PM urges investors and business leaders to support Ukraine in its battle.

This week at a global summit, the Prime Minister will stress the need for rapid investment and innovation to expedite Ukraine’s recovery, calling on investors and businesses to support the country sustainably.

The Prime Minister will convey that the financial effort to rebuild and recover is a vital counteroffensive against Russia.

His appeal comes as the UK prepares to unveil several agile, quickly deployable digital solutions at the Ukraine Recovery Conference this week, aimed at helping Ukraine efficiently leverage international investment.

Over 1,000 foreign dignitaries from 61 countries, alongside NGO representatives and numerous business leaders and entrepreneurs, are anticipated to attend the event in London, with the Prime Minister inaugurating the conference alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who will participate virtually.

Both European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are also slated to address the opening session on Wednesday.

The two-day summit is set to be the largest international conference hosted by the UK this year.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to state:

Ukraine’s valor on the front lines should be matched by the private sector’s vision to assist in rebuilding the nation. Ukraine has consistently demonstrated its capacity to swiftly harness innovation and creativity, and I am confident its recovery will reflect this.

While the illegal invasion has wreaked havoc on businesses and livelihoods throughout Ukraine, it has not quashed the ingenuity or determination of its people.

A financially robust and technologically advanced Ukraine will enhance its capability to push Russia back and forge a brighter future for a sovereign and modern Ukraine.

Innovation will be a primary focus at this week’s conference, as Ukraine had emerged as a significant player in the global IT sector prior to the invasion. This rapidly evolving industry also provided over 300,000 jobs across the nation.

Many individuals in the sector have now honed their skills on the front lines, pivoting to develop new applications and adapt weaponry software in their efforts against the invading Russian forces.

Among the innovative tools expected to be unveiled at the summit is a digital platform designed to link Ukrainian businesses with global firms, fostering virtual networking and collaboration on various challenges, from supply chain management to business growth.

The matchmaking platform aims to facilitate reconstruction and recovery by building sustainable, long-lasting commercial relationships with just a touch of a button.

Simultaneously, a new UK-Ukraine TechBridge will be inaugurated by Business and Trade Minister Nusrat Ghani in London on Tuesday evening, in collaboration with the Government of Ukraine.

This initiative was initially proposed prior to the full-scale invasion but has gained traction in recent months, recognizing its potential to offer crucial opportunities for businesses striving to rebuild and expand in Ukraine.

The TechBridge will serve as a physical hub for UK and Ukrainian innovators, entrepreneurs, and technology and financing sectors to enhance collaboration for recovery and reconstruction. The center will also provide training, upskilling, and business support within the tech industry.

As part of the innovation drive, the UK will launch a £10 million InnovateUkraine Green Energy Challenge Fund at the summit.

This fund aims to ignite and expedite the creation of low-carbon, affordable energy projects in Ukraine, allowing researchers, businesses, and NGOs to apply for financial support to realize their green energy initiatives, with the goal of deploying these projects in communities struggling with frequent blackouts and energy shortages.