Kormotech at the "Nebaiduzhi" Conference: How Social Initiatives Set an Example for Other Businesses

Organized by the Zagoriy Foundation, it was an honor for us to be part of a community of businesses, initiatives, and foundations that implement projects that transform society and set new standards for charity and social responsibility in Ukraine.

The conference brought together over 40 speakers in 6 panel discussions and solo presentations. The event focused on the challenges of charity during the war and explored new ideas for collaboration between businesses and the public sector. Highlights included the presentation of a CSR Guide based on 60 interviews with representatives of businesses, NGOs, and military funds and the results of the second CSR Research in Ukraine, conducted by the Zagoriy Foundation.

Our company was represented in the panel discussion "Communicating Social Initiatives," where our Chief Reputation Officer, Alina Smyshliak, shared the stage with leading experts from business, media, and public initiatives:

🖤 Vira Shcherbakova, Head of Communications at Ajax Systems

🖤 Yelyzaveta Bordunova, Editor-in-Chief at Vector

🖤 Olena Balbek, Founder of NGO "Blood Agents," CEO of the Ukrainian Football Association Foundation

Orysia Khimyak, former PR Head at Reface and Respeecher and curator of the Projector "PR Basics" course moderated the panel.

The participants discussed sensitive issues surrounding the communication of social initiatives: where to draw the red lines, how to avoid mistakes, how to overcome resistance during project implementation, and how to convey the value of these initiatives to businesses. The conversation also addressed how social impact and changing people’s behavior can benefit businesses.

What did Kormotech share?

We talked about our experience in implementing projects that transform people's attitudes toward animals and the challenges we face. One such project is Save Pets of Ukraine, which began as an emergency aid initiative for animals during the war. Today, it is a large-scale international program that has raised over $7 million in donations from global manufacturers and foundations. The project supports shelters, prepares them for winter, provides vaccinations, and undertakes other vital initiatives.

"Corporate social responsibility is no longer about isolated or even strategic projects. It is part of our daily commitment to our mission and an integral product element. It drives changes in people’s behavior and attitudes toward animals, opening up new business opportunities and meeting societal expectations. People want businesses to be profitable and socially responsible," said Alina Smyshliak-Boroda, Chief Reputation Officer at Kormotech.