SparkLab 2026: Aspen Institute Kyiv Joins the Aspen International Partners Network Meeting in London

Yuliya Tychkivska, Executive Director of Aspen Institute Kyiv, and Alina Krugliak, Communications Director, took part in SparkLab, the annual gathering of the Aspen International Partners network, held 5–7 June in London and co-hosted by Aspen Institute UK.

Representatives of 12 Aspen Institutes from across the world—from Spain, France, and the United Kingdom to the United States, Kenya, and Mexico—came together to exchange experience, explore new opportunities for collaboration, and reflect on the role of dialogue in a time of global uncertainty.

This year’s SparkLab centred on a key question: how can global programmes—from seminars to leadership initiatives—deepen collaboration across the Aspen network? Rather than approaching the question theoretically, participants explored it through practice: live discussions, exchanges on alumni engagement, and collective reflection on how each Aspen Institute emerged at a pivotal moment in its society’s development.

A recurring theme throughout the meeting was collaboration as a practice. Sessions including Greater than the Sum of Our Parts, The Power of Partnerships, and Dialogue to Impact encouraged participants to look beyond their individual programmes and consider how the network can work collectively to create greater impact.

“At SparkLab, we spoke about how the international partners network is more than something that simply exists—it strengthens all of us. It is not only about resources or opportunities; it is about sharing a common purpose, working together, and building a good society in different parts of the world. Meetings like this are also an opportunity to bring the Ukrainian perspective into conversations where it is heard. The experience of resilience, leadership, and transformation that we continue to gain during the war matters not only for Ukraine,” said Yuliya Tychkivska, Executive Director of Aspen Institute Kyiv.

A highlight of the programme was the Aspen Seminar on “Belonging,” which explored belonging as a sense of shared purpose—both within the Aspen network and beyond it, and as a guiding principle for each Institute’s work.

“It was incredibly valuable to share the experience of Aspen Institute Kyiv while learning from colleagues across the network. Although Ukraine’s circumstances are unique, we share many common challenges with our partners, along with countless opportunities for collaboration and growth. We are already looking ahead to new joint initiatives that will help build stronger societies in Ukraine and beyond,” said Alina Krugliak, Communications Director of Aspen Institute Kyiv.