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Gary Reusche is a dedicated social and economic development professional residing in Ukraine for 20 years. He has worked since 1975 with the IFC.org up until 2015, working and travelling in more than 50 countries including 17 countries in Africa and other countries in India and Sri Lanka. With a PhD in Agricultural Science and an MBA in Management, Gary has successfully managed projects across Central America, Africa, South Asia, and the former Soviet Union. Over the past 30 years, he has accumulated extensive project design and management experience with multiple bilateral and multilateral development agencies.
Gary Reusche retired from the World Bank in 2015 and then worked as a Professor with the International Management Institute (MIM-Kyiv) and served as an advisor for agricultural lending at the Bank “Credit Dnepr” in Kyiv. His career highlights included as a UNDP Project Manager for SDG project design in Iraq, and a member of the Global Team for the “Global Index Insurance Facility” at IFC/World Bank Group, travelling to many countries. He loved to design agri-insurance products and communities for major food crops and local housing. The last 20 years of experience in banking and MFI agri-finance and insurance risk management in Ukraine included working in regions east of Ukraine (Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) where he worked as an agribusiness manager and a seed industry specialist.
Gary has managed multiple projects in Ukraine, including four projects under the “Access to Finance” business line of IFC. Additionally, he is a faculty member for the MBA program, specializing in SME entrepreneurship and agribusiness.
As a member of the ebbf research team, Gary authored the brochure “Consultative Decision Making,” drawing from the Bahá’í Writings and his extensive personal experience in both business and as a member of Bahá’í consultative bodies in five different countries where he served as a pioneer. His passion lies in aligning Bahá’í social principles with contemporary global challenges and contributing to a sustainable future within a united world.
Gary Reusche also discussed the challenge faced by small farmers who are “outside the system” and often unable to secure loans or sell in regulated markets. Opening agriculture to communities requires “another kind of paradigm,” Reusche said, where “solidarity and development within the community” create new relationships between farmers and local inhabitants.
Gary and his wife are both social activists, living on a small farm where he operates a residential vacation school. The school serves groups of children, youth, and adults who are dedicated to building a culture rooted in universal spiritual principles.
Expert in environmental education – Gary Reusche
Olha Dovha’s journey reflects her unwavering dedication to legal excellence and scholarly exploration. With a diverse background in law and a commitment to addressing global challenges, she is poised to make meaningful contributions to international relations, environmental law, and legal governance.
Olha is a legal professional with a strong passion for international relations and environmental law. Hailing from Ukraine, Olha has cultivated her expertise through a blend of academic pursuits and professional experiences across various legal domains.
Olha embarked on her professional journey through internships at esteemed institutions in Ukraine. She explored migration issues and refugee protection at the Migration Service of Ukraine. Later, at the Podilskyi District State Administration, she contributed to policy decisions by analyzing social and political processes. Olha gained insights into judgment enforcement while interning at the Holosiivskyi Department of the State Executive Service of Kyiv. Olha served as a Legal Counsel and Assistant to the Chief Lawyer at NSP Limited Liability Company.
She holds a Bachelor of Law degree from The National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (2020) and a Master’s degree in Management of Investment Activity and International Projects from the same university (2021). In November 2022, Olha earned a Master of Law degree specializing in International Law and Criminal Law from The National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine. She pursued further studies at the Università degli Studi di Palermo, focusing on conflict and environmental degradation in her research.
Expert in international law and international relations in the direction Ukraine and Italy – Olha Dovha
Valentyn, a state inspector of Ukraine for environmental protection, is a shining example of a professional who has dedicated his life to serving the state and protecting nature. Born on May 16, 1959, he received his education at the Kyiv State Pedagogical Institute named after M. Gorky, and later at the Interregional Academy of Personnel Management, which laid a solid foundation for his many years of work in the environmental sector.
Valentyn Suprunenko began his career in ecology in 1989, and since 2007, he has been working at the State Environmental Inspection of Ukraine. He holds the position of chief specialist in the Instrumental and Laboratory Control Department of the Department of State Environmental Supervision (Control), where he is recognized as a responsible and proactive expert.
Throughout his long professional path, Valentyn Suprunenko not only fulfilled his assigned tasks at a high level but also organized important educational events and training sessions aimed at improving the country’s safety in detecting and controlling radioactive materials. Notably, he organized training seminars, roundtables, and workshops at key infrastructure sites, such as Boryspil International Airport, Illichivsk Commercial Seaport, Chop automobile checkpoint, and Ilovaisk railway checkpoint.
His contribution also extends to active cooperation with international organizations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, GUAM, and EUBAM. Valentyn Suprunenko has undergone numerous professional development courses, including at the Academy for the Study of Radioactive Materials in the United States, the International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest, and the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which enabled him to perform his environmental protection mission even more effectively.
In recognition of his merits, he has received numerous awards and honors. In 2003, 2021, and 2023, Valentyn Suprunenko was commended and awarded honorary certificates from the State Environmental Inspection of Ukraine for his diligent work. In 2009 and 2010, he received commendations from the Research Center “Lex” for participating in International Forums on Physical Nuclear Security – Countermeasures Against Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. In 2015, he was thanked by the OSCE Ambassador for organizing and conducting training seminars at state border checkpoints. His experience and long-standing dedication to protecting nature serve as a model for future generations of environmentalists in Ukraine.
Thanks to his tireless work and enormous contribution to environmental protection, Valentyn Suprunenko has earned recognition and respect from the state and his colleagues, continuing to work towards protecting our environment for future generations.
Chief Radiation Safety and Environmental Monitoring expert – Valentyn Suprunenko
Svitlana has been interested in environmental protection issues since childhood, which later became the foundation of her professional career. She obtained a degree in Ecology from the Taras Shevchenko National University of Luhansk, and later earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
From the beginning of her career, Svitlana actively worked in the field of ecology and environmental protection. She held the position of Senior Specialist-Inspector in the Kyiv region, where she was involved in environmental and radiation control. Her responsibilities included overseeing waste management and hazardous substances, as well as organizing inspections related to environmental crimes. Thanks to her efforts, the region’s budget was significantly replenished through fines paid for violations of environmental protection laws. Her contribution to maintaining ecological balance and protecting the environment is invaluable.
In addition to her professional activities, Svitlana was actively involved in volunteering. She participated in numerous Ukrainian events in London, where she supported Ukrainian initiatives, fostering cultural and educational ties. One of her main initiatives was assisting the “Ukrainian Education Hub,” which provides support to Ukrainian students and young professionals seeking to study and develop in Europe. Svitlana also organized humanitarian aid for Ukraine during various crisis situations, actively involving the public in charity events.
Thanks to her dedication to environmental protection and support for Ukraine during difficult times, Svitlana has earned a reputation as one of the leaders of the volunteer movement.
Svitlana Taranenko is an example of how professionalism and volunteer work can come together to help preserve natural resources and support fellow citizens during tough times. Her activities benefit not only Ukraine but also the international community.
Expert in the direction Ukraine and Great Britain -Svitlana Taranenko
Oleg Salo is a story of success and consistency. Having graduated from the University of State Fiscal Service of Ukraine in 2018, obtaining a degree of Candidate of Legal Sciences with specialization in criminal procedure and forensics, judicial expertise, and operational-search activity. His educational path also includes Lviv Regional Institute of Public Administration and Lviv Institute of Internal Affairs, where he obtained master’s and bachelor’s degrees in public administration and jurisprudence respectively.
Oleg has an impressive work experience in government and commercial organizations. He has held various managerial positions in the State Environmental Inspection of Ukraine, SE “Ukrkhimtransamiak”, and SE “Electrovazhmash Plant”. His career also includes serving as the Head of Lviv Regional State Administration and holding several high-ranking positions in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, where he participated in addressing various issues related to public safety and information technology.
His characteristics include punctuality, responsibility, perseverance, and communicativeness. With his high level of leadership and organizational skills, he effectively tackled multitasking and provided leadership to large teams.
His story demonstrates that consistency, perseverance, and the ability to adapt to new conditions are key to achieving success in any field.
Expert in Ukraine and Eastern Europe Division – Oleg Salo
Diana Bolila has dreamed of a career related to environmental conservation since childhood. Her dedication and constant desire for self-improvement helped her secure the prestigious position of Chief Specialist in the Department of International Cooperation and Protocol Events at the State Ecological Inspection of Ukraine.
Despite her work, Diana does not forget about her education. Currently, she is a first-year master’s student at the Kyiv University of Intellectual Property and Law of the National University “Odessa Law Academy.” Studying law, Diana seeks to learn as much as possible about international norms and agreements related to nature conservation and ecosystem preservation.
In 2023, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in law, which was another step towards her dream of becoming a professional in the field of ecology and law. Her efforts are directed towards promoting sustainable development and preserving nature for future generations.
International relations and environmental law of Ukraine expert – Diana Bolila
