During her visit to Finland, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska met with Rector of the University of Helsinki Sari Lindblom and Vice President of Tampere University Jarmo Takala.
The President’s wife expressed her gratitude for the collaboration between Finnish and Ukrainian higher education institutions.
“A shining example of successful inter-university cooperation is the partnership between the University of Helsinki and Karazin Kharkiv National University. The hero city of Kharkiv endures daily attacks from Russian missiles, yet thanks to the support of our Finnish friends, student life there remains active,” said Olena Zelenska.
She also highlighted the unique courses on Ukraine introduced at both Finnish universities.
“These include a Ukrainian language course at the University of Helsinki and a course by talented Professor Rinna Kullaa at Tampere University, ‘History of Ukraine: Statehood and Identity,’ which crushes Russian narratives. It is critically important that the independent academic and educational community fully recognizes its mission in developing critical thinking and shaping a clear and coherent understanding of the world,” Olena Zelenska added.
In the presence of the First Lady, memoranda were signed for the University of Helsinki and Tampere University to join the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies.
This initiative, launched by Ukraine last year, unites universities and research institutions from various countries to study Ukraine, its history, culture, economy, and international relations.
“The Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies aims not only to introduce the world to the rich history and culture of Ukrainians but also to showcase modern Ukraine and share its latest achievements,” noted Olena Zelenska.
The First Lady also provided collections of books to the libraries of the University of Helsinki and Tampere University. The collection includes works by Serhii Plokhy and Orest Subtelny, Ukrainian language textbooks, and fiction, with a special focus on works by Ukrainian servicemen.
Olena Zelenska’s project to create Ukrainian bookshelves in libraries worldwide has already included 230 shelves in 55 countries and the UNESCO Library.
“Books speak to Ukrainians and our friends around the world, expanding their circle. Strong relationships are only built through understanding and awareness,” Olena Zelenska concluded.
Background. The Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, under the patronage of First Lady Olena Zelenska, is a joint initiative of the Ukrainian Institute, the Fund of the President of Ukraine for the Support of Education, Science and Sports, the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea / Crimea Platform Office, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. The coalition’s goal is to unite existing academic initiatives and create new tools for advancing Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar studies worldwide. The Ukrainian Institute has contributed to the development of the coalition’s concept, strategic growth, and operational capacity, as well as promoting it at key academic platforms in Ukraine and abroad.
