On the 28th of May, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, Special Representative of Ukraine for the Middle East and Africa Maksym Subkh took part in the ceremony marking the 62nd anniversary of the international Africa Day and the establishment of the Centre for African Studies in Ukraine, held at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv with the organisational support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
In his address to the attendees, Maksym Subkh commended the creation of the Centre for African Studies and a separate Master's programme in African Studies at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, which has become an important step towards shaping a new paradigm of Ukrainian foreign policy in the context of the ongoing Russian aggression. In this regard, the Special Representative expressed hope that the graduates of the programme will be able to apply their knowledge, skills and abilities in practice to serve the interests of our country, notably in Africa.
Maksym Subkh paid special attention to the issue of creating an Association of African graduates of Ukrainian higher education institutions, which will promote bilateral relations between Ukraine and African countries in areas of mutual interest.
Addressing the audience, the Rector of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Volodymyr Bugrov noted that the Centre has great potential to become a platform for dialogue, as well as a meeting place for ideas, cultures and people. Outlining his vision of the future development of this educational project, he added: ‘On the basis of the Centre for African Studies, we are going to work together to create a new quality of partnership between Ukraine and African countries in science, education, and culture. In order to successfully accomplish these tasks, we need a pool of highly qualified specialists - modern professionals who are able to combine deep academic knowledge with practical experience in the fields of diplomacy, business, education and culture.’
Among those taking part in the Africa Day celebration at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv were ambassadors of African countries to Ukraine, African diplomats, ambassadors of Ukraine to African countries, honorary consuls of African countries in Ukraine, the head of the African Council in Ukraine, Ukrainian experts in African studies, as well as representatives of leading higher education institutions from different African countries.
In his speech at the event, the Ambassador of South Africa to Ukraine Shoayb Kasoo expressed his gratitude to Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine for making this educational initiative a reality, emphasising the importance of academic cooperation in today's globalised world. Expressing his enthusiasm on the occasion of this historic event, he stressed that such projects create bridges between our countries and cultures, while supporting peace and unity.
The Ukrainian ambassadors to Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa also delivered brief remarks at the event congratulating the launch of this educational initiative.
The ceremony concluded with Rector Volodymyr Bugrov signing memoranda of cooperation between Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and a number of African universities, including Nelson Mandela University and the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria (South Africa), as well as Khartoum University (Republic of the Sudan).