On September 10, 2025, an open lecture by Shirin Ebadi — an Iranian lawyer, human rights activist, and recipient of the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize — took place at the National University of Ostroh Academy. The event became part of the Fifth Anniversary Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, initiated by the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska. For the fifth consecutive year, the Summit has served as an international humanitarian platform, bringing together thought leaders, cultural figures, educators, and policymakers to address global challenges jointly.
The event began with an address by the Rector of the National University of Ostroh Academy, Eduard Balashov, who emphasised the key idea of the Summit — 'Education that Shapes the World,'' highlighting its role in the formation of a free and just society:
"Education shapes individuals, their worldview, and the future of nations. In times of global conflict and rapid change, it remains a universal tool for shaping the consciousness of new generations and fostering a resilient, responsible society. At Ostroh Academy, we understand the value of education. It shapes not only knowledge, but also values, students' personality, and critical thinking."
In her inspiring lecture, Dr Shirin Ebadi shared stories of the struggle for human rights under an authoritarian regime, discussed the challenges faced by human rights defenders, and emphasised the role of youth in this struggle:
"You cannot try to fight something by being in the dark. You have to identify the problem. You have to find the root of the problem if you want to be successful in combating and resolving it."
Key points of the lecture:
- Education shapes a generation capable of resisting authoritarianism and defending democratic freedoms.
- Human rights violations are not only an internal issue for a state but also a challenge for the entire international community.
- Young people must be ready to speak uncomfortable truths, act decisively, and work together to build a just world.
The participants in the event — students, lecturers, and lawyers — had the opportunity to ask Dr Ebadi questions about global threats to human rights, the role of lawyers in protecting human rights, and the involvement of youth in social change.
Short quotes from Dr Ebadi's responses:
- How can the democratic world confront the 'network of dictatorships' — Russia, Iran, China — from the perspective of human rights?
"Authoritarian regimes have close bonds because they fear the power of truth. The democratic world must not remain silent, but take action." - What advice would you give to young people who aspire to change the world and want to fight for justice?
Start with yourself. Be honest and principled. Do not be afraid to be 'inconvenient'. Act together and engage people from various fields. Let the world know what is going on in your country. - What qualities are essential for law students who wish to defend human rights?
Your greatest strengths are knowledge, values, and courage. Study not only the laws, but also the nature of injustice.
The meeting with Shirin Ebadi became a unique event for the National University of Ostroh Academy — an open space for dialogue, inspiration, and reflection on each individual's role in shaping a just world.
It is further evidence that a university is not only a place for acquiring knowledge, but also a platform for shaping values, civic engagement, and readiness to take action.
Shirin Ebadi's lecture at the National University of Ostroh Academy was held on the initiative of the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, within the framework of the Fifth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, and also with the support of the Office of the President of Ukraine, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, and the National University of Ostroh Academy.
