ARISE: Sustainable Business Solutions – Implementation of Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) in the Agricultural Sector

Despite the full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to pursue a sustainable development agenda, ensuring that economic growth is aligned with social responsibility, environmental protection, and long-term resilience.

The agricultural sector plays a key role in this process. Through the ARISE Project, agribusinesses are supported in implementing the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards (ESS), thereby strengthening corporate governance, transparency, and operational sustainability.

Within the framework of the “Affordable Loans 5–7–9%” state program, of which ARISE is a component, enterprises invest in modernization, occupational health and safety, and environmentally sustainable technologies, while ensuring compliance with ESS requirements and responsible business practices.

ARISE represents a partnership between the private sector, public authorities, and local communities aimed at supporting economic stability and sustainable development in Ukraine.

The impact of ARISE on business efficiency, community development, and Ukraine’s progress toward a resilient economy is presented in the accompanying video.

The ARISE Project was initiated by the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine and implemented by the Business Development Fund in cooperation with the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine during 2023–2025.

The project was financed through a loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (USD 230 million) and grants from the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund (URTF) totaling USD 365 million.