A special event titled “Ukrainian Studies Now: Building Global Knowledge Alliances” was held in New York to celebrate the first anniversary of the Global Ukrainian Studies Coalition. The coalition is expanding a worldwide network of Ukrainian studies centers, and new American institutions joined during the gathering. In total, around one hundred universities are now part of the network, with fifteen already holding official membership.
This was reported by global coalition of ukrainian studies.
The initiative was created to strengthen academic programs on Ukraine, raise interest in Ukrainian studies, and broaden access to primary sources. At the event, organizers presented the first-year results, including the launch of joint courses, support for academic exchanges, and the opening of new Ukrainian studies centers in different countries.
New U.S. partners joined the coalition, with memorandums signed with Columbia University, Arizona State University, and the Shevchenko Scientific Society in America, as well as exchanges of memorandums with the University of Notre Dame and Manor College. Organizers emphasized that expanding the U.S. direction is key for the sustainable development of Ukrainian studies programs.
A panel discussion, “Truth vs. Myth: How Academic Diplomacy Changes Global Perceptions of Ukraine,” brought together scholars and experts from the U.S., the U.K., and Ukraine. Among the participants were Olga Kuryshko, Rutgers University professor Alexander Motyl, Ukrainian Studies Foundation board member Bohdan Vitvitsky, Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville political science professor and president of the American Association for Ukrainian Studies Sophia Wilson, and Cambridge University and University of Notre Dame professor Rory Finnin. Particular attention was given to integrating Crimean Tatar studies into the broader field of Ukrainian studies as a response to imperial narratives and disinformation.
The event concluded with a screening of the feature film “Malevich”, presented by Ukrainian Institute creative director Tetiana Filevska and Ukrainian Films USA founder Maria Kharakhash.
Organizers plan to further strengthen cooperation with U.S. universities and research institutions to expand Ukraine’s academic presence in the global educational space.
Photo: global coalition of ukrainian studies.
Author: Danylo Pievchev