On November 19, 2025, Kateryna Stavniichuk, CEO of the GovTech Alliance of Ukraine (GTA UA), participated in the X Conductors of Changes Forum, which was initiated by Deloitte and brought together leaders from business, government, culture, and civil society who are committed to long-term change and the development of Ukraine. This year’s theme was “10 Years: A Retro/Perspective.”

The forum provided an opportunity to reflect on the role of the GovTech community within the broader context of the country’s transformation, particularly regarding cooperation between business and the state, shared responsibility of communities, and the development of new formats of collaboration for the public good.

“Over the past 10 years, Ukraine has undergone a unique transformation — cultural, mental, and geopolitical. Sometimes it is important to pause and recognise the path we have already taken in order to find the strength to move forward,” says Kateryna Stavniichuk.

One of the key topics of the forum was culture as a source of strength and identity. Participants discussed the processes of cultural renewal, the growing interest in Ukrainian content, and the importance of consciously rejecting Russian cultural influence as an element of national resilience.

Special attention was also given to the vision of Ukraine in 2035 from the perspective of its citizens, presented in the survey “Ukraine 2035: strengths, vulnerabilities, and potential” conducted by Gradus. The findings showed that IT and digital technologies consistently rank among the areas Ukrainians are most proud of and consider critical for the country’s development. At the same time, the research revealed a value-based dissonance between aspirations for freedom and individualism and expectations of a high level of state paternalism.

“This is a serious challenge. The state must create conditions for development, but it is the responsibility of communities and businesses to unite and jointly build communities, initiatives, and institutions. This is exactly how the GovTech Alliance of Ukraine operates — by bringing together expertise and strengthening the voice of the GovTech community,” Kateryna Stavniichuk emphasises.

Another important topic of the forum was the architecture of new leadership, including the need to acknowledge achievements, overcome feelings of inferiority, and build continuity. These approaches resonate with GTA UA’s vision of mature leadership focused on the long-term development of the country and on building strong, trust-based partnerships between business and the state.

The forum also highlighted the importance of the Ukrainian cultural space as a foundation for shaping values and leadership, including through artistic performances and cultural initiatives that added strong emotional resonance to the event.

GTA UA thanks Deloitte for the invitation and all forum participants for an open and meaningful dialogue. Such events help create an environment in which strong ideas, mature leaders, and partnerships emerge — all of which are essential for the development of a modern digital Ukraine.

Photo: Deloitte, X Conductors of Changes Forum.