PR_MCREBIRTH OF UKRAINE in Scotland: A Mission on the Path of Recovery and Partnership
📍At the end of May 2025, the Scottish city of Edinburgh hosted a Ukrainian delegation as part of the international trade mission REBIRTH OF UKRAINE, organized by the Mayors’ Club of Ukraine, Economy of Trust Ukraine, and the UMEDA Development Agency. The mission became possible — and was highly dynamic and productive — thanks to the support of COSLA, the Cross-Party Group on Ukraine, the Edinburgh & Glasgow Chambers of Commerce, the Scottish Government, Scotland Food & Drink, Nazovni.online, Scottish Enterprise, and the Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh.
This visit was not just an official event, but a true bridge between two countries united by shared values, a common vision for recovery, and a commitment to the future.
Ukraine and Scotland — Partners in Reconstruction
A 60-member Ukrainian delegation — including mayors, entrepreneurs, government officials, and representatives of national associations — arrived in Scotland with the goal of establishing close cooperation in the fields of economy, innovation, local governance, and social policy.
Each day of the mission was filled with events, meetings, emotions, and new horizons of collaboration.
Visit to the Scottish Parliament — A Lesson in Democracy and Solidarity
The mission began with an exceptionally warm welcome at the Scottish Parliament, where participants had the opportunity not only to learn about the history of Scotland’s political culture, but also to witness firsthand how a modern democratic system operates. For many Ukrainian mayors currently working under wartime conditions, this served as a symbolic lesson: effective local democracy is the key to sustainable development.
The delegation sincerely thanks the Parliament for the insightful tour and gracious hospitality.
Dynamic Earth & Cross-Party Group on Ukraine
At the iconic Dynamic Earth venue, an event was held with the Cross-Party Group on Ukraine, where members of the Scottish Parliament, business community, and civil society shared their vision of supporting Ukraine. The Ukrainian delegation, in turn, presented examples of the resilience of Ukrainian communities and the economy, which continue to function despite ongoing hostilities. The delegation also learned more about the Cross-Party Group on Ukraine, which operates within the Scottish Government and focuses on political, economic, and social support for Ukraine. Both sides created a space for open dialogue and the exchange of ideas and initiatives.
We sincerely thank Member of the Scottish Parliament Colin Beattie for his leadership and unwavering support, as well as Anna Kulish, whose dedication as a Ukrainian actively advances numerous efforts within the Cross-Party Group on Ukraine. A particularly moving moment was when Ukrainians living in Scotland met with the mayors of Ukrainian cities. These encounters remind us that even far from home, we remain one united community. A special highlight of the event was the performance by a young Ukrainian pianist, who delivered an exclusive arrangement of both the unofficial Scottish anthem and the Ukrainian national anthem.
Reception at COSLA: Future Partnerships
At the headquarters of COSLA (the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities), which unites all municipalities across Scotland, a discussion was held on what successful city-to-city partnerships should look like. The conversation focused on practical aspects of cooperation and the exchange of experience across various sectors.
Scottish leaders expressed strong interest in building long-term partnerships with Ukrainian communities.
A list of potential twin cities began to take shape. These kinds of sessions lay the groundwork for real, not just symbolic, transnational projects. The meeting was opened by COSLA President Shona Morrison and Member of the Scottish Parliament and Minister for Equality Kaukab Stewart, who assured the Ukrainian delegation of their full support and readiness to build intermunicipal partnerships.
We are confident that this was just the first step toward future sister-city relations and collaborative projects between communities in Ukraine and Scotland.
Networking Reception: Connecting Business with Ukraine
At the official evening reception, representatives of Ukrainian business met with leaders of Scottish trade organizations, including:
- Scotland Food & Drink — the national industry association,
- Scottish Minister for Business Richard Lochhead,
- and Consul of Ukraine in Edinburgh Andrii Madzianovskyi.
The event was also attended by the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, who, earlier that week, delivered a speech in the Scottish Parliament highlighting our visit, the meeting, and his conversation with the UK Prime Minister, where they discussed unwavering support for Ukraine and ways to assist the Ukrainian people. 👉 Watch the video here 👈
Throughout the evening, accompanied by tastings of Scottish drinks and products, participants engaged in informal discussions about new trade partnerships, Ukrainian exports, investment in reconstruction, and the role of women in entrepreneurship.
Day 2: REBIRTH OF UKRAINE Conference — The Heart of the Mission
The central event was the conference in Edinburgh, which brought together over 100 participants — including politicians, business leaders, diplomats, and analysts.
Opening remarks were delivered by:
- Robert Aldridge, Lord Provost of Edinburgh
- Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture
- Liz McAreavey, CEO of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
- Yulia Chufistova, CEO of UMEDA
- Andriy Madzianovskyi, Consul of Ukraine
During the conference, a Memorandum of Strategic Partnership was signed, paving the way for new institutional and business initiatives between Scotland and Ukraine.
Business Panel: Investment, Innovation, and Women’s Leadership
The second part of the conference focused on business opportunities and investments. Panel participants included:
- Henry Shterenberg (investment strategy for municipalities)
- Olha Korniichenko (BDO)
- Oleksandra Sologub (Nazovni)
- Roman Kuzykh (innovation in the food industry)
- Iryna Kachmarchyk and Nadiia Dilai (a women-led cosmetics startup)
This segment served as a powerful illustration of the energy and resilience of Ukrainian entrepreneurs — those who, despite the war, continue to create jobs, drive innovation, and expand exports.
Business Meetings: New Partners — New Markets
Mission participants held a series of B2B meetings with potential Scottish partners. Key focus areas included:
- Organic products
- Agricultural innovations
- B2B supply chains
- Joint IT projects
- Educational exchanges
Exploratory Visits
Visit to Cairnhill Structures — A Bridge to Ukraine
Perhaps the most moving moment of the mission was the visit to the Cairnhill Structures plant, where steel components were being prepared for shipment to Ukraine — parts of a bridge that will be installed in liberated Makariv (Kyiv region).
Ukrainian mayors signed the structure — a symbol that will become part of the infrastructure of a renewed, peaceful Makariv. This is more than just steel. It is a sign of solidarity, cooperation, and a shared future.
Innovation in Service of Reconstruction
Visits to the National Robotarium, Edinburgh Innovation Hub, and the Sighthill Recycling Centre demonstrated to Ukrainian municipal leaders how modern technologies are being integrated into everyday life: from agriculture to waste management.
Particularly valuable was the exchange of ideas on the reuse of equipment and electronics — an experience that can be adapted in Ukrainian communities where resources are limited.
Conclusion: at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
The final highlight of the mission was a tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse — the official residence of the monarch in Scotland. This visit symbolized Scotland’s openness and recognition of the importance of the Ukrainian delegation at the highest level.
Edinburgh welcomed us with beautiful weather, fascinating historical sites, and most importantly, warm-hearted people ready to fully support Ukraine during these challenging times.
“This was not an ordinary business trip. It was a mission of faith, partnership, and a strong desire to build the future — together,” said Yuliya Chufistova, CEO of UMEDA.