On January 21, the Parkovy Congress and Exhibition Center hosted the conference “Cooperative SHIFT-2026: The Power of Cooperatives.” The event focused on strengthening the cooperative movement as a tool for supporting farming, women’s entrepreneurship, and the economic resilience of rural communities amid war and Ukraine’s European integration.
The event was organized by the Rural Women Business Network and the Cooperative Academy in partnership with the Canadian organization SOCODEVI, within the framework of the HONOR project — a long-term Canadian-Ukrainian initiative aimed at developing cooperatives and strengthening the role of women in the agri-food sector.
The conference brought together women entrepreneurs, farmers, cooperative leaders, representatives of government institutions, and international partners. Discussions focused on cooperation as a business model that enables small and medium producers to pool resources, reduce costs, and increase competitiveness. Special attention was given to women’s leadership: in the context of war, Ukrainian women increasingly take on management roles and become key drivers of economic activity within their communities.
An important outcome of the conference was the announcement of the Cooperative Support Program within the HONOR project. The program will provide comprehensive assistance — from self-assessment to the development of a personalized growth roadmap for each cooperative.
The event took place in the
Small Exhibition Hall, a 500 m² eco-classic style venue. A central stage with a screen and theater-style seating was arranged in the middle of the hall, while a dedicated space was set up for networking and catering.
The HONOR project is a seven-year initiative (2025–2032) implemented with the support of the Government of Canada and aimed at developing inclusive agri-food systems in Ukraine.
Parkovy is proud to be a venue where solutions for the development of Ukrainian communities are born.
