Anton Waschuk

The latest Georgian Economic Climate (Q2, 2024) publication offers assessments of various economic developments by Georgian economists: https://bit.ly/3xJhEC5 •Assessment of Georgia’s present economic situation was slightly negative, while predictions for Georgia’s economic situation by the end of the next six months were also negative. •Political instability and exchange rate fluctuations had the greatest impact on the Georgian economy in Q2 2024. •The bill on “transparency of foreign influence” is expected to have a negative impact on the EU accession process, FDI inflows, and currency depreciation. #PMCG #DeliveringProgress

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Our latest publication: Georgian Economic Climate (Q2, 2024) publication offers assessments of various economic developments by Georgian economists: https://bit.ly/3xJhEC5

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On July 5, the National Bank of Ukraine together with partners presented the National Strategy for Financial Literacy Development until 2030. This is a 7-year program of reforms on raising financial awareness of the people of Ukraine. Unlike the Strategy of 2019, our new Strategy is an interagency strategic document. It was developed by members of interagency working group, initiated by the NBU. Combining efforts with colleagues from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Deposit Guarantee Fund, the National Securities and Stock Market Commission, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, and the State Institution Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office helped us to create a more inclusive document. An important role in designing a new Strategy also played meetings of the Consultative Platform, attended by more than 220 people from 116 organizations – in particular, by representatives of educational institutions, local governments from almost all regions of Ukraine, non-governmental organizations, financial market experts, banks, non-bank financial institutions, and their associations. Activities of Strategy’s Roadmap (Action Plan) cover needs of 4 target groups: 🔸Children and young people. 🔸Adult population. 🔸Entrepreneurs. 🔸Educators. Planned activities will support in achieving 5 strategic goals: 🔹 Goal 1. High-Quality Basic #FinancialEducation. 🔹 Goal 2. Responsible Handling of Personal Finance. 🔹 Goal 3. Financially Literate Entrepreneurs. 🔹 Goal 4. Advanced Digital Financial Literacy. 🔹 Goal 5. Favorable Ecosystem for the Development of Financial Literacy. Our new Strategy is created following the best international practices - OECD - OCDE Council Recommendation on Financial Literacy and policy recommendations of International Network on Financial Education (OECD INFE). I believe, the new Strategy will contribute to increasing #financialliteracy level of the people of Ukraine. Population, able to make carefully considered and responsible financial decisions, to use financial services effectively and safely, especially digital ones, is more financially resilient and financially protected. I hope, implementing this Strategy will help Ukrainians to have more opportunities to resist and protect the country in these challenging times of extreme uncertainty. 💎 Thanks again to everyone involved for your support, help and advice, that we resumed designing Strategy amid full-scale war. Without you, this document would not have appeared right now. ✅ More details about Strategy in English: https://lnkd.in/eH-m9kM7 ✅ More details about Strategy in Ukrainian: https://lnkd.in/enYbakjs #UnitedWeAreStrong

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“Members of Climate Tracker Asia Network explores Baku, Azerbaijan ahead of COP29” is now published in the website “Ludwig Federigan provided a comprehensive view of Azerbaijan’s energy strategy. Despite the country’s plans to increase gas production, it is also committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2050 and increasing renewable energy’s share to 30% by 2030. Ludwig highlighted the launch of three renewable energy projects in Baku that will supply 1 gigawatt of power. “”Azerbaijan plans to significantly increase its gas production as part of a broader strategy to enhance energy security and support economic growth,’ Ludwig wrote in his column. He also compared Azerbaijan’s GDP per capita and climate targets with those of the Philippines, noting that both countries face similar challenges and opportunities. “Read Ludwig’s articles for more insights: Azerbaijan will lead by example https://lnkd.in/ghRBCn57 Baku’s rich history: A preview of the United Nations Climate Change Conference’s host city in Azerbaijan https://lnkd.in/gjvijiDH My namesake – Ludwig – is an oil baron https://lnkd.in/g5QQEgHX “The experiences of Cheryl, Ludwig, and Aqil in Baku provide valuable insights into the host city of COP29. Their observations highlight the complexities and challenges Azerbaijan faces as it balances economic development with environmental sustainability. As the world gathers for COP29, the lessons learned from Azerbaijan’s energy landscape will undoubtedly contribute to the broader discourse on energy transition and climate action.” Read more. https://lnkd.in/gfw6DVfs

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Since the establishment of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MSHE) of Kazakhstan, we have set ourselves the task of positioning Kazakhstan as an alternative educational and research hub in our macro-region. The Greater Eurasia region is the 2nd largest region in the world in terms of population growth after the African continent. More than 2 billion people. More than 1 billion young people under 25. Huge growing demand for education and higher education in particular. In a span of 3 years we were able to partner with 34 leading international universities. The very first edition of the Strategic Partners Forum, held in Astana on Oct.17 marked a significant milestone in Kazakhstan’s ambition to become an academic and research hub in Central Asia. With participation from 112 delegates representing 67 universities and 10 international organizations from 22 countries, the Forum focused on long-term partnerships to drive Kazakhstan’s academic transformation. A key takeaway from the event was establishment of the Council for Strategic Partnerships. This council aims to become a collective decision-making platform where all partners will openly discuss problems and share best practices. Council’s decisions will path the way for reviewing all issues regarding our international partnerships, including the legal and regulatory frameworks, funding, academic policies, infrastructure development and so on. With 34 foreign university branches, dual degree programs, and joint research initiatives, Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a macroregional hub for knowledge and innovation, integrating global standards and creating platforms for technology transfer. https://lnkd.in/equk8H9E

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COP29 NGO coalition grows as Azerbaijan leads call for global ceasefire Another hybrid meeting of the COP29 Coalition of NGOs took place via Zoom on October 5. The Coalition continues to grow, now including 335 NGOs from 71 countries. Notably, 108 of these NGOs are also part of like-minded groups with Observer status under the UNFCCC, Caliber.Az reports. During the meeting, representatives from leading civil society organizations praised Azerbaijan's global initiatives. The Coalition reiterated its call for world states to support Azerbaijan's Joint Call for a Ceasefire in the context of COP29. Discussions also focused on opportunities for collaboration within COP29, highlighting environmental and gender issues. Speakers from Europe, Africa, and Asia contributed to the dialogue on these topics. Azerbaijan is represented in the COP29 Coalition by the National NGO Forum of Azerbaijan, which played a key role in founding the Coalition. The group holds regular hybrid meetings to coordinate its activities. The event is part of the lead-up to the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan this November. Following a decision made during the COP28 plenary session in Dubai on December 11, 2023, Baku is expected to host between 70,000 to 80,000 international participants over two weeks. Established at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the UNFCCC aims to mitigate the adverse effects of human activity on the climate. The Conference of the Parties (COP), comprising 198 member states, serves as the convention's decision-making body, holding annual meetings, with the first convened in Berlin in 1995. The UNFCCC secretariat is located in Bonn. As the world prepares for COP29, the focus will remain on collaborative solutions to the pressing climate crisis, emphasizing the critical role of human capital in driving sustainable development and resilience. By Tamilla Hasanova Caliber.Az https://lnkd.in/eChYAEs5

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We've started our partnership with Ecuador to share Ukraine's digital transformation experience 🇺🇦🇪🇨 Ukraine sets the trend for digitalisation around the world. Our experience in building a digital state is unique and interesting for other countries. With the support of USAID and USAID / UK aid-funded Transparency and Accountability in Public Administration and Services (TAPAS project) we launched the pilot to share the best Ukrainian digital solutions and our experience in implementing Diia. Happy to share our first results of our cooperation with Ecuador: ✅ signed a memorandum ✅ analysed the country's digital infrastructure ✅ interviewed the government representatives to identify the country's e-government needs ✅ provided suggestions for authorisation to the application ✅evaluated the possibilities of data exchange between registers ✅provided recommendations for the implementation of two new services/documents based on Diia ✅analysed the user journey to digital documents and services ✅created the interface and mockups of the mobile version Based on the research, a detailed Discovery report with conclusions and proposals was prepared. Next step is to discuss further steps for cooperation. One of the options is to create an MVP of an Ecuadorian state super app based on our recommendations. Jointly with USAID, we continue to work with the government of Ecuador to identify further joint projects in the field of digitization. We thank USAID for the joint vision of digital transformation and the steady support of Ukraine 🦾 Happy to cooperate with our colleagues from Ecuador. Building bright digital future together Mykhailo Fedorov Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Laura Sigelmann Danylo Molchanov

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The Bureau of Investment Programs provides free educational course for communities in the Kharkiv region 👏 ☝️ The program is aimed at supporting the communities of the Kharkiv region, in particular entrepreneurs and local authorities of the Chuhuiv city territorial community and Chkalovske settlement territorial community, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized business owners (both those who remained in their locations and those who were relocated), women entrepreneurs, veterans, and IDPs. Participation in the program is free of charge. The program will include workshops and seminars for local government representatives in Chuguiv and Chkalovske communities. They will focus on the following topics: ✔️ Grant support for business ✔️ Support for local entrepreneurs, including the formation of project management ✔️ Digitalization of management in local self-government ✔️ Analysis of the local business environment ✔️ Experience of European countries in supporting local business ✔️ Promoting entrepreneurship among women, veterans, IDPs and much more. Entrepreneurs will be able to get helpful information on the following topics: ✔️ How to start your own business? ✔️ Government grants "eRobota" ✔️ Entrepreneurship in the service and food industry ✔️ Attracting financing instruments and grants ✔️ Principles of agriculture ✔️ Marketing and export development strategies Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity. Register for the program now by following the link https://lnkd.in/em9XkAbU ✔️ This educational project for small and medium-sized businesses and local governments is supported by the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU), funded by aid from the governments of Canada, Finland, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the United States Fund. *This publication was prepared with the support of Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU). The contents are the sole responsibility of the Bureau of Investment Programs and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Foundation and/or its financial partners.

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📦 To solve the challenges relocated Ukrainian businesses face, the interaction of entrepreneurs, authorities, the non-commercial sector, etc., is significant and necessary. 🇺🇦 That is why we held a round table with representatives of businesses, authorities, and public organisations as part of the West Business Hub. Many thanks to the USAID Competitive Economy Program in Ukraine (USAID CEP) for supporting the West Business Hub initiative and to participants in an active discussion: ✦ Olesya Zaluska, head of USAID Competitive Economy Program in Ukraine (USAID CEP) ✦ Orest Hryniv, deputy of the Department of Economics, Lviv Regional State/Military Administration ✦ Yuliya Trokhymchuk, the Economic Development Department of the Lviv city council ✦ Liliia Kolivoshka, branding director of Avenga Ukraine ✦ Larisa Polishchuk, founder of the Ukrainian brand Uyut Dim ✦ Oleksandra Ukrainets , Director of Sanimed.com.ua ✦ Inna Skarzhynska, co-owner of VESNA Natural Skin & Hair Care ✦ Yuliya Uvarova, founder of Labzona.com.ua We discussed the following issues: ↳ arrangement of relocated businesses on the ground ↳ the impact of the relocated business on local communities ↳ support of the families of employees and business owners ↳ hiring new employees and encouraging them 🙌 This is an essential stage for ensuring the stability of Ukraine's economy because Ukrainian SMEs are the economy's lifeblood and a significant driver of economic growth. #UkrainianBusinesses #FemaleEntrepreneurship #ProjectManagement

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According to the results of the assessment of the Statistics Agency under the President of Uzbekistan, by the end of 2023, the poverty level in Uzbekistan has decreased to 11.0%. The Center for Economic Research and Reforms conducted an analysis of changes in the level of well-being of the population of Uzbekistan in 2022-2023 based on data from a household budget survey throughout the republic. It should be noted that the change in the poverty level in Uzbekistan has been revised based on the best international practices. Thus, the international calculation method used is based on the concept of the World Bank. In particular, household budgets throughout the republic are being studied throughout the year. The method of measuring the level of poverty is based on estimates of the income of the population, which have increased significantly in recent years. https://lnkd.in/drsqPafY

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We are excited to announce our latest publication, "Understanding the Landscape," which delves into CANVAS’ analysis of Georgia’s electoral climate as it approaches the pivotal 2024 parliamentary elections.      The 2024 Georgian elections, scheduled for October 26, 2024, will be a defining moment for the country’s democratic future. The ruling Georgia Dream Party aims for its fourth parliamentary majority, following years of political unrest and the erosion of democratic freedoms. This election will be a turning point, determining whether Georgia continues its course toward authoritarianism or takes decisive steps toward a more accountable and inclusive democracy.      Our report offers an in-depth analysis of electoral perceptions and possible outcomes, provided by academic research, expert insights, and focus group discussions. In addition, CANVAS outlines effective strategies for mobilization and successful campaigning, equipping activists and civil society groups with the tools they need to safeguard democracy and prevent and tackle potential electoral fraud.      The upcoming Georgian parliamentary elections could be a key turning point for the country's future, either pushing it towards further autocratization or strengthening its democracy.     Read our full report here! https://lnkd.in/d26hHnxe    Giorgi Meladze Cecilia Lero, PhD #Georgia #Democracy #GeorgiaElections #Activism #HumanRights #Tbilisi 

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It is my pleasure to be speaking at Strategeast State&IT Eurasian Forum in Chisinau. Looking forward to discuss the future of trustworthy and ethical AI

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Today, the Ukrainian government adopted the Strategy for the Recovery, Sustainable Development and Digital Transformation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) until 2027, a move which I consider highly impactful. The Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, along with the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office (Ukraine), spearheaded this initiative in 2023, and we appreciate the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine for taking a leadership role in this process. The strategy was collaboratively developed with input from businesses, experts, and the public sector. Why this strategy is critical: it outlines the primary directions of state policy in the field of SMEs, adhering to the principle of "build back better." The main objectives of the strategy are: 1️⃣ Recovery and simplification of the business process: priority is given to state programs such as grants for processing enterprises and wartime insurance. Deregulation and innovative communication platforms like the 'Pulse' platform are set to enhance the quality of public services. 2️⃣ Innovative development, digital transformation, and 'green transition': The strategy employs a smart specialization approach, fostering the creation of industrial clusters and science parks to attract investments and regional development. This effort is bolstered by the digitization of business processes, AI technologies, digital invoicing tools, and instant payments. 3️⃣ Development of human capital and entrepreneurship: This includes expanding the 'Diia Business' support center network, increasing the number of educational acceleration programs, and introducing initiatives to increase the digital maturity of SMEs. 4️⃣ Enhancing competitiveness and boosting exports: The strategy encourages cooperation with international networks, the development of the Office for Entrepreneurship and Export Development, and the brand Trade with Ukraine, as well as support in partner searches and negotiation processes. 📈 Expected results: The Ministry of Economy anticipates that implementing this strategy will improve the business economic freedom index and reduce the unemployment rate from 18.3% to 11%. More details in the following comment.

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EUCCD has taken an important step to unite the efforts of national and international partners necessary for strengthening the economic independence and European integration of Ukraine #SustainableDevelopment #EUIntegration #UkraineRecovery 

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We are pleased to share with you information about the Volunteer Workshop - Vokathon, which took place on 19-22.09.2024 in Lviv with the participation of 68 volunteers from 17 cities of Ukraine. Volunteer Hackathon - Vokathon is a practical workshop aimed at helping to solve specific tasks and requests of a community or organization in a particular place. In the Volunteer Hackathon, participants who unite into teams and help the community respond to complex challenges or solve problems that cannot be solved by local efforts. This Vokathon responded to challenges in 7 areas, meaning there were 7 teams working. The idea of the Vokathon is that the teams do not know the challenge before they arrive, nor do they know who exactly will come to solve it, so it is also a challenge for the volunteers to solve the challenge in 3 days in an unfamiliar city, with almost no resources and in a team with unfamiliar volunteers. JDC (The Joint)

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We at the Kyiv School of Economics are proud to sponsor the Forum of the First Ladies and Gentlemen in Ukraine First Lady spoke at the forum on the global threats for children around the world: 400 million children in the world suffer from physical or psychological violence in the family. And this is comparable to armed conflicts. Whether in war zones or "peaceful" homes, children suffer 16% of adolescents have been targets of cyberbullying. Approximately 12% of adolescents admitted to committing acts of cyberbullying. Online safety is as crucial as physical security. So, we need comprehensive strategies for both Toxic emissions from shelling pose long-term health risks beyond Ukraine's borders. Environmental security is global security. We have to consider ecological impact in our pursuit of peace and stability Only through global collaboration can we ensure the safety of children worldwide. As adults, we have a shared responsibility to protect them. They entered a world of our making, and if threats arise, it is our collective duty to neutralize those threats. No single nation can accomplish this alone; it requires the conscious effort of adults across all borders 19,000 Ukrainian children have been displaced to Russia. Only 388 have been returned. Each number is a life, a future, a family torn apart. This isn't just Ukraine's problem - it's a humanitarian crisis that demands global attention and action Ukrainian foster families prove love heals even deepest traumas. Some kids choose war-torn schools over safety, showing education's power. These pillars of normalcy amidst chaos need our protection Conflict puts unique ecosystems like Askania Nova and the Black Sea Biosphere Reserve at risk. Long-term environmental damage may affect children's health beyond immediate conflict zones.

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Let us combine our forces Bundesinitiative Impact Investing + Catalyst 2030 + Top Tier Impact + We Don't Have Time + etc., etc. There are so many initiatives around the globe. Fight for a COP30 that is not dominated by the lobbyists of the fossile fuel industries. #impactinvesting

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The President signed bill No. 9432 on English, officially designating it as one of the languages for international communication in Ukraine. Despite difficult circumstances, we set ambitious goals, launch innovative projects, and develop forward-thinking initiatives. English is about new opportunities, new horizons, and achievements in the modern world. Proficiency in the language allows Ukrainians to be well-represented in the international market. Elevating English to an international communication status in Ukraine marks a significant step toward EU membership. That is why, together with our partners, we launched Future Perfect — a language program to promote English as a language of international communication in Ukraine last year. It is implemented on the principle of lifelong learning — education throughout life, available to all Ukrainians. The program includes a law that envisages the introduction of English in various fields of activity, as well as products and services that help people learn the language in a convenient and accessible format.

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