National Bank Plans to Update Hryvnia Design: Discussions Start Nationwide
More than three decades ago, the current design of the Ukrainian hryvnia was approved. Today, the National Bank of Ukraine believes that the time for change has come and proposes to the public to start a broad discussion about updating the appearance of the national currency.
This is reported by AgroReview
The Need for Changes in Hryvnia Design
Head of the NBU Andriy Pyshny emphasized that money is not only a means of payment but also reflects the history of the country and its achievements. He pointed out that the hryvnia can also become a symbol of a conscious break from everything that connects Ukraine with Russia. Speaking to the public, Pyshny stated:
“Money is what elevates and records our history and achievements, and today it can also be part of our conscious departure from everything that connects Ukraine with Russia. In the battle of meanings, the hryvnia should be our weapon. Therefore, we have the opportunity to start such a discussion in society that should become nationwide.”
According to Andriy Pyshny, the concept of the hryvnia design has not changed since 1992. The front side of the banknotes traditionally features portraits of prominent figures in Ukraine, while the reverse side displays architectural landmarks related to their lives. This idea was implemented by artists Vasyl Lopata and Borys Maksymov, and it has remained consistent for all four generations of the national currency.
The New Design Should Reflect Modernity
The head of the National Bank notes that Ukraine and its people have significantly changed over the past 30 years. He emphasizes the importance of considering modern historical events in the future design of banknotes. Pyshny added that the banknotes to be issued in the coming decades should tell the story of pivotal moments in the history of the formation of the Ukrainian nation.
At the same time, the National Bank does not plan to immediately change the appearance of the hryvnia. At this stage, the main goal is to find an answer to the question of what Ukrainian money should become in order to fully correspond to the spirit of the modern state and resonate with its citizens.