During her visit to the Republic of South Africa, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska reached an agreement to launch the first center of the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies in Africa. The relevant memoranda were signed with Francis Petersen, Rector of the University of Pretoria.

This is part of a global initiative aimed at developing Ukrainian studies in universities around the world. The coalition brings together educational institutions and research organizations to ensure that more people in different countries can learn the truth about Ukraine—its history, culture, modern reality, and international role. As part of the collaboration, new educational programs will be launched, research will be conducted, and academic exchanges will be organized. This is intended to foster a deeper understanding of Ukraine, free from fakes and imposed Russian narratives.

“Ukrainian studies are not only about Ukraine, but about universal topics and values that resonate with the experiences of many nations: liberation movements, an oppressed past, the struggle for dignity, and the right to be oneself,” said Olena Zelenska.

The First Lady emphasized that the dialogue between Ukraine and South Africa is mutually enriching. According to her, South Africa has its own experience of transformation and the fight for human rights. Today, Ukraine is an example of a democracy that has withstood war and continues to defend its freedom.

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

The Coalition’s goal is to promote the development of Ukrainian studies—including Crimean Tatar studies—to ensure the accurate and professional study of Ukraine’s history and culture, as well as to popularize the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar languages and cultures.