- Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska visits Kobe Gakuin University, thanking the institution for hosting the Indo-Pacific’s first Ukraine-focused research center.
- Kobe Gakuin University joins Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, becoming the first Japanese institution to support Ukraine’s academic and cultural narrative globally.
- Over 70 universities worldwide express interest in the Coalition, aiming to counter Russian historical influence and promote authentic Ukrainian scholarship.
Upon their Japan visit, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Advisor Commissioner of the President of Ukraine on the Fund of the President of Ukraine for the Support of Education, Science, and Sports Olha Budnyk met with President of Kobe Gakuin University Professor Nobuhiko Bishu.
The First Lady expressed gratitude to the Japanese university for opening last November the Matsuguchi Tadashi Anniversary Ukraine Research Center the first Indo-Pacific region research center focusing on Ukraine.
"Today, jointly with the president of the university, we have made another step forward in the development of Ukrainian studies in the region this institution is the first in Japan to be a member of the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies", Olena Zelenska said.
The Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies is a state initiative of Ukraine, established to consolidate Ukrainian studies centers of the world, enhance interest in researching Ukraine, offer sources for studying the truth about our nation, and encourage the exchange of professionalism and scientific experience.
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"For decades, Russia spent considerable resources on spreading its own version of history. Ukraine was typically researched in the Russian framework, drawing on sources, materials, and ideas that were defined by the Russian historical interpretation. Consequently, famous Ukrainian personalities, artists, and cultural successes were sometimes introduced as belonging to Russian history and culture. Now we need to protect our legacy and achievements", stressed the First Lady.
She highlighted that owing to collaborative efforts, 14 Finnish universities, universities from South Africa, the Czech Republic, Austria, Canada, Estonia, the Republic of Korea, and Italy, among others, have joined the Coalition in the last year. In total, over 70 universities around the globe have shown interest in being part of the initiative.
"I would like to thank Kobe Gakuin University and its researchers, who sincerely appreciate not only wisdom but also human dignity and freedom of mind. The truth ennobles all who accept it", Olena Zelenska said.
