The “Education of a New Ukraine” conference was held in Kyiv, focusing on building new educational infrastructure and quality. Among the participants were Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, top officials from relevant ministries, and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Olena Kovalska.
Prime Minister Shmyhal announced that Ukraine will invest over 22.5 billion UAH in education transformation during 2024–2025. So far, 15 schools with shelters have been built, along with 126 school kitchens and canteens. Ukraine’s first interactive Mathematics Museum has also been launched. This year, more than 1,500 educational spaces – including modern laboratories – are planned to be opened or renovated, with two new university campuses to be constructed in Kyiv and Mykolaiv.
“Our goal is to give every child, every teacher, and every community a sense of confidence in the future. Ukrainian education is not just a policy sector – it is a space where the country’s future is born. And we in parliament fully understand our responsibility for that future,” Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized.
Olena Kovalska noted that despite the necessity to address military needs and overcome the aftermath of the war, the state allocates money to create safe educational spaces and upgrade educational infrastructure.
“Since Ukraine gained independence, the education system has never experienced so many reforms, changes, and challenges as in the past three years. One of the biggest issues we face is the demographic decline and population outflow. The President supports and initiates many reforms, but the number one priority he always emphasizes – and remains focused on – is safety: the creation of safe educational spaces,” she stated.
According to Olena Kovalska, safe educational spaces refer to schools built in shelters or those equipped with shelters. It's also crucial to continue providing schools with enough buses, free meals, and high-quality education.
The Deputy Head of the Presidential Office also highlighted that under the patronage of the Fund of the President of Ukraine for the Support of Education, Science, and Sports, the Twinning initiative is running a dual-degree program between UK and Ukrainian universities. The goal is to encourage young people to pursue their education in Ukraine.
The event was organized by the Office of the President of Ukraine and the Ministry of Education and Science.