“Ukrainian Geology in the Context of Contemporary Geopolitical Challenges”
May 14, 2025 the public organization “Ukrainian Association of Geologists” held the VII Conference of Geologists of Ukraine.
In the context of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine, Ukrainian geology is gaining particular strategic importance. It is an important element in ensuring national security, energy independence, and economic stability of the state.
Event Objective: To explore the new role of geology in securing Ukraine's energy, environmental, and economic stability amidst current geopolitical challenges, while supporting the green transition, green transformation, wartime and post-war economic recovery, and fostering sustainable development.
The Conference was supported by: the Ukrainian Geological Survey, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Naftogaz of Ukraine NJSC, the State Ecological Academy of Postgraduate Education and Management of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, the Educational and Scientific Institute "Institute of Geology" at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, NADRA.INFO Media Platform, the Ukrainian Geological Company SC, The Public Organization “Union of drillers of Ukraine”.
The following participated representatives of state authorities, in particular the State Commission of Ukraine on Mineral Reserves, geological organizations and enterprises of the Ukrainian Geological Survey, state and private enterprises in the oil and gas sector and mineral resources industry, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, higher education institutions, and professional public organizations of the relevant profile, specialists in geology, hydrogeology, geophysics, engineering, and other Earth science fields – members of the Ukrainian Association of Geologists, media representatives, and the general public.
The participants of the Conference noted the following: the global transition to sustainable development relies heavily on secure access to mineral resources and resilient supply chains. In this context, it is essential for governments to establish effective critical minerals strategies, strengthen international collaboration in managing global supply chains of mineral raw materials, and boost domestic mineral processing capabilities. With its rich and diverse subsoil resources, Ukraine is well-positioned to become a significant player in the global minerals market.
The topics of the reports covered the following areas:
- Areas of activity of the Ukrainian Association of Geologists: achievements, problems, prospects,
- Areas of activity of the State Service of Geology and Subsoil of Ukraine,
- Strategic priorities for exploration and production of Naftogaz of Ukraine,
- Current developments and challenges of the Earth Sciences Department of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine,
- Environmental problems in Ukraine and ways to solve them,
- Training of geologists to meet the staffing needs of enterprises in Ukraine's mineral resources sector: current status, challenges,
- Experience and prospects for the use of international assessment standards in domestic subsoil use practice.
- Development of network partnership cooperation, in particular through the ONEGEO.COM platform, a global digital project of the Ukrainian Association of Geologists,
- Presentations and proposals from leading specialists from organizations participating in the event.
The following issues were also discussed during the event:
- The importance of the USA– Ukraine Agreement on the creation of the Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund and its role in developing the country’s mineral resources sector.
- The introduction of the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) and the United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS) in Ukraine: opportunities and challenges in mineral reserve assessment and engagement with international investors.
- The participation of Ukrainian institutions in the European Research Area, including contributions to the GSEU project in areas such as raw and geoenergy resources, groundwater, and the management of coastal areas and the seabed; CEEGS – CO2-based electrothermal energy and geological energy storage system; CRM-geothermal.
- Harnessing the potential of the ONEGEO.COM platform to unite the geological professional community, preserve the industry, define strategic development priorities, and promote cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration in support of the global sustainable development Goals and advancing public green enlightenment and environmental literacy.
- The participants of the Conference emphasized the important role of geology. Geological services in leading countries are actively transforming, adapting their missions, tasks, and working methods to address contemporary global challenges. This evolution of geological services ensures their key role in supporting sustainable development and preserving natural resources for future generations, opens up new opportunities for addressing environmental, climate, and resource issues, and ensures the stability and harmonious development of society.
- Ukrainian geology is integrating into the global processes of transformation of geological services. Its contribution to the formation of a new model of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature in the modern world is significant.
- The participants expressed their respect and gratitude to the Secretary General of EuroGeoSurveys, Dr. Julie Hollis, the President of the European Federation of Geologists (EFG) David Govoni, and, through them, to all European colleagues for their support of Ukraine, as well as to the Ukrainian speakers and every participant who joined in the conference discussions.
- Participants of the VII Conference of Geologists of Ukraine emphasized the need to coordinate the joint efforts of government, science, education, business, and public institutions for the development of the geological industry.
Links to live broadcast: