Stanislav Sonich

Stanislav is a lawyer specializing in international environmental law, environmental security, and combating environmental crime. He is the Founder and Executive Director of GreenUnity Ukraine, an international human rights and environmental organization based in Washington, D.C., United States.

He is a graduate of the Faculty of Law at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NUBiP) and holds a Master of Laws degree with a specialization in criminal law and criminalistics. He continued his professional development at Harvard Business School, focusing on business strategy, value creation, and strategic management.

A significant part of his professional career was associated with the State Environmental Inspectorate of Ukraine, where he worked in international cooperation. In this capacity, he coordinated international engagement with INTERPOL, Europol, FRONTEX, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Council of Europe, and other international institutions on matters related to combating environmental crime.

His work included strengthening international mechanisms for addressing environmental crime, facilitating cross-border cooperation among law enforcement and environmental authorities, improving approaches to the investigation of environmental offenses, and supporting the alignment of Ukrainian legislation with European legal standards.

As part of his engagement with the Council of Europe, Stanislav participated in the Working Group on Environment and Criminal Law of the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC). The group’s work focused on developing international legal mechanisms to address environmental crime, strengthening criminal-law protection of the environment, and improving cooperation among states.

Stanislav Sonich is the Founder and Executive Director of GreenUnity Ukraine, an international non-governmental organization focused on environmental security, combating environmental crime, radiation and nuclear safety, international environmental law, and human rights.

At GreenUnity Ukraine, he leads the organization’s strategic development and works to strengthen international cooperation among Ukraine, the United States, European institutions, international organizations, academic and research institutions, and civil society.

A particular focus of his work is building international partnerships to address the environmental consequences of the war in Ukraine, restore natural areas and forest ecosystems, strengthen environmental and radiation monitoring systems, and bring international scientific expertise into Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction efforts.

As part of his international engagement, Stanislav has participated in events at the United Nations, including the High-Level Meeting to Commemorate and Promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons at United Nations Headquarters in New York, as well as events held in connection with the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79).

Under his leadership, GreenUnity Ukraine has also participated in the United Nations ECOSOC Partnership Forum, a global platform focused on strengthening partnerships to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Today, Stanislav’s professional work focuses on advancing international cooperation in environmental security, supporting the restoration of Ukraine’s natural ecosystems, combating environmental crime, and developing long-term partnerships among academic institutions, civil society, and international organizations.
His professional interests include international environmental law, environmental and nuclear security, international relations, cross-border cooperation, and global sustainable development.

Outside his professional work, Stanislav has a strong interest in international affairs and emerging technologies. He enjoys traveling, exploring mountain and natural landscapes and national parks, as well as outdoor activities.