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Shaping the Future of Government Relations: Kateryna Odarchenko Leads IGAPA at the 10th International Forum in Washington, D.C.

Written by: CDO Magazine Bureau

Updated 7:59 PM UTC, Fri April 11, 2025

Stephen Blank, Robert Ilatov, Kateryna Odarchenko

(US and Canada)The 10th International Government Relations Forum convened on March 27 in downtown Washington, D.C., bringing together top policymakers, business leaders, and advocacy experts to discuss critical policy issues. Hosted by Bay Atlantic University in collaboration with the Global Policy Institute, the event was organized by Kateryna Odarchenko, a distinguished political strategist and partner at SIC Group USA, with the support of numerous international organizations (see below for a full list of partners).

Keynote highlights:

Odarchenko opened the forum, emphasizing the importance of fostering transparent, strategic government relations in today’s globalized environment. She discussed the evolving role of international relations, especially in the context of economic diplomacy and government advocacy.

Notable Sessions and Speakers:

Paolo von Schirach, Global Policy Institute President, kicked off the event with his opening remarks on the importance of transatlantic partnerships. He stressed the need for strategic engagement in uncertain times, noting that “strengthening alliances through informed policy and strategic engagement is more crucial than ever.”
Duvi Honig, CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, provided insights on the shifting dynamics in U.S. trade policy, focusing on the administration’s “America First” approach and how it influences trade relations globally.
Adeoye Owolewa, U.S. Representative for the District of Columbia, shared his perspective on the role of government relations in business. Drawing from his background as a pharmacist, he discussed the importance of connecting with people on a personal level in legislative matters.
Serhii Kolisnyk, Managing Partner of Lobby Club (Kyiv office), explored how government relations have evolved beyond traditional advocacy to include institutional development, emphasizing the importance of creating collaborative ecosystems.

Key themes and discussions:

The forum addressed several pivotal themes:

Global business-government cooperation: Keynote speaker Sebastien Bonneau, President of Perspectives Government Strategies, highlighted Canada’s strict lobbying regulations and their impact on fostering transparency in government relations.
Lobbying in international contexts: Robert Ilatov, an Israeli politician, provided a comparative perspective on lobbying, discussing Israel’s stringent lobbying laws and their effectiveness in promoting transparency.
Transparency and accountability in legislation: Maryna Ovtsynova, President of the Allatra International Public Movement, stressed the importance of legislative frameworks that encourage informed decision-making and the role of public awareness in fostering accountability.
AI in government relations: Kseniya Tarasenko, an account manager at Quorum Analytics, discussed how artificial intelligence is transforming government relations, enabling organizations to track legislative trends and engage proactively with lawmakers.

Networking and collaboration:

Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to network, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations. Discussions ranged from the evolving role of lobbyists to the increasing importance of digital media strategies in government relations.

The 10th International Government Relations Forum underscored the vital role of informed advocacy and strategic government engagement in shaping the future of global policymaking, offering attendees actionable insights into the trends that will define government relations in the coming years.

The full video of the forum can be viewed here.

Organizers and partners:

Global Policy Institute (GPI): A Washington-based think tank focusing on global affairs, economics, and international relations. GPI provides actionable insights that inform policy decisions and shape public discourse.
Bay Atlantic University: A nonprofit institution offering higher education programs, with a faculty of seasoned professionals and policy experts from various sectors.
IGAPA (International Government Affairs Professionals): A leading international association dedicated to developing transparent dialogue between state, business, and society.
SIC Group USA: An international consulting firm specializing in political consulting, public relations, and government relations.
The Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce: An international consulting firm with a proven record in political consulting, public relations, and advocacy.
Institute for Democracy and Development “PolitA”: An organization that conducts educational and policymaking projects in the fields of democracy development, advocacy, and social change.