Queen’s launches new partnership at celebratory Ukrainian Studies and Cultural Exchange
Queen’s University Belfast today hosted an event to mark Ukrainian Week in the United Kingdom, concluding in the signing of a new partnership agreement between Queen’s and the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies.
Historical Memory and the Affirmation of Ukrainian Statehood explored identity, memory and resilience in times of conflict and transformation, with expert panels discussing memory, mobilisation and human rights, in the context of complex histories and contested identities.
The event brought together leading academics from Europe and featured artistic contributions, including an exhibition by the Ukrainian Crimean Tatar visual artist, documentary photographer and researcher, Emine Ziyatdin, before the signing of the new Memorandum of Understanding.
The Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies is the initiative of Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska. Launched in 2024, it aims to strengthen Ukraine's subjectivity in the international arena, and counter Russian-centric narratives to Ukrainian studies and is made up of over 140 institutions worldwide.
Highlighting the University’s commitment to shared learning with global impact, Queen’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, said:
“This event and our new partnership with the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies demonstrate the role universities play in shaping inclusive societies and the power of shared learning and international collaboration.
“Academics here at Queen’s hold a rich understanding of complex histories and contested narratives rooted in Northern Ireland’s own past. By engaging with Ukrainian scholars and cultural leaders, and participating in exchange programmes, we enrich our own expertise in identity, memory and resilience, and also help to support a nation in the midst of profound transformation.”
The new agreement with Queen’s sets out a framework for ongoing engagement between the University and Ukrainian institutions to develop academic collaboration and cultural engagement, and to deepen international understanding of Ukrainian identity and Crimean Tatar heritage.
It includes plans for student and staff exchanges, joint research initiatives, and shared cultural programmes as well as facilitating future visits from Ukrainian state representatives to Queen’s.
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