Ukrainian Higher Education in Times of War: Department marks International Day of Education with new seminar series
On UNESCO’s International Day of Education (24 January), the Department of Education will launch a new seminar series exploring Ukrainian Higher Education in Times of War, tying in with UNESCO’s theme of “learning for lasting peace”.
As part of the Global Public Seminars in Comparative and International Education, the series of talks will explore how Ukrainian universities continue to fulfil their missions in the current circumstances of Russia’s ongoing military invasion of Ukraine. Speakers representing various Ukrainian universities will share their research results and personal experiences in solving the problems that Ukrainian universities are facing.
Dr Maia Chankseliani, Associate Professor and convenor of the seminar series said: “The aim of the Global Public Seminars in Comparative and International Education is to foster a nuanced understanding of the dynamic landscape of education globally. By exploring the challenges faced by Ukrainian Higher Education during times of conflict, we aim to shed light on broader implications for educational institutions worldwide”
Dr Yuliya Zayachuk, Visiting Researcher at the University of Oxford’s Department of Education, will kick off the seminars on 24 January. Dr Zayachuk said: “My talk covers the main responses of Ukrainian universities to the complex challenges caused by Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, with a special emphasis on internationalization as an integral part of Ukrainian university activities in time of war.”
The seminars will be held on Wednesdays at 3pm on Zoom from 24 January – 14 February.
Q: The International Day of Education celebrates the role of education for peace and development. How can education play a role in lasting peace?
Dr Zayachuk said: “The higher the level of economic, social, and political development of a society, the greater chances that it will not need barbaric actions towards its neighbours. It is education that provides knowledge, practical skills, values, and attitudes necessary for such development of a society and thus plays an important role in maintaining and ensuring lasting peace.”
Dr Chankseliani said: “Educational institutions play a crucial role in promoting lasting peace by nurturing a culture of understanding, tolerance, and cooperation. In our seminars, we investigate how education, with its transformative potential, can bridge divides, empower individuals, and contribute to the development of societies. It is through a global perspective that we aim to explore the diverse ways in which education can act as a catalyst for enduring peace.”
