The National Association of Lobbyists of Ukraine has officially launched a new practical format for professional education—a series of applied meetings organized by the Higher School of Lobbying, which brings together business leaders, experts, and lawmakers in an open dialogue.

The first practical session, held on December 5 in the format of an “educational coffee with a lawmaker,” demonstrated that a qualitatively new culture of interaction among stakeholders, based on transparency and professionalism, is taking shape in Ukraine.

The guest of the first session was Serhiy Vlasenko

The first speaker was Serhiy Volodymyrovych Vlasenko—a Member of the Ukrainian Parliament, one of the co-authors of the Law “On Lobbying,” a renowned lawyer, and a long-time architect of legal reforms.

His participation set a high standard for future events of the Higher School of Lobbying.

Key Topics of Discussion

Participants discussed fundamental issues regarding the development of the lobbying profession in Ukraine:

• the distinction between advocacy and lobbying;
• the launch of full-fledged self-regulation of the profession;
• the comparison between American and European approaches to regulation;
• practical steps that professionals should take today following the adoption of the relevant law.

The discussion was as open and practical as possible—without grandstanding or formalities, featuring real questions and equally honest answers.

“It’s About the Development of the Profession”: Experts’ Reactions

Yaroslav Kuts, a member of the National Association of Lobbyists of Ukraine, emphasized the significance of the event:

“Professional discussions with experts who possess practical knowledge are always about development. In this case, it’s about the development of the lobbying profession and the creation of a new, honest, and open history of nation-building. I thank the Association for introducing new practices. Long live honest lobbying!”

The new format will continue

The next meeting of the Higher School of Lobbying will take place on December 15, and participants can look forward to a new guest from the parliamentary corps.

The Higher School of Lobbying was created as a space where:

• theory is put into practice,
• practice shapes standards,
• and standards define the quality of Ukraine’s emerging lobbying industry.

Acknowledgments

The National Association of Lobbyists of Ukraine would like to express its gratitude to:

• Serhiy Vlasenko—for his openness, professionalism, and willingness to engage in dialogue;
• the event participants—for their active participation and the high level of discussion.