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ICCO welcomes the United PR Association of Ukraine as a member

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The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) has announced the United PR Association of Ukraine (UPRA) as its 41st national association member.

UPRA – which is comprised of 180 members – was established in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Its mission is to bring Ukrainian PR and communications professionals together to inform the world of the truth as it relates to the atrocities committed in Ukraine by the Russian military.

The news follows ICCO’s suspension of the Russian PR association – the Association of Consulting Companies in the Field of Public Relations (AKOS) – following Russia’s flagrant violation of international law.

ICCO was founded and operates on the principles of truth, trust and integrity. ICCO stands firmly with Ukraine and the defence of its sovereignty, and condemns the crimes committed by the Russian Government.

ICCO President, Nitin Mantri, commented:

“We are thrilled to have the United PR Association of Ukraine in the ICCO family as a full member. ICCO has vociferously condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and expressed unwavering support to the people of Ukraine. Now, as the voice of PR professionals and communicators around the world, it is our duty to help the Ukrainian association defeat Russia’s culture of lies, disinformation and propaganda. I am confident that together we will tell the real story and make truth and objectivity accessible to the world.”

Co-founder and Chairman of UPRA, Sergii Bidenko, said:

“In the United PR Association of Ukraine, we combine the old school and the new blood of Ukrainian communications to develop the profession with colleagues worldwide.

We appreciate ICCO’s efforts and strategy to develop communications, and we’re sharing the organization’s values. Therefore, we are happy to further develop in partnership with ICCO as members of a big international community of partners, colleagues and friends.”

Sergii Bidenko will take a seat on the ICCO Board of Management representing UPRA.

PRCA & ICCO launch Ukraine Communications Support Network

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The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) and the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) have announced a new initiative designed to coordinate volunteer communications activity for the people of Ukraine.

The Ukraine Communications Support Network (UCSN) is Co-Chaired by Ukrainian communications leader Nataliya Popovych and former ICCO President and PRCA Chair, David Gallagher.

The USCN invites communications professionals around the world to submit proposals and projects under 12 categories for communications projects supporting Ukraine and those affected by the war.

The Network’s Steering Committee – comprised of prominent Ukrainian and international communications leaders – will oversee an approval process for voluntary activities designed to accelerate and amplify support for the people of Ukraine.

The Network will work closely with a growing volunteer base of more than 200 communications professionals and agencies to ensure practical support reaches those in need quickly and efficiently.

The 12 categories are:

1. Secretariat Support for UCSN
2. Slova / Ukrainian MOFA Support
3. International Media and Journalist Support
4. Promote Independent Journalism In Ukraine
5. Promote International Refugee Support
6. Promote Domestic Refugee Support
7. Legal Aid Support
8. Public Awareness
9. Business Continuity Support
10. Digital, Web and Developer Support
11. Social Media and Content Production Support
12. Credible Information / Counter Misinformation/Disinformation

All voluntary activities must be delivered on a pro-bono basis. Organisations and individuals approved by the Steering Committee will be eligible to refer to themselves as ‘Members of the PRCA / ICCO Ukraine Communications Support Network’ on collateral and related content.

– Visit the UCSN webpage

– Submit a proposal

UCSN Co-Chair Nataliya Popovych commented:

“It is rewarding to see that the appeal to public relations professionals with high moral compass has generated so many supporters willing to commit their time and resources to helping Ukraine win. Be it in increasing the cost of war for Russia or helping ease the unnecessary suffering of the Ukrainians via humanitarian solutions, Ukraine now has many briefs for the pro bono agency partners globally, and we will not forget those who have been our friends in need.”

Fellow UCSN Co-Chair David Gallagher said:

“There’s no shortage of demand for thoughtful, professional communications support for the causes and issues associated with this devastating war, and the generous response from the international PR community is inspiring. We hope this effort will make it easier for professionals and agencies to focus their efforts in meaningful ways.”

UCSN Steering Committee Members
Elena Bakum-Ramola, Publicis Groupe Ukraine
Alexandra Bell, Golin
Rod Cartwright, Rod Cartwright Consulting
David Gallagher, DG Advisory
Iva Grigorova, MSL Bulgaria
Heather Kernahan, Hotwire
Nitin Mantri, Avian WE
Alex Myers, Manifest
Nataliya Popovych , One Philosophy
Olena Sukhanova, MSL Ukraine
Grzegorz Szczepanski, Hill + Knowlton Strategies

PRCA and ICCO ban award entries from Russia

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The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) and the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) have announced a blanket ban on award entries from Russian organisations and individuals.

The ban, which applies immediately to all PRCA and ICCO awards programmes, is a direct response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

The PRCA and ICCO stand firmly beside Ukraine and are united in their condemnation of the atrocities committed by the Russian Government. The organisations also wish to reiterate their support for colleagues in Russia who oppose the actions of their government.

The ban follows ICCO’s indefinite suspension of Russian PR Association, AKOS, and the PRCA’s warning to members working with Russian organisations.

PRCA Director General and ICCO Chief Executive Francis Ingham MPRCA commented:

“Russia has continued its senseless killing campaign in Ukraine. It’s clear our industry has a moral duty to cut all ties with Moscow. For ICCO and the PRCA that responsibility extends across our international awards programmes. We will simply refuse all award entries from Russian organisations and individuals.

“Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine. We will share further comment on the expansion of our communications and humanitarian support for Ukraine in the coming days.