The European Association of Communication Directors (EACD) has awarded the DTEK group with the 2023 European Communication Award under the Unifier Award category. The Unifier Award recognises notable and innovative communications work that has brought people together.

The Unifier Award honours the annual achievement in communication that best reflects the values and purpose of the EACD. During this year’s EACD Summit, we celebrated the pivotal role the DTEK Group has played in influencing global discussions regarding Ukraine’s energy security and contributing to a wider debate about the ongoing conflict.

Creating common ground, building bridges and engaging people to bring different voices together is key to democracy and freedom. Phil Riggins said “The world has become more polarised in recent years.  As communicators working across every walk of life, we can use our skills to create common ground and help close the divide.”

The DTEK Group’s efforts to communicate and share information about Ukraine’s energy sector have helped bridge gaps and engage people from diverse backgrounds. It is imperative that we understand the Russian invasion of Ukraine, how it affects the global energy sector, and how it impacts the everyday life of civilian Ukrainians.

To receive the Award in Brussels Antonina Antosha, Press Secretary, and Pavlo Bilodid, Strategic International Communications, representing the DTEK Group stated:

“The winter of 2022-2023 was the most challenging winter in the history of Ukrainian Independence. Russia launched an energy war to provoke a massive humanitarian disaster in the centre of Europe. War crimes and terrorism of this level were accompanied by Russia’s mass disinformation and propaganda campaign. As communication professionals, we felt our obligation was to counteract and provide comprehensive information about the real situation in Ukraine’s energy sector in the fastest way possible. We feel this award is not only for DTEK communications team. This award is for every communications professional in Ukraine fighting the battle on the information frontline”

The aims of the DTEK group campaign were:

  • Countering disinformation and Russian propaganda in the international information field;
  • Formation of the information landscape for attracting emergency technical assistance for the restoration of Ukraine’s energy sector;
  • Highlighting the heroic role of energy workers;
  • Direct communication with journalists: the creation of tools for prompt reporting on attacks’ consequences, organisation of media briefings and interviews with spokespersons;
  • Organisation of media visits.

Results:

  • 200+ articles and news;
  • 50+ TV stories;
  • 4 Documentaries (BBC, National Geographic, ADR, RTVE);
  • 7749 re-publications;
  • 72,2 mln – number of online contacts (not including TV coverage;

Learn more about the winners: https://dtek.com/en/