The Second International Twinning UK-Ukraine Conference “Role of Universities in the Post-War Recovery of Ukraine” was held at the Wistula University (Warsaw, Poland).

There was discussion of results and future plans within the Twinning Initiative. SumDU was represented Kostiantyn KYRYCHENKO (head of the International Cooperation Department).

At the conference beginning, Charles CORMACK (founder of the Twinning Initiative, chairman of the Cormack Consultancy Group) greeted participants.

Mykhailo VINNYTSKYI (Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine) shared the challenges faced by Ukrainian higher education institutions within the full-scale invasion. He noted the project importance. Thanked UK partners for supporting Ukrainian universities.

“The Twinning Project has become a real and tangible attempt to keep the educational process in the current difficult situation. The last two and a half years since the full-scale invasion have proved that partnership is not just words. We are grateful for all activities of this wonderful initiative and everything related to human capital development. Twinning is a long-term project. Our cooperation with British universities is productive. In 5-10 years, we will build a better European space for cooperation on both sides,” – said Mykhailo VINNYTSKYI.

The main topic of the panel discussion was contribution of educational institutions to recovery of Ukraine. Participants discussed the educational situation in regions: resilience of academic communities, opportunities for scientists and students (including the double degree program).

“A powerful practical support has been provided by the UK to Ukrainian education institutions since 2022. I am glad to be a part of this conference. Over 100 pairs of twin universities, impressive results, strategic plans, motivated people. We are deeply grateful to our outstanding partners – the University of Liverpool, the Bath Spa University, etc. Actions speak louder than words!” – stated Kostiantyn KYRYCHENKO.