The Ukrainian Observer, a monthly magazine published by Willard Group, in the January edition of 2007 nominated Rinat Akhmetov and Victor Pinchuk the Persons of 2006.
 
 "We have chosen the people who have used their business success to the maximum extent for the public good" - said Michael Willard, the President and CEO of Willard (former Willard Group) in Kyiv, Moscow and Istanbul.
 
 "Having given the credit to such international philanthropists as Bill Gates and George Soros we have decided to note Ukrainian philanthropists Rinat Akhmetov and Victor Pinchuk."
 
Like the mentioned famous public figures Rinat Akhmetov and Victor Pinchuk have allocated significant funds for charity focusing their efforts on the arrears in strong need for financial aid.
 
In the opinion of Eymond-Laritaz, the Director of the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, "it is necessary to concentrate efforts to contribute to modernization of the Ukrainian society. For this purpose we have created an educational program "Aspen Ukraine" and the program of development of civil society aimed at helping the young leaders of Ukraine".
 
Anatoliy Zabolotny, Director of the Foundation for Development of Ukraine of SCM (System Capital Management) noted that the purpose of creation of the Foundation is "to eliminate the roots of social problems of the Ukrainian society". As it’s outlined on the website of the SCM Foundation "it’s necessary to act through in-depth activities shifting from a number of separate charitable and sponsorship activities to a comprehensive social responsibility strategy. The Foundation for Development of Ukraine focuses its efforts on public health, post-secondary education and cultural projects.
 
"The reason why we have chosen to work in these three areas lies in their close connection with the development of the nation and future success of the country. We would like to have a healthy and well-educated nation which honors national history and culture", added Anatoliy Zabolotny.
 
Michael Willard noted that both organizations are implementing the projects of national importance. For instance, Foundation for Development of Ukraine is providing assistance in reconstruction of the Metropolitan House of Sofia Kyivska National Reserve. The Victor Pinchuk Contemporary Art Center is attracting wide attention of the public to decorative national arts of Ukraine and its art creators.
 
"The two Foundations provide high standard of philanthropy and they serve as an example for other representatives of the Eastern Europe industrial elite who are developing own charity activity", added Michael Willard.
 
Thomas Eymond-Laritaz agrees with the following statement: "We believe that the best way to develop charity in Ukraine is to set our own example. And this is what we are trying to do."

Glavred
15.01.07