On 22 December 2025, on the Day of Diplomatic Service Employees, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a solemn ceremony of the “Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine 2025” award. Outstanding individuals and teams were recognized for their contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s position on the world stage.

Among event participants, there were Olena ZELENSKA (the First Lady of Ukraine), Andrii SYBIHA (Minister of Foreign Affairs), Oksen LISOVYI (Minister of Education and Science), diplomats, public and private representatives, artists, and opinion leaders.

It was a pleasure that Vasyl KARPUSHA (SumDU rector) was invited to participate in the ceremony. He performed an important mission: presented the award in the category “Scientific and Educational Diplomacy” to the team of the Faculty of Law of the National University “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy”.

The winners of the “Honorary Ambassador” award in 2025 were also:

• Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, Honorary Ambassador in the “Cultural Diplomacy” category;
• Oleksandr USYK, Honorary Ambassador in the “Sports Diplomacy” category;
• Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, Honorary Ambassador in the “Expert Diplomacy” category;
• Felicity SPECTOR, Honorary Ambassador in the “Culinary Diplomacy” category;
• MHP, Honorary Ambassador in the “Economic Diplomacy” category;
• Kaylin ROBERTSON, Honorary Ambassador in the “Digital Diplomacy” category;
• “Vyshyvanka Day” – in the “Cultural Heritage” category;
• Yurii SHEVELOV (posthumously) in the “Life’s Work” category.

The SumDU rector’s participation in such a significant event underscores active role of Sumy State University in development of scientific and educational diplomacy, international cooperation, and integration of Ukrainian higher education into the global space. SumDU is consistently establishing itself as a university that shapes the state intellectual potential and contributes to strengthening Ukraine’s authority worldwide.