Leading US universities – George Washington University and Georgetown University – have joined the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies, which brings together universities around the world to advance academic study of Ukraine.
This was reported by the first lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska on Facebook.
“Today, when Russia is waging war not only against Ukrainian statehood, but also against the truth about Ukraine, the role of universities is especially important, because they will preserve and spread this truth,” the message says.
As reported, in the two years of the initiative’s existence, 69 universities from 26 countries have already joined the coalition, including seven institutions from the US. As part of this cooperation, universities are opening new courses, lectures, conferences, academic exchanges, and teaching positions dedicated to Ukraine.
It is also noted that the development of Ukrainian studies in the US has deep historical roots. One of its pioneers was Lviv University graduate William Petrach, who, after a difficult fate during World War II, became the founder of the Ukrainian Studies program at George Washington University.
“The fate of Ukrainian studies itself in the United States is also impressive: from isolated enthusiasts like William Petrach at the beginning to today, when the famous universities of the country – George Washington University and Georgetown University – join the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies,” Zelenska emphasizes.
According to her, Ukrainian studies play an important role not only in spreading knowledge about Ukraine, but also in forming critical thinking.
“But Ukrainian studies will be useful to students and young scholars not only with knowledge about Ukraine – thanks to the studies, they will better understand world history and modern processes. They will learn information defense, fight manipulation and fakes, understand the nature and consequences of authoritarianism, totalitarianism, modern imperialism and be able to resist their influences,” says Zelenska.
“These important lessons will definitely be useful to future politicians, diplomats, and public figures who leave the walls of these respected institutions. It is with this knowledge that they will determine what the future world and relations in it will be like,” the message summarizes.
Photo: Zelenska’s public
Author: Inna Mikhno