Visitors signing Ukrainian flag as a goodbye gift
From January 23–31, 2026, Global Ties KC welcomed a delegation of Ukrainian professionals to Kansas City as part of the Open World Program, sponsored by the Congressional Office for International Leadership. The U.S.–Ukraine Trade and Investment Exchange focused on economic development, international trade, and critical minerals—key pillars for Ukraine’s long-term recovery and growth. They were also hosted by local families while here.
A central theme of the program was critical minerals and supply chain development, a top priority for both countries. Ukraine holds significant reserves of minerals essential to clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and national security. As Anna Kobernyk with the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine shared, “The total cost of Ukraine’s reconstruction is $524 billion, the largest rebuilding effort seen since World War II.” Building resilient supply chains and attracting responsible foreign investment will be vital to that effort. Kansas City’s growing leadership in critical materials research made it an ideal place for this program.
Left to Right: Visitors enjoying meetings with Melissa Miller from World Trade Center Kansas City, tour at University of Kansas, and meeting with Rep. Sharice Davids
Throughout the week, delegates met with the Kansas City Area Development Council, World Trade Center of Kansas City, Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, U.S. Commercial Service, Critical Materials Crossroads, University of Kansas, Kansas Geological Survey, and Kansas Department of Commerce to learn how the region supports exporters, strengthens domestic supply chains, and connects research to industry. Congressional meetings with Representative Sharice Davids and the office of Congressman Mark Alford offered insight into federal priorities around small business, infrastructure, and economic development.
Beyond professional meetings, the exchange provided opportunities for authentic connections and relationship building. Delegates connected with students atSummit Technology Academy, met with Prairie Village Mayor Eric Mikkelson to learn about their sister city Dolyna, Ukraine, were featured speakers at the local Kansas City Kansas Rotary Club, and gathered with host families and community members during a community event sponsored by Plaza Injury law.
Global Ties KC extends sincere thanks to all partners and host families who made this exchange possible. Together, we are building bridges that support recovery, resilience, and lasting collaboration between the United States and Ukraine.
“And the greatest discovery of this trip for us was the people. Sincere, intelligent, open-hearted, welcoming, generous, and always ready to help, support, and lend a hand. We had felt this support before, but now feel it even more strongly across the ocean. And today, this means an incredible amount to us and all of Ukraine.” — Maksym Popelnyukh, Executive Director, Landgrain LLC
Left to Right: Visitors enjoying their different meetings with Congressman Mark Alford’s staff, Kansas City Area Development Council, Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, and Kansas Department of Commerce
Left to Right: Delegation at Kansas City Kansas Rotary Club luncheon with incoming Rotary International President, Larry Lunsford and Global Ties KC President & CEO, Courtney Brooks. Next picture: group picture of delegates with their host families at the airport.
