Dear readers,
As we are nearing to 2024, I would like to take this opportunity today to reflect on the year that has been, for many of us, one of the still turbulent ones.
From the growing presence of the war to the rising of new geopolitical powers, energy crisis, Europe’s future in questions and the costs and consequences of the passing yet not gone for good pandemic, there are much uncertainness of where we are headed towards. European elections, unprecedented AI growth, reassessing of the ESG needs, and growing discussions about Europe’s borders are accompanying us into 2024 with hope for clarify and glimpse of stability.
2024 promises to be no easier, however not less interesting either. Set to bring change, the year yet will have to deal with many leftovers from the 2023 table. For us at B&K, this passing year can be described as the one where we took a “leap of faith”. Born in a flame of passion and curiosity, B&K has come to being thanks to the trust put in us by great people that have come our way. We’ve grown to value business enterprise and are committed to helping businesses make positive impact by better understanding the factors that shape EU policy landscape, but we also share a strong feeling for the human rights, peace, freedom, and the rule of law. However, the state of global politics challenges these values every single day. And in moments as now, on the brink of the first quarter of the 21st century, one asks a realistic question what can we do?
The answer that we came with is bringing people together. I am happy to share that we are launching Generation Ukraine to bring together Ukrainian and international business and creative community to help talents grow, to help Ukraine grow, and to help people get together and grow their impact. Generation Ukraine will serve as a platform for CSR and ESG[LB1] [TS2] [JK3] projects executed to support Ukrainian community. Business growth is what sets the foundation for prosperity, growth, and freedom. The creativity and bravery of the Ukrainian entrepreneurs has awed and inspired so many of us — from the ever more innovative methods of operating and services provided, to the rapid growth and recovery of every challenge along the way, to the mere resilience and the unbeatable desire to live and create. The organization will operate in the direction of mentorship programs, networking events, pro-bono consulting, and women empowerment programs. All set to build ever stronger connection with Ukraine and the world.
The launch of the Generation Ukraine project took place last week in Lviv, the beautiful capital of Ukraine’s Galicia region, for a brief moment in history a part of the Austria-Hungary, but as Ukrainian as ever in its heart. Twenty women of various fields of IT, communications, activism, entrepreneurship, design, and health & wellbeing gathered for a Saturday afternoon brunch, united by the idea, to enjoy each other’s company.
With that, as we are marching into 2024, I want to invite you to be hopeful for what the new year brings, seek ways to support your community, be kinder to each other, and, perhaps, the light will bring us close to the peace that we so much seek.
Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Julia Kril
Executive Director
B&K Agency