Lviv, Ukraine. September 18: Pro-Business Renaissance Summit 2026 – The State, the Global Business World, and Modern Professional Standards. “Recovery through intellect – rebuilding through standards” – a significant event dedicated to the development of Ukrainian business, professional standards, qualifications, digital technologies, and the integration of veterans. The event brought together representatives from business, professional associations, the education sector, and government and international institutions.
Ukraine is currently navigating a unique historical phase where business and professional standards are doing more than just adapting to crises; they are shaping a new architecture for the future.
The ICFM & ICB UK in Ukraine supported and participated in the Pro-Business Renaissance Summit as an official partner and speaker, engaging in lively discussions. We shared our 20 years of international experience operating in Ukraine, specifically regarding the development of the profession within the civic movement since 1998.
Emphasis was placed on a new, modern strategic vision for the country’s present and future. This vision takes into account international requirements for the integration of the profession, business education, and sustainable economic development, as well as the attraction of investment projects and the assurance of Ukraine’s financial and economic stability and capacity.
The Summit participants were warmly welcomed by Lviv Polytechnic National University – one of Ukraine’s most prestigious technical and research institutions, which has been shaping the country’s intellectual elite for over 180 years.
It was here that the PRO-BUSINESS RENAISSANCE SUMMIT 2026 took place – an event dedicated to the future of professional qualifications, business education, and Ukraine’s international integration.
Key messages and the significance of this event for Ukrainian business:
• Professional standards, business education, and CPD as a foundation:
Even amidst the war, preserving and developing human capital, education, ethics, and adherence to international and professional standards remain strategic priorities.
These elements define the identity of the state for which the struggle is being waged.
• Business Renaissance:
The summit focused on the recovery, adaptation, and transformation of the Ukrainian economy.
The participation of international institutions – such as ICFM & ICB UK, ACCA, IAPBE, and others – underscores the integration of Ukrainian professionals into global British, European, and international financial management standards.
• The professional front:
Expert presentations at the summit addressed new professional and educational potential, competencies and future prospects, support for business transparency, investment attraction, and effective resource management – all of which are critical to Ukraine’s economic resilience during the recovery process.
Initial joint steps have been taken, fostering the consolidation of the expert community around the National Doctrine of Professional Competence and establishing social solidarity as a key standard of modern Ukrainian business culture.
Support and participation by representatives of ICFM & ICB UK in Ukraine, featuring a presentation on: “Global benchmarks and national certificates – the inner strength and European scale of business professionals in Ukraine.”
International benchmarks as a lever for Ukraine’s recognition. New career opportunities and a professional network: strategic vision, CPD, knowledge and competence, international and national opportunities, and career prospects.
Educational drive and professional culture: the journey from student to accomplished practitioner.
The ICFM & ICB UK in Ukraine expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the opportunities we enjoy today and extended their greetings to the participants, partners, organisers, and speakers of the Pro-Business Renaissance Summit.
The theme of our panel presentation -“Global Benchmarks and National Certifications”- is not about bureaucracy. It is about our inner strength and the European caliber of business professionals in Ukraine.
ICFM & ICB shared their strategic vision regarding three key elements of this development.
Part 1. Global framework and institutional synchronisation: international benchmarks as a lever for Ukraine’s recognition.
The world no longer categorises standards as “ours” versus “theirs.”
There is a unified global space of trust. Aligning Ukrainian business practices with international requirements is not merely a ticket to the EU; it is a tool for asserting our agency. When a Ukrainian finance professional, auditor, accountant, or top executive holds a certificate or diploma recognised in London, New York, Brussels, or elsewhere around the globe, they automatically become an ambassador for Ukraine’s economic resilience.
International benchmarks from ICFM & ICB serve as a lever that transforms local experience into global capital – specifically, the capital of trust. We align Ukrainian realities with British and European quality standards, ensuring mutual recognition and integration.
Part 2. New career opportunities and a professional network: strategic vision, knowledge, and competence. The modern labor market demands not merely knowledge, but strategic competence.
What does the right professional network offer a professional?
• Strategic vision: the ability to view business processes from a 360-degree perspective, assess risks, and capitalize on opportunities.
• International and national opportunities: combining a deep understanding of Ukrainian legislation and the local market with global management tools.
• Career prospects: certification is the fastest route to increasing a specialist’s market value.
• Networking: creating an ecosystem of like-minded individuals.
At ICFM & ICB, we bring together leaders ready to share their experience, launch joint projects, and support one another through times of transformation.
Part 3. Educational drive and professional culture: from student to seasoned practitioner. Professional culture does not emerge in a vacuum. It begins with the educational drive instilled during university studies and continues throughout one’s life (Lifelong Learning).
Our mission is to build a seamless bridge “from student to seasoned practitioner.”
We must inspire young people and demonstrate the prestige and scope of careers in finance and management.
Professional culture encompasses ethics, an impeccable reputation, and a commitment to continuous improvement. A true professional does not merely perform a job – they create value for business, society, and the state.
Ukraine has the potential to become an intellectual and professional hub for Eastern Europe.
Together with ICFM & ICB UK in Ukraine, we continue to invest knowledge, energy, and international standards in every Ukrainian professional.
The Chinese word for “crisis” is written using two characters – 危机- representing both risk and opportunity.
Success and partnership are built on a win-win principle.
We thank the participants for their lively discussions, as well as for their attention and trust in ICFM & ICB.
We wish us all a fruitful partnership and new strategic insights❗️
ICFM & ICB UK in Ukraine extends its gratitude to representatives of the Lviv City Council, the Deputy Mayor(Ombudsman for Veterans and Persons with Disabilities), the administration of Lviv Polytechnic, IAPBE, and Alterra; to Liubov Kosovets, President of the Association of Outsourcing and Consulting Professionals of Ukraine; and to all Summit participants, speakers, and partners.
During the event, the following were presented:
• Certificate ATN007 “Information Partner for ICFM & ICB UK in Ukraine”, in recognition of effective professional media support and a significant contribution to covering the “Pro-Business Renaissance Summit 2026” – efforts that fostered the consolidation of the expert community around the National Doctrine of Professional Competence; raised awareness regarding digitalization, security, compliance, and AI technology within new European-standard professional frameworks; and affirmed social solidarity as a key standard of modern Ukrainian business culture;
and
• Certificate ATN049 “Speaker-Expert” to Helen Khorikova, in recognition of her high level of professionalism, practical experience, and significant contribution to achieving the strategic goals of the Pro-Business Renaissance Summit 2026.
Certificates for ICFM & ICB and CPD UK training programs – valid through 2026 – 2027 in honor of the 20th anniversary of ICFM & ICB UK in Ukraine – were awarded to Summit participants via a prize draw.
Engaging with our long-standing partners and meeting new people, while fostering a special atmosphere and a shared vision of our goals.
Business, government, the education sector, professional communities, and international experts have united around a common mission: building a new system of professional capacity for Ukraine.
Moving from strategic dialogue to concrete solutions, standards, and new partnerships.
The modern market demands a transformation from financial professionals: shifting from mere bookkeeping and transaction recording (an execution-based role) to deep analytics and forecasting, strategic vision and planning, risk management and compliance, sustainability (ESG), and digitalization (FinTech and AI).
They are not merely executors of tasks but strategic business partners – ensuring the reliable stability and sustainable development of national economies.
During the official visit to Lviv by representatives of ICFM & ICB UK in Ukraine, several meetings took place: a session with renowned expert Nataliya Preis; a business breakfast featuring professional discussions with female leaders from the All-Ukrainian Outsourcing Association; and a business lunch that included the presentation of the ICFM UK Master Tutor Certificate to Halyna Nashkerska MBA, PhD of the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.
The programs offered by ICFM & ICB the Institute of Certified Financial Managers, UK serve as a powerful tool for managing managerial stress; they transform complex and evolving European requirements into clear, actionable procedures for Ukrainian leaders, finance professionals, and auditors.
The systematic approach inherent in British business education helps mitigate the psychological and professional strain experienced during times of crisis.
ICFM & ICB UK in Ukraine continues to uphold the highest professional standards, helping businesses identify new opportunities and minimize risks. Programs from the Institute of Certified Financial Managers (ICFM & ICB UK) serve as a powerful tool for managing the stress faced by Ukrainian leaders. They transform rigorous European and international financial transparency standards – such as IFRS, COSO, IAS, INTOSAI/IPSAS, and IFAC directives – into clear, actionable procedures for the daily protection and growth of businesses right here in Ukraine.
The stress experienced by today’s top executives, CFOs, and auditors often stems from uncertainty and the fear of making mistakes.
ICFM qualifications alleviate this pressure through several key factors:
Turning chaos into a clear process
European regulatory requirements can often seem overwhelming due to their sheer volume. ICFM program modules (such as Dip FM, PIA, IFRS, CA, Corporate finance, Investment management, MDAM, HRM, and Risk Management etc ) break these standards down into practical tools: scenario-based budgeting, analysis of the margin of safety, and financial risk forecasting models.
When a leader has calculated scenarios for how events might unfold, professional anxiety subsides, allowing for cool-headed decision-making.
Adaptation to the Ukrainian context
Although exams are graded directly in London, the training and instructional materials are fully adapted for the Ukrainian market, taking into account the specifics of national legislation and the tax environment. This enables professionals to integrate European best practices into domestic business processes without the painful disconnect often found between theory and practice.
Confidence in one’s own legitimacy and international status.
Holding MICB, FICB, or AICFM, FICFM certifications represents the “gold standard” of trust and reliability. Professionals feel secure working in their home country, knowing their qualifications are globally recognised. This fosters inner resilience when interacting with investors, international partners, auditors, or government bodies.
A professional community as a source of support
Membership in ICFM Global & ICB Global provides access to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and an expert community. The opportunity to discuss complex cases with colleagues facing similar domestic challenges offers a sense of solidarity and eliminates the “loneliness at the top” syndrome.
Thus, ICFM programs turn the external pressure of European integration reforms into an internal framework of resilience for Ukrainian businesses, transforming potential stress into manageable workflows. Psychological resilience and executive effectiveness.
A specific focus of the ICFM CPD range is on the personal effectiveness of finance professionals and the psychology of leadership.
The programs teach how to distinguish between emotional factors and objective business metrics, cultivating leaders capable of maintaining high team morale even during crises.
For the Ukrainian professional, international certification becomes a “gold standard of trust,” transforming the external pressure of requirements into an internal foundation of stability, resilience, and pride in their professionalism at home.
Never underestimate the value of having MICB/FICB and AICFM/FICFM after your name; they represent the gold standard of trust and reliability.
We extend our thanks to the Summit participants, partners, organisers, and speakers.
We are grateful to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for making our present reality possible.
Thank you to the hospitable and picturesque city of Lviv.
Helen Khorikova ,
Member ICB International Council, Companion ICB Global, CEO ICFM UK in Ukraine & ICB
Oksana Sakhnatska, Co-chair ICFM & ICB UK in Ukraine of the Board of Trustees and Members of the Board of Trustees
