On 15 January 2026, a workshop on assessing Ukraine’s readiness for the ethical and responsible implementation of artificial intelligence was held in Kyiv, organized by UNESCO within the framework of the AI Readiness Assessment (RAM) methodology. The facilitated discussion was moderated by Oleksii Molchanovskyi, Lead AI RAM Researcher in Ukraine.

The event brought together representatives of the private sector, academia, civil society, and the IT sector. Participants discussed the preliminary findings of Ukraine’s AI readiness assessment and engaged in a structured dialogue on the desired future development of an ethical and responsible AI ecosystem.

The workshop applied the backcasting methodology, a strategic approach that involves defining a long-term vision (2030 and 2035) and identifying practical steps to achieve it. Particular attention was given to the legal, socio-cultural, and scientific-educational dimensions of Ukraine’s readiness to implement AI.

GTA UA’s Participation in the Workshop

The GovTech Alliance of Ukraine took part in the workshop as representatives of the GovTech sector, directly engaged in the development and implementation of digital and AI-driven solutions in the public sector.

Ukraine already has internationally recognized experience in applying AI in the areas of security and defense. At the same time, the use of AI in the civilian public sector remains at an early stage and requires clear rules, high-quality data, and practical models of cooperation between the state and business.

Based on the discussions and their own expertise, GTA UA representatives emphasized the need to move from declarative approaches to practical mechanisms for AI implementation — in particular through pilot projects, transparent procedures, and public–private partnership models capable of overcoming systemic barriers.

“For the GovTech community, artificial intelligence is not only about technology, but first and foremost about responsibility, trust, and practical value for the state and citizens. That is why GTA UA’s participation in such discussions is important: we bring the voice of business that works daily with real data, constraints, and users, and can help the state move from concepts to actionable solutions,” said Kateryna Stavniichuk, CEO of the GTA UA.

“Artificial intelligence can be a catalyst for the digital transformation of the state: it speeds up the launch of new GovTech services and lowers barriers to their adoption. At the same time, AI interfaces — particularly chatbots — make public services more accessible by helping citizens navigate even complex administrative processes in a clear and user-friendly way,” — Volodymyr Sichka, CTO at Kitsoft.

Representatives of the Alliance’s member companies joined the discussions on behalf of GTA UA:

• Anastasiia Khrystych, Product Manager at AMEDIA
• Oleksii Radchenko, CEO of Prozori Solutions
• Anastas Boiko, COO at Strimco
• Vasyl Zadvornyy, CEO of MK-Consulting

“The implementation of AI in public services, much like in the commercial sector, is no longer just a trend today—it is a complex challenge involving significant risks. That is why evaluating Ukraine against international standards is critically important. It matters for us—to objectively understand where we stand and benchmark ourselves against global practices—and for the international community, as Ukraine finds itself in a unique position, both technologically and due to the context of the war. It was fundamental for us to discuss not only the obvious constraints—financial ones and those caused by the full-scale invasion—but also the opportunities provided by GovTech: the rapid deployment of technology in government services, short user feedback loops, and the application of modern solutions for both defense and economic recovery. It is vital that we preserve and enhance this innovativeness and openness to experimentation”, — Vasyl Zadvornyy.

Key Takeaways

Amid the rapid growth of interest in AI, it is critically important to balance large-scale, long-term initiatives with applied, cost-effective solutions that deliver quick, tangible results and meet the needs of the public sector.

Ukraine’s AI readiness assessment, as well as the development of the regulatory framework, should be grounded in international best practices, real-world challenges, and broad stakeholder engagement across government, business, academia, and civil society. This approach will enable a shift from “soft law” to effective, practical regulatory instruments.

The leadership role of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine in advancing AI creates an opportunity to systematically disseminate knowledge and best practices across the public sector. At the same time, it is essential that these tools respond to the practical needs of civil servants—simplifying routine tasks, automating processes, and strengthening the effectiveness of managerial decision-making.

One of the key factors for scaling AI in the public sector is the implementation of clear and transparent public–private partnership models. Such models reduce the burden on the state, create opportunities for businesses to develop expertise and products, and provide a foundation for the effective launch of pilots, investment in national AI tools and infrastructure, capacity-building in the public sector, and developers’ access to high-quality data.

GTA UA believes that the next stage for Ukraine is a transition from concepts and discussions to action: embedding ethical principles, implementing practical mechanisms for AI adoption, and building partnerships that turn AI into a tool of real value for the state, business, and society.

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The assessment is conducted at the request of UNESCO and funded by the European Union, with the aim of identifying and evaluating the challenges, strengths, and opportunities related to the ethical development and use of AI.