On May 13, as a part of Science Days, the National University of Ostroh Academy organised a panel discussion of significant importance entitled "City-Forming Universities: Presentation of Ukrainian Cases". The discussion was a platform for sharing and learning about the crucial role of universities in shaping cities. Dmytro Shevchuk, Vice-Rector for Research and Teaching, Doctor of Philosophy, and Full Professor, moderated the meeting.
"During the panels, we discuss current issues in higher education: the state of universities, their mission, academic leadership, and more. The topic of today's event concerns all the higher education institutions whose representatives joined the discussion and are the initiators and members of the Association of City-Forming Universities in Ukraine. This association is a testament to the unity and collaboration among universities. Small towns face many challenges, and only by joining forces can we overcome them and promote mutual development and cooperation."
Among the speakers of the panel meeting were:
- Eduard Balashov – Doctor of Psychology, Full professor, Rector of the National University of Ostroh Academy;
- Vitalii Kotsur – Doctor of Science (History), Full professor, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine, Rector of Hryhorii Skovoroda University in Pereiaslav;
- Oleksandr Kurok – Doctor of Science (History), Full professor, Acting Rector of Hlukhiv National Pedagogical University Named after Oleksandr Dovzhenko;
- Oleksandr Samoilenko – Cand.Sc. (History), Associate Professor, Honored Education Worker of Ukraine, Rector of Mykola Gogol Nizhyn State University;
- Yaroslav Kichuk – Doctor of Science (Pedagogics), Full professor, Rector of Izmail State University of Humanities;
- Olena Hlushchenko – Cand. Sc. (Engineering), PhD, Associate Professor, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at Dnipro State Technical University.
During the meeting, the speakers talked about the activities of their universities. They presented cases of cooperation between their higher education institutions and communities.
Eduard Balashov focused on the rich history of Ostroh Academy, from the establishment of the first higher education institution in Eastern Europe to the present day. He highlighted the significant role of the University in the 'diffusion of cultural innovations' with Ostroh, a partnership reflected in The Development Strategy of the NaUOA for 2017-2026. We can all be proud of and feel connected to this historical significance.
"I am sincerely glad to be able to welcome the panel discussion participants in Ostroh Academy. Thank you for joining our events. The topic of the panel discussion is crucial within the activities of the Association of City-Forming Universities. We will have the opportunity to analyse many common and similar problems our universities face, discuss ways to overcome them and the right mechanisms to deal with them."
Vitalii Kotsur spoke about the origins of Hryhorii Skovoroda University in Pereiaslav, the process of establishing the Association of City-forming Universities, the impact of HEIs on city development (economic, environmental, socio-cultural, technological aspects) and cooperation tools.
Oleksandr Samoilenko presented the case study of Nizhyn Mykola Gogol State University. He spoke about the place of this university in the educational, scientific, cultural, artistic, social, sports, political, international and other spheres of the city.
Yaroslav Kichuk focused the participants' attention on the activities of the Izmail State University of Humanities, which implements a pro-Ukrainian state humanitarian policy and, in addition to training in-demand specialists for the region, focuses on enhancing cross-border cooperation.
"The Association of City-forming Universities has unique opportunities to join forces and to cooperate and implement joint projects successfully."
Olena Hlushchenko shared information about Dnipro State Technical University, its structure, international and research activities, priority areas of development, and interaction with the community and the city.
On that note, the agreement of intent to establish the Association of City-forming Universities was signed on April 15, 2025. The main goal is to create a powerful platform for cooperation between universities, local communities and businesses in the areas of sustainable development of territories, promotion of academic mobility, digital transformation of education, and expansion of international partnerships.
