Today, January 14, the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation and Partnership within the framework of the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies initiative took place at the All-Ukrainian Youth Center.

Participants included Advisor to the President of Ukraine for the Fund of the President of Ukraine for the support of Education, Science, and Sports, Olha Budnyk; Director General of the Ukrainian Institute, Volodymyr Sheiko; and Acting Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Olha Kuryshko. 

The Memorandum, signed by the three institutions, emphasizes the importance of collaboration and consolidating efforts to develop Ukrainian studies abroad, promote Ukraine’s modern history, language, and culture, including Crimean Tatar studies. These efforts are aimed at countering Russian propaganda in the international academic arena. Following the signing ceremony, a briefing was held with journalists outlining the initiative’s plans for 2025.

“The creation of the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies was announced by First Lady Olena Zelenska at a conference in Washington. The main goal of the coalition is to unite efforts in developing Ukrainian studies worldwide and serve as a unifying hub for all existing initiatives in this field, both in Ukraine and abroad,” emphasized Olha Budnyk.

“Ukrainian studies hold tremendous potential for cultural diplomacy. Research, teaching, and spreading knowledge about Ukraine’s culture and history at foreign universities significantly influence global perceptions of Ukraine and the decisions made regarding our country. Establishing the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies is a step toward overcoming Russian dominance in international Slavic and Eastern European studies,” concluded Volodymyr Sheiko.

“This joint initiative is of great importance to us. The world needs to learn more about Ukraine, Crimea, and the Indigenous peoples of our country. Therefore, one of the key components is the development and launch of Crimean Tatar studies. Supported by First Lady Olena Zelenska, this initiative will consolidate efforts to disseminate information about Ukraine’s Indigenous peoples and counter Russian propaganda and disinformation, especially concerning the occupied territories,” noted Olha Kuryshko.

The Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies aims to unite existing initiatives in Ukrainian studies, develop new tools for support and collaboration, and facilitate the exchange of experiences, resources, and ideas in promoting knowledge about Ukraine globally. This will enhance Ukraine’s subjectivity on the international stage, counter Russian narratives, and strengthen the impact of Ukraine’s “soft power” abroad.

The coalition’s goal is to advance Ukrainian studies, including Crimean Tatar studies, to ensure accurate and professional exploration of Ukraine’s history and culture while promoting the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar languages and cultures.

The Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies is established with the support of First Lady Olena Zelenska as a joint initiative of the Fund of the President of Ukraine for the support of Education, Science, and Sports, the Ukrainian Institute, the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea/Office of the Crimea Platform, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.