Joining Forces for Sustainable Development: Tripartite Memorandum between the Association of Sustainable Development Experts (ASDE), NGO “Open Data Association” and YouControl

The signing of the Memorandum lays the foundation for creating an open ESG data ecosystem in Ukraine. The joint efforts are aimed at introducing ESG standards into the business environment, improving the regulatory framework and supporting the sustainable development of Ukrainian companies.

In April 2025, the NGO “Open Data Association”, YouControl and the NGO “Association of Sustainable Development Experts” (ASDE) concluded a tripartite Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at the systematic introduction of ESG standards into Ukraine’s business environment and the strengthening of European integration processes.

The Memorandum unites the parties’ efforts to achieve several strategic goals:

• Building an open ESG data ecosystem in Ukraine: implementing and improving an accessible platform for collecting, analyzing and disseminating ESG data.
• Developing and advocating ESG regulation standards: joint work on creating a regulatory framework for integrating ESG principles into business practice.
• Institutional support for business: providing comprehensive consultations and expert assessments, and organizing educational events for companies aimed at the practical implementation of sustainable development principles in their operations.
• Holding joint events: organizing conferences, seminars and trainings that bring together representatives of business, government and investors to discuss current issues in implementing sustainable development standards.

Within the Memorandum, each party plays a key role:

The NGO “Open Data Association” acts as the coordinator of the “ESG Data & Compliance” project, implemented with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation. The organization is responsible for analysis and advocacy for the use of open data in the field of sustainable development.

YouControl is responsible for the technical side of the project, namely for implementing and improving the functionality of an analytical tool designed for collecting and comprehensively analyzing ESG data. Automated ESG assessment of companies will allow market participants to promptly evaluate the environmental, social and governance risks of their counterparties.

The NGO “Association of Sustainable Development Experts” (ASDE), in turn, is an expert organization that provides methodological support in shaping sustainable development policies and ESG standards, helping to create the conditions for their effective implementation.

“This Memorandum is a logical step towards integrating sustainable development principles into everyday business practice in Ukraine,” said Alina Sokolenko, Head of the NGO “Association of Sustainable Development Experts”. “Joining forces will allow us to achieve the greatest effectiveness in supporting responsible business on its path to sustainable development.”

“The accessibility of open data is the foundation for a transparent business environment and effective public oversight,” comments Nataliia Chornohub, Head of the NGO “Open Data Association”. “Our cooperation is aimed at expanding the possibilities for using this data to strengthen integrity, support SMEs and develop civil society through awareness.”

Serhii Milman, Director of YouControl, emphasized: “Our goal is to turn complex, lengthy analytics into a fast and efficient digitalized process. The ultimate aim is to accelerate business’s transition to sustainable development standards, make it competitive on the global stage and support the country’s recovery.”

[note] The signing of this Memorandum is an important step towards creating a transparent business environment in Ukraine. The joint initiatives will contribute not only to the implementation of ESG principles, but also to raising general awareness of the importance of sustainable development, which is critical for integrating Ukrainian business into the European market. This partnership directly responds to the growing demands of international investors and regulators for business compliance with sustainability criteria, which is a key factor in attracting investment and increasing competitiveness on the international stage.