ICC Ukraine’s Participation in the International Economic Forum: Focus on Sustainable Community Development

On January 28–30, the V International Business Forum “Smart City and Ecosystem” was held in Yaremche, serving as an important platform for discussing the sustainable development of territorial communities, energy efficiency, environmental solutions, and international cooperation.

Taras Demkura, Vice Chair of ICC Ukraine for Sustainable Development, participated in the forum, contributing to several program formats as both a speaker and a panel discussion moderator.

The key leitmotif of the forum was the sustainable development of communities—not as a theoretical concept, but as a practical tool for improving the quality of life, economic resilience, and investment attractiveness of territories. This approach aligns with the vision of ICC Ukraine, which consistently supports the integration of sustainable development principles into the activities of businesses and local government bodies.

During the event, participants discussed issues of energy efficiency, environmental solutions, infrastructure development, resource management, investment attraction, and the development of international partnerships. Particular attention was paid to practical cases and models already functioning in communities that could be scaled up.

Within the framework of the forum, Taras Demkura presented the topic “Green Energy-Efficient Islands,” dedicated to a comprehensive approach to territorial development that combines modern construction, energy independence, and ecological thinking. The proposed model involves creating resilient systems that allow communities and businesses to reduce energy dependence, use resources more efficiently, and form a predictable environment for long-term development.

Furthermore, Taras Demkura participated in the panel discussion “International Cooperation and Investment Activity in Territorial Communities,” where the focus was on building trust between communities and investors, the role of partnership, and the need for transparent and clear rules to attract investment.

He also moderated the panel discussion “Ecological Islands for Territorial Communities,” which featured representatives of local self-government and business, including Roman Polikrovskyi (Mayor of Zbarazh), Bohdan Krasavtsev (Head of the Office of Sustainable Development and Corporate Communications at Bukovel), and entrepreneurs Iryna Holovata, Serhii Vinnytskyi, and Halyna Zhmud. The discussion was dedicated to the practical aspects of implementing environmental solutions at the local level.

The V International Business Forum in Yaremche confirmed the relevance of sustainable development as a foundation for the strategic planning of community growth. The participation of ICC Ukraine representatives in such events fosters a shared vision among business, communities, and the expert environment for building a resilient economy focused on long-term results and international cooperation.