The UCL School of Management, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Mayfair, hosted a special fundraising event on Wednesday 3 July, to support community projects by the Rotary Club of Kharkiv International. The event also marked the launch of the second edition of The Next Generation of Entrepreneurs for Ukraine Lecture Series.​

Dedicated to supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction and the resilience of its people, the fundraising event brought together world-class experts, international organisations, and individuals making a difference on the ground. Funds raised will provide laptops for schoolchildren studying remotely and power generators for homes in war-affected areas.

The event featured several distinguished speakers:

• Sir Lawrence David Freedman, KCMG, CBE, PC, FBA: A renowned British academic, historian, and author specialising in foreign policy, international relations, and strategy. Sir Lawrence, an Emeritus Professor of War Studies at King’s College London and member of the Iraq Inquiry, discussed the state of the conflict and prospects for resolution.

• Dr Milica Delevic: The EBRD Director for Competitiveness, Governance, and Political Affairs, Dr Delevic oversees the Ukraine reforms architecture, embedding over 150 experts in Ukrainian ministries and the Prime Minister’s office to provide capacity for designing and implementing reforms. She shared the latest insights on investing in Ukraine and coordinating the response to the war.

• Dr Sergii Savytskyi: A former entrepreneur and past President of Rotary Kharkiv, Dr Savytskyi showcased the community projects of the Rotary Club of Kharkiv.

Nataliia Hrytsiuk from the UCL School of Management provided an overview of the lecture series and key takeaways from the first edition of The Next Generation of Entrepreneurs for Ukraine Lecture Series.

The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring Ukrainian entrepreneurs and past participants of The Next Generation of Entrepreneurs for Ukraine Lecture Series: Vita Shafinska (StarCreative), Kristina Nekrylova (Christina’s Cleaners) and Viktor Gurskyi (1991 Ventures and SocialBoost). The panellists discussed their personal journeys of relocating to the UK at the onset of the war, highlighting the most challenging moments during this transition. They also explored how they leveraged unexpected opportunities arising from the crisis and the crucial role of community support, both from Ukrainian networks and local communities in the UK.

Pierre-Jean Hanard, School Lead for Entrepreneurship at the UCL School of Management, commented on the event:

“Tonight’s fundraising event underscores how important community backing is to support Ukraine during the war. After hearing from leading experts about the current situation in Ukraine, the effect of the war on the local population, and prospects for reconstruction, our Ukrainian panellists shared inspiring stories of how, despite immense challenges, they have received support from and even found ways to give back to their communities during these difficult times. Their experiences highlight why community support and fundraising efforts are so vital. Entrepreneurship is not just an economic activity; it’s a powerful force for rebuilding and transforming communities and countries. This is why we launched The Next Generation of Entrepreneurs for Ukraine Lecture Series, and this fundraising event is a natural continuation in supporting the Ukrainian community.”

Shavar de Vries Halberstadt, President of the Rotary Club of Mayfair, expressed his enthusiasm:

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the UCL School of Management on this important initiative. The enthusiasm of The Next Generation of Entrepreneurs for Ukraine alumni is inspiring. These funds will directly support Ukrainians with essential resources. As Rotarians, we encourage the involvement of civil society in recovery efforts, and we are grateful for the participation and contribution of so many.”

The UCL School of Management remains dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and supporting international initiatives that drive positive change. Through events like this and The Next Generation of Entrepreneurs for Ukraine Lecture Series, the school continues to play a role in empowering individuals and communities facing significant challenges.

For more information about the UCL School of Management’s initiatives and upcoming events, please explore more on the UCL School of Management website.