Olena Zelenska: “knowledge about Ukraine will help the world better understand itself”
The First Lady took part in a special event “Ukrainian Studies Now: Building Global Knowledge Alliances”, dedicated to the first anniversary of the founding of the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies.
The Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies is a state initiative of Ukraine, the purpose of which is to unite and develop academic centers of Ukrainian studies around the world, increase interest in studying Ukraine, open sources for researching the truth about our state, and exchange experience and academic knowledge.
“Ukraine was under the yoke of the russian empire for centuries. And over these centuries, russia has managed to appropriate much of our culture and achievements. But the world, unfortunately, still does not know enough about this. And now, when we are defending ourselves from russia physically, we must also defend our history, culture, and the truth about ourselves. We want to finally tell all this without imperial distortions. I am grateful that it is in the United States that the study of Ukraine has one of the strongest traditions. The Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard University, the Harriman Institute at Columbia University, programs at the University of Illinois, Notre Dame, and Arizona State University are all centers that shape and support knowledge about us. And it is symbolic and right that it was here, in the United States, that we launched the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies last year,” the First Lady of Ukraine said in her speech.
She noted that the coalition has now united 15 universities from 9 countries. Another 11 memorandums are in the final stage, and cooperation has reached 20 countries. 91 foreign institutions have expressed their intention to join, and more than 200 Ukrainian universities have already expressed interest in cooperation.
During the event, new participants signed memorandums of accession to the Coalition – Columbia University, the University of Notre Dame, Arizona State University, Manor College, and the Shevchenko Scientific Society of America (NSSA). The First Lady thanked educational and scientific institutions, the Ukrainian Embassy and all those involved for their cooperation.
“In times of fakes and disinformation, information “fast food” that surrounds us from all sides, it is very important to learn facts not only from social networks, but from primary sources, from scientific works, without haste, deeply and thoroughly. Like any knowledge, it enriches all participants. Those who learn more about the path of Ukraine will better understand themselves, their country, and the whole world.” – noted Olena Zelenska.
The Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies offers universities different levels of involvement: from integrating individual courses about Ukraine into curricula to creating full-fledged centers of Ukrainian studies, launching master’s programs and holding annual international conferences.
Next year will be a time of expansion and new opportunities for the Global Coalition
“In the plans for the coming year, the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies is implementing 36 new initiatives — from international conferences and academic exchanges to the creation of the first master’s programs in Ukrainian studies. All these steps were made possible thanks to the signed memorandums and commitments of universities from around the world, which outlined plans for cooperation and development of Ukrainian studies. This is our contribution to ensuring that the world sees and hears Ukraine without distortions and distortions,” shared Olga Budnyk, the Plenipotentiary Advisor to the President of Ukraine on the Fund of the President of Ukraine.
The Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies is a state initiative of Ukraine, which is implemented under the patronage of the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, aimed at the development of Ukrainian studies and Crimean Tatar studies in the world, overcoming fakes and distortions in the academic environment, and creating partnerships between our and foreign universities. The coalition operates under the joint coordination of state institutions: the Presidential Foundation for Support of Education, Science and Sports, the Ukrainian Institute and the Crimean Platform Office, as well as the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
