First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska addressed participants at the First International Conference of Ukrainian Studies “Ukraine in the World” held in Lviv. The event brought together more than 250 scholars, lecturers, and researchers in Ukrainian studies from 38 countries across all continents.
"Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression has prompted the world to take a closer look at us. But it is important that this interest not remain temporary or superficial. It must grow into deep, genuine knowledge and understanding of our country. That is exactly what the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies is working to achieve," the First Lady emphasized.
The conference also marked the inaugural presentation of the Ukrainian Studies Distinguished Award, a new international distinction established by the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies to recognize universities, research centers, organizations, and scholars whose work advances Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar studies around the world.
During the conference, eight more universities joined the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, bringing its membership to 100 institutions from 27 countries.
The Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies is a Ukrainian state initiative implemented under the patronage of the First Lady. Launched in the United States in July 2024, it aims to unite educational institutions around the world through the study of Ukraine, its culture, language, history, and present, as well as the history and culture of temporarily occupied Crimea.