Participants Highlight Academia’s Potential Contributions to the Country’s Reconstruction

On 4 June, Wittenborg Admission Manager Mykhailo Huba represented the institution in an online meeting organised by the Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Olena Kovalska. The activity was attended by approximately 30 members of universities, including Volodymyr Bugrov, the rector of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Also represented were other higher education institutions from Ukraine and countries like Argentina, Austria, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Poland. Mykhailo participated in the event on behalf of Wittenborg's president Peter Birdsall.  

The goal of the meeting was to discuss ways in which universities and institutes can cooperate with Ukraine and present proposals for rebuilding the country after the current war is over. Participants highlighted the importance of conducting and publishing research and promoting academic debates addressing the conflict and the reconstruction of the Ukrainian nation. They also underlined the significance of giving visibility to Ukraine and establishing partnerships between Ukrainian universities and institutions from other countries.  

Mykhailo, originally from Ukraine, said that the meeting was very insightful and inspiring. “It was great to have the opportunity to attend such a high-level meeting. I am happy that I was given the chance to represent Wittenborg, and that they invited us in the first place. By connecting with various universities from different countries, we can work on behalf of Ukraine.” 

He added that Wittenborg has offered a scholarship for Ukrainian students since 2022. It was originally intended for students from the European Union, the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom, but the school decided to extend it to Ukraine after the Russian invasion that year.  

Automatically granted to top-talent students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Wittenborg in Apeldoorn and Amsterdam, the scholarship provides a € 5,000 reduction in tuition fees per year for up to four years. “This is Wittenborg's contribution to making education more accessible to Ukrainians during this tough situation,” Wittenborg's Admission Manager remarked.

Summit on Peace in Ukraine

The online activity was also attended by Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, who underlined the importance of combatting fake news and misinformation during the conflict.  

Yermak emphasised that this weekend, on 15 and 16 June, the Summit on Peace in Ukraine will be held in Switzerland at the Bürgenstock (Canton of Nidwalden). Attended by representatives of multiple nations, the meeting is aimed at developing a common understanding of a path towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on international law and the UN Charter.

WUP 14/06/2024 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press