The first branch of the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies to be established in South Africa

During her visit to South Africa, First Lady Olena Zelenska announced the launch of the first chapter of the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies in Africa. She signed a memorandum with the Rector of the University of Pretoria, Francis Petersen.

This is part of a global initiative to develop Ukrainian studies at universities around the world. The Coalition brings together educational and research institutions so that more people in different countries can learn the truth about Ukraine - its history, culture, modernity and international role. As part of the cooperation, they plan to launch new educational programmes, conduct research, and organise academic exchanges. All this is for a deeper understanding of Ukraine, without fakes and imposed Russian narratives.

‘Ukrainian studies is not only about Ukraine, but about universal themes and values that resonate with the experience of many nations: about liberation movements, the enslaved past, the struggle for dignity and the right to be yourself,’ Olena Zelenska said.

The First Lady stressed that the dialogue between Ukraine and South Africa is mutually enriching. According to her, South Africa has its own experience of transformation and the fight for human rights, and Ukraine today is an example of a democracy that has survived the war and continues to defend its freedom.

The Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies was created with the support of the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska as a joint initiative of the Ukrainian Institute, the Presidential Foundation for Support of Education, Science and Sports, the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea / Crimean Platform, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.