A delegation of National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic,” together with its twinning partner, London Metropolitan University, took part in this key diplomatic and educational event, representing the Ukrainian academic community with distinction at the international level. Poltava Polytechnic was represented by a delegation consisting of Volodymyr Onyshchenko, President of the University; Olena Stepova, Vice-Rector for Scientific and International Work; Anna Ageicheva, Dean of the Faculty of Philology, Psychology and Pedagogy; and Anastasiia Onyshchenko, a representative of the student community.
The large-scale reception served as a unique platform for meaningful dialogue between universities from the United Kingdom and Ukraine, international partners, donors, and distinguished guests. All participants were united by shared values, responsibility, and a strategic vision for Ukraine’s future. As part of the High-Level Visits Week, held on November 10-13, British universities organized thematic meetings, round tables, and panel discussions – a joint response by the two countries to the challenges of war: keeping Ukraine at the center of attention of the global academic community, strengthening cultural and educational ties, and countering Russian disinformation.
Participants had the honor of welcoming Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, and Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Their presence sent a strong signal of the importance of international cooperation in education, science, and culture as a foundation for the resilience of the Ukrainian state.
The reception program opened with keynote addresses moderated by Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive of Universities UK. Speakers included:
Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine (video address);
Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine;
Dominic Rose, Head of the Central and Northern Europe Team, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), United Kingdom;
Olha Budnyk, Adviser and Authorized Representative of the President of Ukraine on the activities of the President of Ukraine’s Foundation for Education, Science and Sport;
Alim Aliev, Deputy Director of the Ukrainian Institute;
Sally Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor of Birkbeck, University of London;
Charles Cormack, Founder and Chair of Cormack Consultancy Group.
The presence of leading diplomats, government officials, and global education leaders once again confirmed that international academic cooperation is a strategic resource for Ukraine’s resilience and a powerful driver of the development of science, culture, and innovation.
In her address, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska emphasized that the initiative she launched focuses on studying “not only language and culture, but also deeper lessons of the Ukrainian experience – resistance to authoritarianism and totalitarianism, the struggle to preserve one’s identity and freedom of speech.” Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, in turn, underscored that cooperation with British partners has laid a strong foundation for a shared intellectual and humanitarian space.
A particularly significant moment of the evening was the signing of memoranda of understanding between the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies and Edge Hill University, University of Portsmouth, and Birkbeck, University of London – another important step toward the development of Ukrainian studies and the strengthening of international academic partnerships.
For National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic,” participation in the Evening Reception Celebrating Ukrainian Culture Week at Senate House, London, holds special significance. It is not only recognition of the University’s activities on the international stage, but also confirmation of its role as an active member of the global academic community. The event became a unique platform for showcasing Ukrainian higher education, deepening cooperation with universities in the United Kingdom, and initiating new partnerships that open broad opportunities for students, researchers, and the development of Ukrainian studies worldwide.
Poltava Polytechnic will continue to strategically expand its international ties, strengthen academic leadership, and initiate large-scale international projects aimed at reinforcing Ukraine’s position in the global educational space.
