Ukraine Foundation
Inspiring Change, Driving Impact
Ellen Wasylina, Member, European Advisory Board
A respected international affairs professional and scholar, Ellen Wasylina has dedicated her career to promoting peace and security in Europe, Eurasia, and the Mediterranean, Black, and Caspian Sea basins -deeply influenced and inspired by her forefathers from these regions.
She is the founder of the International Geostrategic Maritime Observatory (IGMO), a Paris-based think tank, where she was leading a team of international researchers and launched the Geostrategic Maritime Review (GMR), its flagship publication.
In 2014, she published her first book, “Ukraine: Prémices de guerre froide en Europe?”, which became a bestseller. Since then, she has published numerous books in both French and English, available in libraries across 34 countries, including the Library of Congress, Yale University, Harvard, Bibliothèque nationale de France, La Sorbonne, the European Parliament, the Peace Palace Library, and the UN Geneva headquarters.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she launched the Mediterranean Sustainability Partners podcast, where she has been interviewing world leaders and decision-makers on the key geopolitical and geoeconomic issues of our time. The podcast, broadcast in both French and English, currently reaches audiences in 88 countries across five continents and is available on all major podcast platforms.
Her legacy achievement is the creation of the Trocadéro Forum Institute, a higher education institution based in the south of France, where she is committed to training a new generation of leaders in sustainable leadership and diplomacy. To support its research and publications, she also founded the Sustainable Diplomacy Circle and Sustainable Diplomacy, its flagship publication.
Educated in the United States and France, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from California State University, Long Beach, where she also pursued minors in French, German and Italian. She furthered her studies in Paris, earning two Master’s degrees -one in Strategy and Defense Policies and the other in Conflict Resolution.
Ellen Wasylina speaks English, French, German, and Italian fluently.
We are delighted to welcome Ellen into our European Advisory Board, and we look forward to benefiting from her significant expertise on the Black Sea region and in the fields of sustainable development and diplomacy.
Sofia: Our European Advisory Board Member, Ellen Wasylina, Contributes Her Latest Research on Green Diplomacy to the Diplomatic Academy of Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to the Green Transition Forum.
On 12 June 2025, our Advisory Board member and President of the Trocadéro Forum Institute, Ellen Wasylina, presented a summary of her paper “Green Diplomacy in the Black Sea Region – Steps Towards Peace, Growth and Prosperity” before the Black Sea Conference on Energy and Climate Diplomacy organised by the Diplomatic Institute of Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, often referred to as the Bulgarian Diplomatic Academy. This powerful contribution to the ongoing dialogue on sustainability and green diplomacy in one of Europe’s most geopolitically sensitive regions was first published in Foreign Affairs Research Papers in May.
She then went to present some of her conclusions before the Green Transition Forum 5.0 held in Sofia on June 18.
Ellen Wasylina argues that a robust green diplomacy agenda is urgently needed—not just to meet environmental targets, but to foster peace, resilience, and inclusive growth. Drawing attention to the Black Sea’s ecological degradation and the compounded effects of regional conflict, Ellen Wasylina advocates for policies that integrate environmental governance with economic development, emphasizing cooperation among riparian countries such as Türkiye, Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine.
Ellen Wasylina highlights Ukraine’s critical role, both as a frontline state in the geopolitical crisis and as a key partner in shaping a sustainable and secure regional future. Ellen Wasylina calls for stronger support for Ukraine’s environmental recovery and green reconstruction efforts as integral to regional stability.
Her work highlights the EU’s push for a global, just, and inclusive green transition, suggesting that Black Sea nations adopt a multilateral, tailored approach to meet shared challenges—from decarbonization and rare earth diplomacy to blue-green economic initiatives and environmental protection frameworks.
Ellen Wasylina’s decades of experience in geopolitical strategy, sustainable development, and education underpin her call for a new generation of sustainable leaders. Ellen Wasylina’s reflections at the conference reaffirmed the need to reimagine diplomacy—through the lens of sustainability, solidarity, and regional cooperation.
FAQs
How does the Ukraine Foundation support individuals affected by war?
The foundation empowers war-affected individuals by providing skill development programs, training opportunities, and employment initiatives. It collaborates with governments and stakeholders to shape policies that help displaced individuals integrate into job markets. Additionally, it supports entrepreneurial ventures through financial assistance, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
How does the Ukraine Foundation foster creativity and innovation?
The foundation supports creative minds by offering scholarships and grants for transformative projects in education, the humanities, and the arts. It implements programs that encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, artistic expression, and academic excellence. Additionally, it connects emerging talents with experienced professionals and organizes high-profile events to amplify creative voices.
What kind of entrepreneurial support does the Ukraine Foundation provide?
The foundation encourages and supports entrepreneurial ventures by offering financial assistance, guidance, and networking opportunities. It helps individuals, especially those affected by war, establish their own businesses and develop sustainable economic solutions. Innovation-driven projects that contribute to rebuilding communities are also a key focus of its support.
Can I apply to be a part of the team or work as a contractor?
The foundation welcomes individuals who are passionate about its mission to apply for team positions or contractor opportunities. The foundation seeks talented professionals across various fields to support its initiatives in creativity, economic resilience, and global cooperation. Interested candidates can explore available opportunities on LinkedIn or contact us directly for more information. Selection is based on expertise, alignment with the foundation’s values, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to its programs.
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