Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliya Tymoshenko formally recognized CLDP's contribution in assisting the Government of Ukraine through the World Trade Organization (WTO) accession process with a Diploma from the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. The Diploma, the highest award given by the Government of Ukraine, was presented to CLDP by the Minister of Economy, Bogdan Danylyshyn on December 25, 2008. Since 1992, CLDP programs in Ukraine have served as a catalyst for change through a variety of activities that encouraged the adoption of international norms, strengthened government institutions, and facilitated the necessary changes undertaken by the Government of Ukraine in order to accede to the WTO. CLDP, through its long term Resident Advisor and active support of the U.S. Embassy-Ukraine, worked closely with the Ministry of Economy that spearheaded Ukraine's successful accession effort. In June 2008, Ukraine acceded to the WTO. CLDP continues to work closely with the Ministry of Economy and other Ukraine government agencies to increase capacity and implement WTO obligations.