Ukraine is a potential bridge between the East and the West. Deep Democracy enhances the concept of democracy. The traditional concept of democracy favors the majority; minority opinions and viewpoints have limited ability to influence political processes. Deep democracy is based on the process, context and relationships with stakeholders. We are currently experiencing a crisis in democratic processes worldwide. We need new and better forms of government, and new principles for relationships between citizens and key stakeholders.
The Deep Democracy Institute has been working in Ukraine since 2006. Throughout this time, we have had the opportunity to witness and participate in the processes that have taken place in this amazing country. Ukrainian citizens are in the creative process of developing their own direction, and their own way to achieve their own vision of success in which all segments of the country – East and West, the provinces and the cities, the Russian-speaking and Ukrainian-speaking parts, can collaborate and live together. I found the way that the Ukrainians work with this diversity an inspiration and an example for me.
This main challenge of stakeholder relationships, be it geo-politically, in business, and society, is not specific to Ukraine alone, it is a global issue.
We must understand that conflicts, disagreements and differences are natural, and the concept of the process of decision making involves facilitating conflicts to improve relationships between concerned parties. At the core of conflict resolution is an understanding that no one should remain one-sided for too long. Each party has its own interests, which may change over time, but it is important to find sustainable solutions by even for a short time being able to switch roles and see one’s rank and privilege through the eyes of the other side, even when there is disagreement. Level Up Ukraine Forum 2020, to be held February 21st, in Kyiv, is devoted to address this issue. Level Up Ukraine and other such forums are important not only for stakeholders, but also for Ukrainian citizens. They show that cooperation and dialogue bring a new and more effective way to present your interests. In my view, Ukraine will one day be a bridge between East and West. Ukraine will be independent while maintaining good relations with all its neighbors. Ukraine expresses an abundance of creativity, a basic national optimism and a love for life – all key elements of success. Awareness about the unique position of the country and its natural innate potential will eventually allow Ukraine to become a mediator in global politics.
For more details about the interaction between business, government and society, come to the to Level Up Ukraine panel event: “Interaction: principles of creating more” which will be held February 21 in CEC “The park.”
Doctor of Philosophy from the USA, Specialist in World Affairs, Facilitator, President of the Institute of Deep Democracy Max Schupbach
About Level Up Ukraine Forum
Initiators and organizers of the Forum are: Natalia Ulyanova – Founder and CEO at UNA Partners, an expert in the field of tax and business counseling Grigol Katamadze – The president of Ukrainian Taxpayers Association.
The largest industrial holding company of Georgia – Georgian Industrial Group – became the general partner and co-organizer of the Forum.
The strategic partner of the Forum is BEL – importer, distributor of alcoholic beverages. The initiative was also supported by the leaders of the Ukrainian market: pharmaceutical companies Indar, Farmak, BHFZ, telephone company Vodafone and international IT company Powercode.
Details of speakers and panel discussions of the Forum are available here.
