The future of social responsibility: business as a driver of sustainable development

01/ 12/ 2025

On 20 November, the Ronald McDonald House Charities Foundation, together with the European Business Association, hosted a panel discussion for the business community dedicated to the future of social responsibility and the role of business in shaping a new social contract in Ukraine. The event brought together experts from the civil society sector, business, and education, who shared their perspectives on the transformations that will shape the country’s development in the coming years. The discussion opened with a presentation of research findings on philanthropy in Ukraine, delivered by Iryna Ugnyvenko, representative of the Zagoriy Foundation, head of the “Giving Tuesday” initiative and author of “Not Indifferenet: A Guide to CSR in Ukraine”. Key findings included: 86% of Ukrainians engaged in charitable activities during the year, mostly through direct, targeted support — primarily to the Armed Forces and to acquaintances. Trust in charitable foundations remains lower (40%) compared to trust in volunteers (60%). While the sector demonstrates a high level of internal cooperation, it still has limited regular contact with business, foreign donors, and central government. Major challenges include emotional burnout, competition for resources, and a lack of coordination platforms. One of the central themes of the event was the discussion of the modern concept of a social contract. Experts emphasised that a social contract is, above all, an agreement among people, rather than between the people and the state. It must be inclusive to prevent the exclusion of specific groups, and its revision should be a continuous and dynamic process. Today, Ukraine is effectively shaping a new model of social contract, unprecedented globally due to its unique context and challenges. International partners are already studying Ukrainian approaches, including the development of digital public services, the reform of the guardianship system, and initiatives in the field of mental health. Halyna Solovey, Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities Ukraine, spoke about the organisation as an example of a social contract in practice — between the state, communities, the charitable sector, and business. The Foundation’s work integrates social, ethical and economic dimensions: providing support for families with ill children, promoting family-centred healthcare, and helping optimise costs for both families and hospitals. Panellists agreed that real change begins with a shift in mindset. Critical and reflective thinking, the willingness to take responsibility for one’s actions, and moving beyond paternalistic expectations are essential conditions for sustainable social transformation. The European Business Association extends its gratitude to its partners at Ronald McDonald House Charities for their initiative and co-organisation of the event. We also express our sincere appreciation to the speakers for an insightful and inspiring discussion: Andriy Kulakov, Community Programme Coordinator at the Aspen Institute Kyiv; Oksana Shchegelska, Adjunct Professor at the Kyiv-Mohyla Business School; Andriy Dligach, Founder of Advanter Group and the international business community Board; Nazar Bedii, External Communications & Customer Care Manager at McDonald’s Ukraine; Iryna Ugnyvenko of the Zagoriy Foundation; and Halyna Solovey of Ronald McDonald House Charities Ukraine.

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On 20 November, the Ronald McDonald House Charities Foundation, together with the European Business Association, hosted a panel discussion for the business community dedicated to the future of social responsibility and the role of business in shaping a new social contract in Ukraine. The event brought together experts from the civil society sector, business, and education, who shared their perspectives on the transformations that will shape the country’s development in the coming years.

The discussion opened with a presentation of research findings on philanthropy in Ukraine, delivered by Iryna Ugnyvenko, representative of the Zagoriy Foundation, head of the “Giving Tuesday” initiative and author of “Not Indifferenet: A Guide to CSR in Ukraine”.

Key findings included:

86% of Ukrainians engaged in charitable activities during the year, mostly through direct, targeted support — primarily to the Armed Forces and to acquaintances.
Trust in charitable foundations remains lower (40%) compared to trust in volunteers (60%). While the sector demonstrates a high level of internal cooperation, it still has limited regular contact with business, foreign donors, and central government.
Major challenges include emotional burnout, competition for resources, and a lack of coordination platforms.

One of the central themes of the event was the discussion of the modern concept of a social contract. Experts emphasised that a social contract is, above all, an agreement among people, rather than between the people and the state. It must be inclusive to prevent the exclusion of specific groups, and its revision should be a continuous and dynamic process. Today, Ukraine is effectively shaping a new model of social contract, unprecedented globally due to its unique context and challenges. International partners are already studying Ukrainian approaches, including the development of digital public services, the reform of the guardianship system, and initiatives in the field of mental health.

Halyna Solovey, Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities Ukraine, spoke about the organisation as an example of a social contract in practice — between the state, communities, the charitable sector, and business. The Foundation’s work integrates social, ethical and economic dimensions: providing support for families with ill children, promoting family-centred healthcare, and helping optimise costs for both families and hospitals.

Panellists agreed that real change begins with a shift in mindset. Critical and reflective thinking, the willingness to take responsibility for one’s actions, and moving beyond paternalistic expectations are essential conditions for sustainable social transformation.

The European Business Association extends its gratitude to its partners at Ronald McDonald House Charities for their initiative and co-organisation of the event. We also express our sincere appreciation to the speakers for an insightful and inspiring discussion: Andriy Kulakov, Community Programme Coordinator at the Aspen Institute Kyiv; Oksana Shchegelska, Adjunct Professor at the Kyiv-Mohyla Business School; Andriy Dligach, Founder of Advanter Group and the international business community Board; Nazar Bedii, External Communications & Customer Care Manager at McDonald’s Ukraine; Iryna Ugnyvenko of the Zagoriy Foundation; and Halyna Solovey of Ronald McDonald House Charities Ukraine.