Recap of the First Half of the Second UK-Ukraine Twinning Conference - July 2024
It has been a week since the Second International UK-Ukraine Twinning Conference and we wanted to round up the highlights of this incredible event.
The first half of the conference was dedicated to the past and present. The event started with a welcome word from Charles Cormack, and then followed with a presentation from Mychailo Wynnyckyj, the Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, who spoke about the challenges of higher education over the years of full-scale invasion, including the damage of energy infrastructure, and the resilience of the academic community.
Following this presentation, there was a discussion on the sustainable development of Ukraine’s higher education in the conditions of war. Speakers included Olga Budnyk, Plenipotentiary Advisor of the President of Ukraine for the Fund of the President of Ukraine for the Support of Education, Science and Sports; Dame Sally Mapstone - the President of Universities UK; and Colm McGivern, Director of the British Council (Ukraine).
Olga Budnyk addressed the resilience of academic communities, opportunities for scientists and students, and the double diploma programme initiated by the Twinning project.
Dame Sally Mapstone emphasised the British-Ukrainian initiative's role in developing international ties, supporting over 100 partners, and showcasing the collaborative power of the UK higher education sector.
Colm McGivern highlighted Twinning as a source of opportunity for Ukrainian youth and expressed hope for continued UK support and new leadership directions for Ukrainian universities.
After this discussion, CCG's Chairman, Charles Cormack, gave a presentation on the role of universities in Ukraine’s post-war recovery where he summed up achievements and challenges.
The final discussion of the morning was for representatives of universities participating in Twinning. These institutions, listed below, shared their experience of a successful partnership.