During First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska’s visit to the Republic of South Africa, which was shortened due to a Russian shelling of Ukraine on Thursday night, the first memorandum on cooperation and the establishment of a Center for Global Ukrainian Studies on the African continent was signed with Professor Francis Petersen, Principal of the University of Pretoria.
“Ukrainian studies are not just about Ukraine – they’re about universal themes and values that resonate with the experience of many nations: about liberation movements, a history of subjugation, the fight for dignity, and the right to be yourself,” the First Lady said.
Olena Zelenska emphasized that dialogue between Ukraine and the Republic of South Africa is mutually beneficial and enriching. According to her, South Africa is well aware of transformation, historical challenges, and long-term changes on the path to freedom and equality of human rights. At the same time, Ukraine is an example of democracy at war – defending freedom and independence.
Background. The Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies was launched with the support of First Lady Olena Zelenska as 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. Its main goal is to promote the development of Ukrainian studies – including Crimean Tatar studies – to ensure accurate and professional research on Ukraine’s history and culture, and to popularize the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar languages and cultures.
