” house.

Having started the project in Kyiv, we are now distributing it all over Ukraine. The concept of the network includes the possibility of electronic

orders, which will combine this direction with the direction of e-commerce. In both cases, you need to have a warehouse processing technology for orders and their subsequent delivery to the consumer at the store or at home.

Can Ukraine be considered investmentfriendly for China? Why? – The attractiveness of Ukraine from a logistic point of view lies in, first of all, the fact that Ukraine is a maritime country. Thus multimodal transportation of various cargoes is provided. Unfortunately, the political situation in the country does not contribute to the attraction of foreign partners, and the economic rules of the game are also not the most attractive. But despite this, the Chinese partners see the longterm prospect of integration with the Ukrainian business.

The conversation was held

by Anna Avramenko. #14, March 2019

31

UKRAINIAN DIPLOMATICS

“The Ukrainian Institute creates an additional dimensionb– cultural diplomacy, which also helps the state achieve its strategic goals,” says Volodymyr Sheiko, Director General of the Ukrainian Institute, exclusively for the FD. Mr. Sheiko, the creation of the Ukrainian Institute under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine fell on one of the most difficult periods of modern Ukrainian history. Can we say that exactly the armed aggression and the information war against our country have become the impulses that led to the creation of the Institute?

– The social and political transformations, which Ukraine has experienced since the Revolution of Dignity has, of course, become an impetus for a qualitatively new policy in the field of culture and cultural diplomacy.

There appeared an understanding of their importance for the subjectivity of the country, for information protection, for the development

of Ukraine’s capacity as a state. This is a natural reaction to external challenges and stimuli, when the country found itself in a situation of forced opposition to the informational, power and cultural influence of another country #14, March 2019

33

UKRAINIAN DIPLOMATICS and suddenly realized that it had no strong institutions and structures for this. Therefore, it is obvious that Ukraine’s foreign policy situation requires non-standard, non-linear approaches to counteract Russian aggression.

On the other hand, there is an internal request of Ukrainian society for a more qualitative policy in the humanitarian field. This request has stimulated the updating of managerial approaches in already existing institutions (such as Mystetskyi Arsenal, Dovzhenko-Tsenter, Derzhino), as well as the emergence of a number of new ones – the Ukrainian Institute, the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation, the Ukrainian Institute of Book. Nowadays, we are building cooperation models, that can maximize the synergy of our efforts both inside the country and beyond, together with the colleagues from these organizations. By launching the Ukrainian Institute, we understand that there was a request for a qualitatively new format of horizontal interaction. The post-Maidan window of opportunities means not only the emergence of new social lifts, but also the joint responsibility before the public of those who, thanks to these lifts, have got new opportunities for changes and reforms.

Promotion of national culture abroad assumes not only profits, but also serious costs. Are you ready for this?

– First of all, I want to start with terminology.

I would not consider it as a cost, but rather as an investment. Systemic activity in the field of cultural diplomacy creates invaluable

achievements for the country, which makes it clearer to the foreign community, creates the ambience of trust around itself, can effectively communicate itself in the modern world, thereby gaining other advantages – increasing the tourist flow, intensifying economic cooperation, improving (in the long run) a security situation and so on. It is a long-term investment, which cannot be measured immediately and, that is to say, “in kilograms”.

Of course, such activity requires substantial funds. Any country spends significant budgets on defense, education, social protection and creates opportunities for the development of the creative potential of every person. These are the social benefits where a priori a state has to invest time and money. The Ukrainian Institute creates an additional dimension – cultural diplomacy, which also helps the state achieve its strategic goals.

In addition, we have an example of other countries which have understood long ago and are effectively implementing that – at least those countries whose quality and standard of living we would like to match. Is Ukraine ready for this, and does it fully understand the need for such investments? I remember talking to our colleague from the Ukrainian Research Institute of Harvard University, Oleh Kotsiuba, about whether the state can understand the non-obvious, at first glance, role of culture in its national security. He said that culture also saves human lives, as military men do, just in a different way. This thesis is close to me, I understand the

UKRAINIAN DIPLOMATICS

need for these costs. On the other hand, while the Ukrainian Institute is not successful and does not demonstrate the effectiveness of cultural diplomacy, it is not easy for us to persuade skeptics. I am delighted that the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly called cultural diplomacy one of the priority directions of its work.

What is the budget of the Institute?

– The budget of the institute for 2019 is 90 million UAH. Approximately one-third out of this amount is planned for the realization of the bilateral year of culture – Austria-Ukraine 2019.

Other program funds are directed to cultural and educational projects in six other countries, the programs of international mobility and maintenance of the institution.

Will you attract sponsor funds?

– We are planning, of course, to do so. We

want to diversify the sources of our funding in order to reduce the load on the state budget. It is a complex and long-term task. In my experience in a similar institution – the British Council, which also at some point set itself the goal of maximizing partner and sponsor funds – the first results appeared only a few years after the start of system work. We need to build trust with our partners in a consistent way, we need to have groundwork that attracts potential sponsors and partners; we need a well-established and extensive international network of subsidiaries, through which partners can also achieve their communication goals.

It is worth to understand that our state institution status imposes the same restrictions on any sponsored funds attracted by us, like on budget funding. This applies to public procurement, reporting, planning, and so on.

Therefore, deregulation and greater freedom in using these funds are essential for greater #14, March 2019

35

UKRAINIAN DIPLOMATICS

effectiveness of the Institute and the entire cultural field.

In order to avoid potential risks associated with extra-budgetary funds (for example, manipulation of content or the attempts to undue influence on decision making); a lot of foreign government organizations working with sponsor money have the so-called due diligence process. In Ukrainian language, this concept can be translated as “verification of integrity”; it involves scanning a potential partner in those aspects related to the ethics of doing business, the lack of links with weapon manufacturers, terrorist organizations or the aggressor country. For example, the British Council, in which I worked, very clearly defined the circle of companies with which it could not work as a public money operator. Therefore, although

36

#14, March 2019

we generally support the attraction of sponsor money as one of the strategies for achieving sustainability of the organization, it is clear that for this we will need a lot of time, effort and resources.

In which countries will the first branches of the Institute work and why?

– We hope it will be Poland, France and Germany – these are our priorities, agreed with the Foreign Ministry. This is the largest political force of the European Union, strategically important for Ukraine. In these countries there are many institutions with which Ukraine is already working, we are already known there, we can count on the centres of foreign Ukrainians who are our allies.

Also, among our focal countries for 2019 are

UKRAINIAN DIPLOMATICS Austria, Great Britain, Italy, Czech Republic, Spain and Lithuania. It is a mix of political heavyweights and smaller countries, which, however, have long-standing and developed ties with Ukraine, or those who face similar challenges regarding information security, or have experience of how small resources can make a significant impact in the field of cultural diplomacy.

How will the cooperation between the Institute and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs take place? What is the degree of the Institute’s autonomy?

– The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the governing body of the Ukrainian Institute. This means that they approve our annual budget and other documents regulating our activities.

But we have the autonomy declared by the MFA leadership to formulate its program activities.

The concept of the autonomy of the Institute from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was announced by Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin in the beginning of 2017, when the first groundwork of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the future institution appeared. I can testify that, not only at the level of applications, but also after the Institute started its work, the Ministry consistently adhered to this position. We have an understanding that the Ukrainian Institute is part of Ukraine’s foreign policy and, therefore, should coordinate its work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On the other hand, due to its expertise, the Institute should formulate and implement state policy in the field of cultural diplomacy. Here we are determined to cooperate fruitfully with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, because this is a joint matter, which will allow recording the strategic importance of this function at the state level and will allow ensuring its sustainable financing. This cooperation will naturally continue and strengthen the strong work of public and cultural diplomacy, which the Foreign Ministry and foreign diplomatic institutions of Ukraine have been already carrying out several years in a row. But the fact that cultural diplomacy is now isolated in a separate institution will allow us to increase the number of projects in this area, as well as to lessen the load of embassies and consulates. In addition, the Ukrainian Institute will carry out an important advisory role and will serve as a point of contact with Ukrainian cultural space. Just as the staff of the embassies and consulates is a source of knowledge about the host countries for us, we also should be a link with relevant cultural processes in Ukraine.

What kind of cultural and educational activities will be realized by the foreign branches of the Institute?

– It’s a bit too early to talk about it, because the legal and economic model of subsidiaries is not defined at this time. On the other hand, regardless of the form of their activities, our priorities will be to ensure the representation of Ukrainian culture abroad, Ukraine’s participation in key cultural, educational and scientific events of the world, international exchanges and mobility, support of Ukrainian studies and Ukrainian studios, teaching and promotion of the Ukrainian language abroad. We are also actively studying the experience of cultural diplomacy institutes of other countries, and it will be taken into account.

Will studying of the Ukrainian language be free in the Institute’s branches?

– In my opinion, since this is a service, it would be logical for it to be paid. Currently, we are actively communicating with the Ministry of Education and Science on the development of curricula in the Ukrainian language as a foreign language, as well as the state certification on the level of language proficiency.

You have experience in working at the British Council. Do you plan to use the experience of this structure?

– For the past few years, I have been working at the British Council as a director of artistic programs for a region, which consisted of 15 countries of Southeastern Europe and Central Asia, in particular Serbia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Turkey and Ukraine. My task was to determine what the local art teams were doing and to create, for example, communication companies for them, to be a liaison person between them and the central office in London. Before I headed the Ukrainian Institute, I was the director of artistic programs especially for Ukraine. My team was involved in the programming of cinema, literature, design, music and other projects.

I have gained the experience in the institution where the principles of transparency and accountability are the key ones; a function of communication and public relations, willingness to invest in employee development, project development in partnership with local institutions are developed. I am trying to implement these approaches in the work of the Ukrainian institute too.

The conversation was held by Anna Avramenko #14, March 2019

37

Your personal assistant while staying in Ukraine We are the professionals with decades of experience in the ďŹ eld of elite tourism. Having Yana Tour Ukraine, all the doors will be open for you as a foreign guest – your ticket to a by-invitation-only event, access to an elite private club, a table at the best restaurants.

We shall provide you with: VIP meeting at the airport; premium class transfer; reservation of the best hotels according to special tariffs; services of a personal stylist and a private shopping maker, a beauty-assistant; organization of SPA programs; author’s tours with the best guides; reservation of tables in premium restaurants, bars and clubs; memorable gifts; VIP access; organization of the events of any format.

Kyiv, Saksaganskogo st., 42 +380 (44) 490 73 73 www.yanatourukraine.com

WHO ARE YOU MR. MORGUN?

Valery Morgun, the President of the Ukrainian Federation of Rowing Boats “Dragon”, Honoured Worker of Physical Culture and Sports of Ukraine, Honoured Master of Sports of Ukraine of Rowing Boats “Dragon”, Honoured Coach of Ukraine, Master of Sports of Ukraine on Kayaking and Kano Rowing told the FD about unusual for Ukraine, but already quite popular sport, the Dragon World Rowing Championship in Kyiv, which will be held in Kyiv and about the connection between sports and politics...

“Sport is one of the best ways in which countries claim and declare themselves in the world,” said Valeriy Morgun, the President of the Ukrainian Federation of Rowing Boats “Dragon”

How did the idea to create the federation for rowing on the boats “Dragon” appear? You should agree, this kind of rowing has not been very common for Ukraine.

– The foundation of the federation was in 2004, and of course, at that time, “Dragon” was an unusual, inaudible and even exotic sport for our country.

I devoted a considerable part of my life to kayaking; I took part in the competitions of an international level, where I was fortunate not only to see, but also to get to know more about this kind of rowing.

However, at some point, I was disappointed that in Ukraine this spectacular kind of rowing remains unknown.

Making “Dragon” boats rowing a popular and massive sport was one of the priorities for me and my associates, and then we decided to create an all-Ukrainian federation that would be involved in the development of this sport in all its directions.

Today, in our country there are successfully developing sports federations of different origins, but not all of them can be massive and cover all segments of the population. For example, our sport allows you to capture rowing

at any age and be promoted in sport in general.

We set ourselves the goal of making the “Dragon” boats rowing as familiar to the Ukrainians as the academic rowing, and kayaking and canoeing.

How many teams and clubs does your federation include for now?

– The All-Ukrainian Federation consists of twenty one cell and a number of rowing sports clubs. We form the composition of the national team of Ukraine among the best athletes: adult, junior and youth ones. At the same time, fourteen of our cells, along with the main direction, actively develop the amateur rowing line on the boat “Dragon”.

Are these amateur clubs as numerous as the regional ones?

– I would say quite enough, but not as much as I would like. Amateur cells operate in Kyiv, Odessa, Lviv, Poltava, Zhytomyr and Cherkassy.

Most of all, I am surprised and delighted by the Lviv branch, because at the time when there are rivers and rowing canals in the territorial boundaries of Kyiv and Poltava region, Lviv sportsmen conduct training outside the city, however, this does not prevent them from being among the best in the national and international arenas. #14, March 2019

41

WHO ARE YOU MR. MORGUN?

What are the Ukrainian team’s achievements?

– Undoubtedly, it is difficult for us to compete with those teams in those countries where this sport has been developed for a longer period of time.

However, we conduct competitions for various segments of the population, including Ukrainian championships, drawings of the Ukrainian Cup, international tournaments at which we obtain the necessary experience.

This allows us not only to prepare for the

international competitions of different levels, but also to promote this kind of rowing.

As for the success of the Ukrainian team at international competitions, since 2014, our athletes are always on the plinth of respect for competitions at European and world levels.

Incidentally, the year 2018 was no exception.

What kind of international activity does your federation provide?

– On 13th of September, 2019, Club World Rowing Championship on “Dragon” boats will be held in Kyiv.

WHO ARE YOU MR. MORGUN? We are pleased that the International Federation has expressed its trust in the Ukrainian Federation of Rowing on the Dragon boats and made it possible to host this championship in the capital.

We were ready for the above mentioned competitions last year, but the International Federation had warnings about the unstable situation in the country.

I am glad that we managed to prove to the local authorities the importance of these competitions.

International level competitions are the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and involvement in active sports, and good tourist advertising for the city of Kyiv.

We met the mayor of Kyiv, Vitalii Klitschko, who paid a lot of attention to the development of sports and got his support in the competition, we were allocated a water area near Obolonska embankment.

In general, the background to the approval of the Club World Cup in Kyiv is very rich, because our federation has passed a difficult path from the preparation of technical documentation to protecting it at a meeting of the European and world federations. And when, during the closure of the 2017 World Championship in Venice, the President of the Asian Canoe Confederation of the International Canoe Federation, Shokin Narita, solemnly passed me the International Canoe Federation flag, this was an official acknowledgment of the rights to hold the

Dragon Rowing World Championship in Ukraine in 2019.

So, next year, nearly 6,000 athletes from 40 countries will visit Kyiv.

By the Decree of the President of Ukraine dated from the 23rd of August 2018, you were awarded with the title of the Honoured Worker of Physical Culture and Sports of Ukraine. How would you comment on this distinction?

– The recognition of such a high level is undoubtedly an honour for me. And not just for me. I believe that this award has been given not only to me, but also to our entire sports community of the “Dragon” boats rowing.

Do you agree with the statement that sport is out of politics?

– Of course, not. The sport is politics itself. When a team of a certain country wins international competitions, the anthem of this country is heard and its flag is raised. Isn’t it a part of international politics? I believe that sport is one of the best ways in which countries claim and declare themselves in the world. Remember, at the beginning of independence in the 1990s, when Ukraine was little known in the world, the Ukrainian prominent athletes and their victories at international competitions glorified our young state. For a long time, the very name of our country was associated, first of all, with sports and athletes. It’s worth of remembering.

The conversation was held by Ihor Skrypnyk

#14, March 2019

43

WHO ARE YOU, MRS. LISNYCHA?

In Ukraine, more and more women are holding major posts in the authorities, achieving leadership in business and successfully representing our country in the international arena. How the Ukrainians succeed in doing that, what changes our country needs, why the stability of the state is impossible without high-level medicine, how to improve our position in the world, Viktoriia Lisnycha, the President of the International Diplomatic Council in Ukraine, is telling the “Fashion of Diplomacy�.

NOWADAYS THE DESTINY OF THE WORLD IS BEING SOLVED IN UKRAINE. IF WE FAIL – EVERYONE WILL LOSE – Have you ever seen our guys competing in Invictus Games in Sydney? I used to cry while watching their workouts. And now these are the tears of joy for our heroes. When I am looking at them, I understand – one should not stop even for a moment. The mothers of the children from the artistic action “Doomed to Be Happy” are equally impressive. The same will, as they have, is still present among our defenders in the East.

Having such people, we have no other options but to change the country for the better. Medicine, education, economics, the army are our pillars of development,” says Viktoriia.

You are the President of the International Diplomatic Council.

What does this organization do?

– Our activities are closely connected to the promotion of a positive image of Ukraine in Europe and in the world.

The council includes diplomats and artists, and people from the public sector. We need a new strategy, a new vision of Ukraine’s relations with the world. The world loves Ukraine. We are perceived. But we have to go forward, develop and improve our position. We have to cultivate relations with the countries that are friendly to us. There are people around us who are ready to cooperate. These are diplomats, government officials, and business. And as a result, we are strengthening the position of our state in the international arena and the country receives investments. We started with the little steps.

Today we are a powerful organization. We care not only for the development of diplomacy, but also for social projects.

Which of the projects impressed you most of all?

– Charity is always a calling from the heart.

My grandmother taught me since my childhood – I have to help people. Recently, we participated in an incredible project – this is a social-artistic action “Doomed to Be Happy”. This is a one-day event, which was held at the Ukrainian House on October 10. Children and young people with specific mental and physical development from all

over Ukraine came to Kyiv. They presented their theatrical performance “Beyond the Limits”. I had not seen so much joy for a long time. Everybody was happy – the children, their parents, and all spectators. They are real actors. Very talented. At the show, I realized even more – we have to live to do good. We wake up every day and live colourless life. We do not rejoice and are not surprised by the beauty of the world. We live in masks. A man has to live his life and they will get what they are worth. This year the action was supported by the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation. The wife of the President of Ukraine, the Head of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation, Mrs. Maryna Poroshenko, was with us at the performance. I can note that Mrs. Poroshenko is an example of humanity, goodness and positive.

The health care reform is not as successful as we would like it to be.

How can we accelerate it?

– Being ongoing is already a process. More than 10 million Ukrainians signed declarations with the family doctors. And this is good.

Everything will happen faster if the funding of the sector is improved. Where to take funds in addition to the state budget? The answer to this is insurance medicine. Look at the experience of economically powerful countries that we are taking cue from. People have to go to the hospital and understand – all is paid for them. They do not need to run for medication. And physicians should receive wages instead of looking for money for maintaining a family, children’s education. Both patients and doctors are worthy of the best. Let’s take the European Union countries as an example.

Employees often choose an employer, depending on the size of the insurance. It also covers the treatment of family members of the worker.

Average life expectancy in Europe is over 80 years. There are systems of insurance funds. In France, these funds work as private companies.

But their work is controlled by the government.

The right to have state medical care and insurance is guaranteed to every citizen. Insurance is mandatory. #14, March 2019

45

WHO ARE YOU, MRS. LISNYCHA? In Austria, medicine consists of two levels.

At the first one everyone is provided with free medical care. To get a profile treatment – you have to pay or take advantage of the insurance.

In Switzerland, health insurance is compulsory for over 20 years. Women live on average almost 86 years there, men – over 80.

And the money for the salvation of children or prostheses for the military is not searched for in social networks.

– Exactly. Nowadays the whole country collects the money bit by bit for bone marrow transplantation for the kids every time.

Operations cost dozens of thousands euros. Yes, and they do not do them in Ukraine. Insurance medicine will give impetus to qualitative changes in medicine. And before that, it is necessary to establish cooperation between the responsible departments – the Ministry of Health Care and the profile committee in the Verkhovna Rada.

Having a consensus between them, we will have even more efficiency. The committee is made up of real professionals, the men of execution. In particular, people’s deputies Kostiantyn Yarynich, Iryna Sysoienko, Serhii Berezenko. These are them who can form the backbone of a team that will be able to give a new impetus to the reform.

The system has entrenched during these years and it is very difficult to change it. Are you and your team ready to join and assist them if necessary?

– It is easy to talk. And I am used to be resultoriented, not criticizing someone’s achievements or failures, not talking a lot. One can tell everything you want. But try to do that. I am used to achieving the best results. And it is like in the army here – when the country needs us, we have to leave everything and go fighting. I took such challenges when I worked as the Head of Health Care Department of the Shevchenko district in Kyiv. The medical indicators in the district were the last in the capital then. We were working overtime. And we managed to bring our hospitals and medical facilities to the second place from the 11th in a few months according to all indicators. I am not afraid of work.

Women stopped being afraid to take responsibility for governments, parliaments and countries at all. You are one of those women. Is it difficult to compete with men?

– We do not have to compete for anything with men. To succeed in any business, we need their support. We have a different question here,

46

#14, March 2019

we, women, have another mission. The role of a woman in Ukraine today can become strategic, significant. A woman is first and foremost a mother, a guardian. She carries beauty, cares for the future – gives birth to children and does not live for the now. We have our own relation to life, to society. Therefore, in the parliament, women have a different approach to lawmaking. As an example, Iryna Gerashchenko, Iryna Lutsenko, Anna Hopko, Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze. In business, we, women, pay attention to the social component. In diplomacy, we find a common language where no one has ever agreed. Women have a special strength. Please, note: at the summits where the world leaders, the presidents of the most powerful countries get together, their wives, the first ladies, meet separately. And if the presidents do not always get the desirable after the negotiations, the first ladies hold exceptionally successful meetings. Each time our first lady Marina Poroshenko meets the wives of the presidents and prime ministers. And Ukraine receives the necessary assistance for children from the combat zone, orphans, children with mental and physical defects. Our wounded soldiers get assistance. This is the delicate female diplomacy working.

In one of the interviews you said that you are planning to open the School of Diplomacy for Women. What is this project about and how did the idea of its creation appear?

– I often communicate with our western partners and colleagues from the east – ambassadors, diplomats, and government officials. In Turkey, out of 255 diplomatic missions, 51 are headed by women. And I involuntarily caught myself thinking that there are much fewer women in Ukrainian diplomacy. Imagine, we have only four women being the ambassadors in foreign countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs employs only 38 women. And it is very good that there is a woman among the deputies of the minister – Olena Zerkal. But this is not enough. The womendiplomats are talking about it themselves. I see it during our round tables. Therefore, the School of Diplomacy is to exist. Those who want to change the country will be able to study there. Given the diplomats have to put the interests of the country above their own lives.

Similar projects for supporting women in business or are also funded by governments from other countries.

How real is it for us?

– There is indeed a trend in the world. But we are not lagging behind. Natalia Mykolska,

Viktoriia LISNYCHA: “You can be the Minister today, and tomorrow – just a simple man. But if you are a personality, and you have done a lot for the country, you will be respected. And if you did not do anything, lost the opportunities for the state – you will be persecuted. Whatever you are – the president, prime minister, minister – life does not end with a post. If you are responsible for your words, then you move to the future with your people. And if you only care for yourself, nothing will get done.”

who worked as the Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine and was the Trade Representative of Ukraine, initiated the She Exports project for women entrepreneurs.

This is the program which is supported by the government itself. Its goal is to promote Ukrainian exports abroad. This concerns the enterprises that are headed by women. Thus, Ukraine can raise its economic performance. As McKinsey’s research has shown, by 2025, global GDP can be increased up to $ 28 trillion if the countries of the world fully exploit the potential of women in the economy.

Why not?

Therefore, we need our own projects to help and support women in diplomacy.

I believe that this will start the revival of Ukraine. You need to take the first steps.

Remember Yaroslav the Wise.

What is the main challenge facing Ukraine now?

Do not give up. We have something to fight for.

Ukraine now has the greatest potential. In such a difficult time, we have tremendous opportunities for development. Having very difficult times one can quickly whip up. With a +3% GDP we can reach 9% and so on. Everyone should work to gain this result.

How can we defeat Russia?

– The way to victory is the only one – diplomatic.

The destiny of the world is being solved in Ukraine

nowadays. If we fail – the whole world will lose.

This should be said in all the stands, at all round tables, at each meeting.

There is a feeling that because of one reckless step our state will lose time and opportunities. How to avoid this?

– It is necessary to have patriots in leading positions. Ukraine is only one for us – we have to work for its sake. The world’s leading economies have undergone the same stages. True, they had a peaceful time. The neighbour did not tear their territory. I always give Israel as an example. In this country, the war goes on for decades. They learned to defend themselves. A powerful army and economy were built. Their medicine is one of the best in the world. Women did a lot there too.

In particular, Golda Meir is a national heroine. She was the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

We have someone to follow the example of.

But one will not get too far with the theory. We have a car and the license – we have to go.

Ukraine for a quarter of a century is a country...

– Independent and sovereign. Planes fly and trains go to Simferopol and Donetsk from Kyiv and Lviv. Children go to Ukrainian schools. The fields in the Donbass are mine-free. Our guys are at home.

And everyone is healthy.

The conversation was held by Alina Arkhypova #14, March 2019

47

ARTISTIC UKRAINE

One of the best pianists of the day, the founder of the Odessa International Classics Festival, Aleksei Botvinov, tells the FD what cultural diplomacy means for him, whether it is possible to play the piano at the Swiss parliament, and how the classical music helps to survive the difficult times...

Tell us about how your musical career began. What exactly led you to this?

– Since I am from the family of musicians, this could not but affect the choice of profession. I started to be taught the piano playing. My mother taught me.

She is also a pianist. The training began when I was seven years old. However, my parents did not have the bee in the bonnet to make me a professional musician. I was not a ponder kind, everything happened calmly and slowly, but when I was thirteen – fourteen years old I felt that I wanted to link my life with music.

The public in Ukraine, Russia, and the EU is well known to you. What is the main difference between Kyiv, Moscow and, let’s say, Milan listener of classical music?

– Of course, there is a certain difference.

It, above all, lies in the mentality of people.

If we talk about the Slavic audience, then it is surprisingly emotional, warm, happy to respond to music, loves to think and listen to music. The Italian and Spanish public, on the other hand, are more temperamental in its nature and respond to music not very

thoughtfully, but violently. In addition, when it comes to Italy or Spain, it is accepted to speak not loudly during the concert, and in fact the musician is performing to the accompaniment of the audience’s conversations. In Germany, on the other hand, the hall is completely silent. The applause can be loud, but not the ones we are accustomed to in Kyiv. In other words, I can say that viewers are different in each country, and this is dictated by mentality and temperament.

Tell us, please, about the Odessa Classics Festival, where you are an art director and organizer. How difficult is it to carry out such a large-scale event every year and does the state help you in organizing the festival?

– It is very difficult to cope with, because there is no state budget, in fact. However, this year there appeared region and city budgets for the needs of the festival. Last year, the city budget also provided some funds for Odessa Classics. Consequently, there are some changes at the local level. In Europe, those of my colleagues who carry out such events will receive considerably #14, March 2019

51

larger budgets that cover most of the festival’s needs. Therefore, they can plan their festivals a few years in advance. It is very difficult for me to create a budget every year even with some support from local authorities. You have to contact philanthropists. This is the main difficulty, because there is no opportunity to plan the event ahead. Therefore, the festival starts from scratch every year. And this is difficult, because it is necessary to negotiate with the artists in advance. Sometimes it seems that conducting such cultural events is more important for us than for the state. As for me, such a policy is not far-sighted.

How successful is the Bremen-Odessa music partnership? Do you see such a partnership as a manifestation of cultural diplomacy?

– Yes, of course, I consider this just as activity within the process that you had called cultural diplomacy. Three years ago, visiting Bremen and speaking to artists, including the representatives of the well-known and famous Bremen choir, I realized that these people did not know anything about what was happening in our country. However, when our cooperation began when they arrived in Odessa and looked at what and how our city lived, Ukraine stopped being something abstract for them. They told their relatives and friends about Ukraine. Such projects can be definitely attributed to cultural and national diplomacy. Also the Odessa Classics event was held in Switzerland in March this year, within which a concert of Ukrainian performers took place. They played Ukrainian and European music. The following day, the annual UkraineSwitzerland Forum began, and at the beginning of this forum, the concert took place in the Swiss parliament. The representatives of the Ukrainian delegation succeeded in persuading Swiss high officials to put the piano in the parliament, because such things are usually prohibited. So, for the first time in my life I had to play in the parliament. But not only that, the whole forum was actually held under the sign of music, and many politicians, both Ukrainian and Swiss, who made speeches there, talked about the importance of the cultural factor in international cooperation.

You have a lot to do with Russian cultural figures and with Russian cultural institutions. How did the dramatic events of 2014–2018 affect your cooperation with them?

ARTISTIC UKRAINE

– Definitely there was an influence. Let’s say my friendship with Russian writer Mikhail Shyshkin, who had emigrated to Switzerland a long time before, did not stop because of the war. After all, he is one of the most active critics of Putin’s regime. He often makes speeches in the pages of the world’s leading magazines – the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Guardian with the articles directed against the current Kremlin authority. On the other hand, contacts were interrupted with many of my friends that live in Moscow, because they had supported Russian aggression against Ukraine.

I also stopped performing there because of aggression. By 2014, I used to have a concert activity in Russia, but the annexation of the Crimea and the invasion of the Donbas put it to an end. I do not consider it possible for me to have any cooperation with this country.

– The time is not easy now and that is why I would like to wish the readers of your magazine to listen to classical music. First of all, it does not lie. At this time there is too little truth around.

Secondly, it actually gives strength at the difficult moments of life – both in personal life and in the life of an entire nation. Classical music gives you the right mood and it is much easier to suffer difficult times through with it. I recommend it.

The conversation was held

by Taras Dashkevych

What would you like to wish the readers of our magazine? #14, March 2019

53

Fashion house

SHOWROOM: City of Kyiv, Montazhnykiv street 72 +38 067 990 23 55 ainagasse.ua

OVERALL RESULTS

NEW YEAR AND CHRISTMAS ACCORDING TO THE UKRAINIAN TRADITIONS Such an event was organized by the international diplomatic magazine “Fashion of Diplomacy” on January 20, 2019, in the historic hotel-restaurant complex “Fortetsya Hetmana”.

Christmas carols, elements of the Nativity Play, threshing of sheaves and cooking – these Christmas traditions united 22 countries at this celebration.

— All activities, which we are organizing, are always aimed at the unification of people, the unification of countries and the unification of nations.

We always try to show the culture, history, traditions and values as much as possible. As you can see, today’s event has united 22 countries.

We hope that by showing the representatives of the diplomatic corps and our international partners our carols, elements of the Nativity Play, we were able to express and give an

opportunity to feel what sincere Ukrainian soul we have today, – says Anna Avramenko, the organizer of the event and the FD editor-inchief.

#14, March 2019

57

OVERALL RESULTS — Today’s event has become the advent of the Ukrainian traditions for me. In Belgium, France and in the neighbouring countries, Christmas is celebrated completely differently... I really liked it, especially songs, – says H.E. Mr. Alex Lenaerts, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Ukraine.

During the day, the guests had an opportunity to immerse into the unique ambiance of family coziness of the true Ukrainian soul and the great Ukrainian people; to take part in preparing traditional Christmas dishes, caroling and getting a lot of pleasure in an incredibly fabulous New Year ambiance.

— It is always nice to discover something new. These historical songs and historical traditions that we were able to see today are something new for us. This culture needs to be proud of.

It is very important that a large number of diplomats from different countries and continents are present today; it is like building

58

#14, March 2019

bridges between the countries, – mentioned H.E. Dr. Mohammed Alasaad, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Palestine to Ukraine.

OVERALL RESULTS

Ukrainian culture is deeply related to the past and deepens its roots into the folk traditions.

The best way not to lose this heritage and always to remember the traditions of past generations is to live through them and to unite.

When we are united by friendship and love to each other, the state borders and differences disappear. Only sincere love that brings endless happiness and joy to everyone is left.

The partners: •

Historical hotel and restaurant complex “Fortetsya Hetmana”

•

Jimsher Whiskey – the first Georgian whiskey

•

Verlos – the Ukrainian brand of clothing and accessories

•

“Eco fur by AbramoVa” – products made from ecological fur from the Ukrainian brand

•

Syniy Lion – handmade embroidered clothes for the whole family by designer Iryna Kovaliova

•

“Agricola Montespada” – Italian wine, presented by B2Ukraine company.

The Editorial Office

LADY INTERNATIONAL СLUB

ON FEBRUARY 6, THE SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S CLUB “LADY INTERNATIONAL CLUB” ON THE SUBJECT OF “THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN SOCIAL AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINE” WAS HELD IN ALASKA KYIV RESTAURANT. This time the meeting united proactive women of Ukraine, Business Ladies, wives of Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassadors of foreign countries accredited in Ukraine, such as: Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Montenegro and the Netherlands.

• •

The main speakers of the program were:

•

Iryna Reznyk – President of the Lady International Club;

Yana Lutska – Mrs. Ukraine International 2017;

•

Larysa Voronina – the owner of the Voronin concern;

•

Alla Istomina – the owner of the “ADEFUkraine” publishing house.

Olha Sumska – People’s Artist of Ukraine, Laureate of Shevchenko National Prize of Ukraine;

•

Inna Kogan – founder of Educational Centre CanSchuol;

Canadian

•

Anna Avramenko – Founder and Editor-inChief of the Fashion of Diplomacy;

•

Julia Gershun – Miss Universe Monaco 2018;

— At the meetings of the Lady International Club, we are trying to highlight the important achievements in the social and cultural life of Ukraine and to be engaged in solving them. Together with us, women-diplomats and wives of Ambassadors of foreign states actively participate in the project concerning the assistance to orphans and also tell us about the programs introduced in their countries, sharing foreign experience with us, – mentions Iryna Reznyk, the President of the international women’s club “Lady International Club”. #14, March 2019

61

During the meeting, the issues concerning the role of women in the society both in Ukraine and abroad were raised. We adopted the experience of realizing women’s potential in various fields, shared the international experience. The charity orientation of this meeting was aimed at helping the orphans of the Kyiv City Infant Orphanage named after M. Horodetsky.

— I believe that by uniting women and rallying them for one goal, you can do a lot of good deeds.

Each time, we cover an important for discussion topic; the wives of Ambassadors, public figures and proactive women of Ukraine and the world join it. At each meeting, we provide an opportunity for Ukrainian artists, painters, designers and active women of various fields of activity present their achievements, their product, their experience... all what has led them to success. And every such presentation impresses – how talented our country is. This means that such a platform, as the Lady International Club, works.

And this is the main thing, – says Anna Avramenko, the founder and editor-in-chief of the «Fashion of Diplomacy» magazine.

LADY INTERNATIONAL СLUB Meetings of the international women’s club “Lady International Club” are held monthly.

They are conducted in different formats: both in the working format, where the urgent issues and charitable missions are solved, and the one for entertainment, where each guest has an opportunity to get acquainted with the culture and traditions of Ukraine.

— “The Lady International Club has the experience in social charity missions for more than 12 years. Our goal is to discuss and solve urgent issues in the educational, social and cultural fields; to facilitate and assist the orphans; to popularize and improve the image of Ukraine”.

— I plan to expand the range of programs regarding involvement of the outstanding women of our society. I am deeply convinced that in our country there should increase the number of such public organizations and structures that will contribute to solving issues in educational, social, charitable and cultural fields, – says Ms. Reznyk.

The Editorial Office #14, March 2019

63

DIPLOMATIC CALENDAR

MARCH/2019

THE INDEPENDENCE DAYS AND THE NATIONAL HOLIDAYS: The Day of the Liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman Yoke

3

SU

6

WE

The Independence Day of the Republic of Mauritius

12 TU

13 WE

The Constitution Day of the Principality of Andorra

TH

SU

WE

TH

The Independence Day of the Republic of Namibia

23 SA

25 MO

The Independence Day of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh

St. Patrick’s Day of the Republic of Ireland

20 21

The Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

The Day of the election of the Pope of Rome Francis (2013). Holy See (Vatican City)

14 17

The Independence Day of the Tunisian Republic

The Independence Day of the Republic of Ghana

The Independence Day of the Hellenic Republic

26 TU

65