We had the pleasure of sitting down with Viktoriia Savitska to learn more about her inspiring journey. From her early life and education to her impactful work with the United Nations and Epicentr Group, Viktoriia shared her story with us. She talked about her passions, her thoughts on the latest sustainability trends, and her advice for businesses looking to make a real difference.
Join us as Viktoriia takes us through her journey—a story of determination, innovation, and a strong drive to create positive change.
Early Life and Educational Journey
Curious about Viktoriia Savitska’s background, we asked her to share a bit about her early life and educational journey.
Viktoriia: I’ve always believed that our early experiences shape the leaders we become. Growing up, I had a strong passion for justice and fairness, inspired by visionary leaders who weren’t afraid to challenge the status quo and make a difference. This passion led me to pursue a law degree, first in Ukraine and later in Switzerland, which gave me a solid foundation in understanding systems and the importance of building ethical frameworks.
After completing my law degree, I deepened my global perspective by earning a Bachelor’s degree from the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations. This period opened my eyes to the complexities of global challenges and the role of diplomacy in creating meaningful change. To further refine my leadership skills and strategic thinking, I pursued an MBA at Geneva University, where I focused on sustainability, innovation, and strategic engagement.
Reading has always been a significant part of my life—books have been my windows into understanding visionary leadership, resilience, and the art of making a lasting impact. These values continue to guide me in everything I do, from supporting businesses to building partnerships that align with my passion for innovation and fairness.
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Inspiration Behind Working with the United Nations
Interested in her journey, we asked Viktoriia what inspired her to collaborate with the United Nations.
Viktoriia: Working with the United Nations has been a dream fueled by my passion for driving global change. Inspired by its role in promoting peace, equality, and sustainable development, I saw the UN as the perfect platform to align my values and skills. My background in law, international relations, and sustainability provided the tools to address complex challenges, while the UN offered opportunities to unite diverse stakeholders, foster digital literacy, empower communities, and create meaningful, lasting impact.
Working with the United Nations has been a dream fueled by my passion for driving global change. Inspired by its role in promoting peace, equality, and sustainable development, I saw the UN as the perfect platform to align my values and skills. My background in law, international relations, and sustainability provided the tools to address complex challenges, while the UN offered opportunities to unite diverse stakeholders, foster digital literacy, empower communities, and create meaningful, lasting impact.
Defining Successful Partnerships
To understand her perspective, we asked Viktoriia how she defines successful partnerships in her industry.
Viktoriia: Successful partnerships in my field, particularly in sustainability and strategic engagement, are defined by their ability to bridge the gap between private companies, public institutions, and non-governmental organizations. These partnerships thrive when diverse stakeholders come together with a shared purpose, combining their unique strengths to create meaningful and lasting impact.
At the heart of fostering public-private partnerships is the recognition that no single entity can address today’s complex challenges—whether it’s advancing sustainability, driving innovation, or supporting post-crisis recovery. Governments bring policy expertise and regulatory frameworks, NGOs provide on-the-ground knowledge and community trust, while private companies, like Epicenter Group, contribute resources, innovation, and operational scale. When these elements are aligned, the results can be transformative.
Ultimately, successful partnerships are built on mutual respect, transparency, and a commitment to shared goals. By fostering collaboration across sectors, we can tackle systemic challenges more effectively and create solutions that benefit society as a whole.
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Business Development and Sustainability
Exploring the connection, we inquired about the role business development plays in advancing sustainability efforts.
Viktoriia: Business development is the engine that drives sustainability by aligning economic growth with environmental and social responsibility. It enables companies to identify opportunities, build partnerships, and scale impactful projects. At Epicenter Group, for example, strategic collaborations in renewable energy and green mobility have helped us reduce our environmental footprint while fostering long-term growth. By integrating sustainability into the value chain and proving its economic viability, business development ensures that sustainability becomes a core business priority, not just a standalone initiative.
A Project That Stands Out
Intrigued by her achievements, we asked Viktoriia to describe a project or initiative she’s particularly proud of.
Viktoriia: One project I’m particularly proud to highlight is Epicentr Group’s renewable energy initiative. The company has installed 20,000 solar panels across its centers, generating 15 megawatts of power—meeting up to 30% of its energy needs and reducing CO2 emissions by 2 million tons annually. Being part of a company that prioritizes clean energy and integrates sustainability into its operations is truly inspiring. This initiative reflects Epicentr’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility, setting an example for other businesses in Ukraine to embrace greener practices.
Advice for Companies on Sustainability
Seeking her expertise, we asked Viktoriia for her advice to companies aspiring to embrace sustainability.
Viktoriia: My advice for companies aiming to become more sustainable is to start by embedding sustainability into their core strategy, not treating it as a separate initiative. Identify areas where sustainability aligns with your business goals, whether it’s improving operational efficiency, reducing resource consumption, or creating innovative products.
Partnerships are also key—collaborate with NGOs, government agencies, and other businesses to pool expertise and scale your impact. Measure your progress with clear goals and metrics, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
Finally, involve your stakeholders—employees, customers, and communities—in the process. When sustainability becomes a shared value, it drives both meaningful impact and long-term success.
Approach to Outreach
To learn more about her methods, we asked Viktoriia how she engages in outreach and professional work.
Viktoriia: I approach outreach by focusing on building meaningful connections and fostering collaboration. It starts with understanding the needs and goals of the stakeholders I’m engaging with, whether they are government agencies, NGOs, or private sector partners. Tailoring messages to align with shared values and objectives ensures the outreach resonates and leads to productive dialogue.
In my work, I emphasize transparency and open communication, showcasing how collaboration can create mutual benefits. For example, at Epicentr Group, outreach efforts have facilitated partnerships in renewable energy, community development, and post-crisis recovery.
Ultimately, effective outreach is about creating win-win scenarios, where every stakeholder feels their contributions lead to a greater collective impact.
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Exciting Trends in Sustainability
Excited about future possibilities, we inquired about the sustainability trends that inspire Viktoriia the most.
Viktoriia: One of the most exciting trends I see in sustainability is the integration of digital technologies like AI and big data to enhance resource efficiency and improve tracking of sustainability efforts. This technological leap is enabling businesses to make smarter, more impactful decisions.
Another trend that stands out is the shift toward nature-positive strategies—businesses are moving beyond minimizing harm to actively restoring ecosystems. It’s inspiring to see companies take responsibility for regeneration rather than just preservation.
The rise of mandatory sustainability reporting is also a game-changer. Regulations, such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), are pushing companies to be more transparent about their environmental and social impacts. This fosters accountability and drives a culture of sustainability.
Additionally, supply chain due diligence is becoming a priority, with new regulations ensuring businesses address human rights and environmental issues throughout their supply chains. This holistic approach is transforming industries.
These trends are exciting because they reflect a growing global commitment to embedding sustainability into the heart of business operations, creating opportunities for innovation, and addressing systemic challenges head-on.
Qualities Viktoriia Looks for in Startups
As an angel investor, we asked Viktoriia what qualities she looks for in startups.
Viktoriia: As an angel investor, I prioritize startups that integrate sustainability into their core business model, as I believe long-term success lies in creating both economic value and positive impact. I look for innovative solutions that address pressing environmental or social challenges while demonstrating a clear path to scalability and profitability. Startups with a strong mission, measurable sustainability goals, and founders who are deeply committed to their vision stand out to me. Additionally, I value transparency, a solid business plan, and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions—qualities that are essential for driving sustainable growth and lasting impact.
Engaging Local Communities
Curious about her impact, we asked Viktoriia how she ensures local communities are actively involved in her sustainability efforts.
Viktoriia: Engaging local communities is at the heart of effective sustainability efforts. At Epicentr Group, we focus on creating initiatives that directly address the needs and priorities of the communities we serve. This includes collaborating with local stakeholders, such as schools, NGOs, and government bodies, to design programs that promote education, health, and economic opportunities. For example, our demining company, Epicenter Safety, conducts awareness training in war-affected regions to educate communities about landmine risks and safety measures. Additionally, through our sports initiatives, we’ve built modern sports complexes and partnered with the Real Madrid Foundation to support social sports schools, giving children opportunities to grow through education and physical activity. Another impactful initiative is our battery recycling program, where we install collection points in residential areas and schools, engaging children and various stakeholders to collect batteries and participate in national recycling efforts led by Epicentr Group. By listening to and working closely with communities, we ensure that our sustainability efforts are inclusive, impactful, and aligned with their long-term development.
Thank You, Viktoriia
We sincerely thank Viktoriia Savitska for sharing her story, her wisdom, and her vision for a sustainable future. It’s leaders like her who remind us that with innovation, teamwork, and determination, we can make a lasting impact on our world.
Thank you, Viktoriia, for taking the time to inspire us and our readers!
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