On 25 November, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, President of the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO Mariana Betsa opened the Second National Forum of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network in Ukraine. The event was organised by the Secretariat of the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO with the support of the UNESCO Antenna Office in Ukraine, the Global Partnership for Education, and the Government of Japan. The Forum brought together school headmasters, students, education experts, and representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Ukraine.
In her speech, Mariana Betsa emphasised that despite the ongoing war of aggression waged by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, 70 Ukrainian ASPnet schools not only continue to operate but also demonstrate unique experience in supporting students, fostering the creative development of school communities, and advancing international cooperation. “Ukrainian educational institutions can be safely called a symbol of Ukrainian resilience and of the professional dedication of educators who ensure the continuity of education despite constant Russian attacks,” stated the Deputy Minister.
The President of the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO noted that the participation of representatives of the diplomatic corps in the Forum sends an important signal of support for Ukrainian children and teachers. “Today, educational diplomacy is one of the key tools of Ukraine's presence in the world. Ukrainian ASPnet Schools are educating a young generation that is actively involved in promoting UNESCO values and whose voice is already being heard by the international community,” said Mariana Betsa.
The First Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Yevhen Kudriavets, also addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. In particular, he highlighted the importance of active interaction within the Ukrainian ASPnet and the role of partnerships across the country in strengthening an education system that continues to function under wartime conditions. Min Jong Kim, Director of the Division for Education 2030 at UNESCO, took part in the Forum and familiarised delegates with the activities of the global Associated Schools Project and its key priorities.
During the Forum, Ukrainian students shared their experiences and presented the results of their participation in international exchange programmes organised by the Secretariat of the National Commission of Ukraine in cooperation with the National Commissions of Germany, Portugal, France, and Belgium, as well as through the Sports Visitor Programme implemented by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. The students emphasised that such opportunities are not only educational but also play an important role in providing psychological support to children and shaping Ukraine’s youth diplomacy.