Ukraine’s National Team Builds Skills for the International Economics Olympiad

As part of Bendukidze Free Market Center’s preparation program for the International Final Round of the Economics Olympiad, Ukraine’s national team gathered in Kyiv for an intensive five-day training camp hosted in partnership with the Kyiv School of Economics. The program combined rigorous academic preparation with English-language practice and team-building activities to ensure participants were fully equipped for the international competition.

Throughout the camp, students strengthened their knowledge of microeconomics and macroeconomics, worked through advanced problem-solving sessions, and refined their academic English. A particular emphasis was placed on developing the ability to communicate economic concepts confidently in English – an essential skill for the international finals. The program concluded with a series of English-language economic debates, where participants defended opposing viewpoints on complex policy questions.

The camp also fostered a strong sense of community. Alumni of previous International Economics Olympiads joined the participants to share their experiences, offer practical advice, and help prepare the new team for the challenges ahead. The program concluded with a meeting with Ukrainian economic and financial influencer Valentyn Krasnopyorov, who spoke about the current state of Ukraine’s economy, the importance of economic education, and career opportunities in the field. Participants also visited the studio of The Last Capitalist media, gaining behind-the-scenes insight into how economic content is produced for a wider audience.

Beyond academic preparation, the camp incorporated recreational activities—including sports, games, and cultural experiences—which strengthened teamwork, built trust among participants, and supported their well-being before representing Ukraine on the international stage.

All in all, the preparation camp equipped the Ukrainian national team with the knowledge and confidence needed to compete internationally while strengthening a growing network of young economists across Ukraine.