On Friday, May 30, a ceremonial event took place to mark the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Hennadii Udovenko Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event brought together state leadership, the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the academic and expert communities.
The ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk, Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha.
Opening the event, the Director of the Diplomatic Academy, Hennadii Nadolenko, emphasized the important role of the Academy, its achievements over the years, and its prospects at the current stage.
Minister Andrii Sybiha highlighted the exceptional contribution of the Diplomatic Academy to the strengthening of Ukrainian diplomacy and outlined its development priorities.
“For three decades, the Academy has played a key role in developing the human potential of our country’s foreign service. During this time, you have strengthened your reputation and authority, maintained a strong team, and improved your training programs,” emphasized Andrii Sybiha.
Ruslan Stefanchuk stated that the Verkhovna Rada remains a reliable partner of Ukrainian diplomacy.
“The Diplomatic Academy is not just an educational institution. It is a center for shaping a new generation of Ukrainian diplomats — patriotic, educated, professional, and hardened in the struggle for independence,” noted the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada.
Andriy Yermak emphasized that over the years, the Academy has trained many professionals who now represent Ukraine on the international stage and promote its interests.
“Your victories are measured by hearts and minds united for Ukraine. It is critically important for us to preserve the unprecedented unity around Ukraine. We must constantly adapt, remain firm in our principles, and flexible in our approaches,” he stressed.
Andrii Sybiha noted that the Academy should set high standards for diplomacy, study the best modern practices, integrate them into Ukrainian expertise, and shape a school of modern Ukrainian diplomacy — diplomacy of a country at war.
The Minister highlighted the new training programs developed and launched by the Academy, including courses for newly appointed ambassadors, young diplomats, and diplomats’ spouses. He also praised the work of the Language Training Center, noting that 20 Ukrainian F-16 pilots had recently completed language courses at the Academy.
“Ukrainian diplomacy faces global security challenges that require strategic thinking, the ability to make decisions, determination, and courage. Ukraine has a unique diplomatic experience — the diplomacy of a country at war. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, it has become clear to many how important Ukraine is on the geopolitical map,” said the Minister.
The head of the Ukrainian diplomatic service emphasized the fundamental role of the Academy as a hub of public diplomacy, through which Ukraine communicates with the world in the language of facts, truth, sincere emotions, and openness.
The Minister announced plans to restore the Academy’s status allowing it to offer master's programs, so future diplomats can not only enhance their qualifications but also receive a full modern education.
"Speaking of Ukrainian diplomacy, I am convinced that today we can add a fourth ‘P’ to Hennadii Udovenko’s foundational triad — professionalism, patriotism, and probity — on which the Academy was built and which it proudly upholds in his name: principled stance. A principled stance in defending Ukraine’s national interests this is exactly what is instilled here, at the Academy," concluded Andrii Sybiha.
During the event, special honors from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine were presented to staff members of the Hennadii Udovenko Diplomatic Academy.