Finland Becomes the First to Join the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies
During her visit to Finland, the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, met with the Rector of the University of Helsinki, Sari Lindblom, and the Vice President of Tampere University, Jarmo Takala.
The First Lady expressed gratitude for the cooperation between Finnish and Ukrainian higher education institutions.
“A striking example of successful inter-university collaboration is the partnership between the University of Helsinki and Karazin Kharkiv National University. The hero city of Kharkiv suffers daily from Russian missile attacks, yet student life continues to thrive there thanks to the support of our Finnish friends,” said Olena Zelenska.
She also highlighted unique courses on Ukraine introduced at both Finnish universities.
“For instance, there is a Ukrainian language course at the University of Helsinki and a course by the talented Professor Rinna Kullaa at Tampere University, titled ‘The History of Ukraine: Statehood and Identity.’ This course effectively debunks Russian narratives. It is crucial that the independent academic and educational community fully understands its mission in fostering critical thinking and constructing a clear and holistic view of the world,” she added.
In the presence of the First Lady, memorandums were signed for the University of Helsinki and Tampere University to join the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies.
This initiative, launched by Ukraine last year, brings together universities and research institutions worldwide to study Ukraine’s history, culture, economy, and international relations.
“The Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies is designed not only to introduce the world to Ukraine’s rich history and culture but also to showcase modern Ukraine and share its latest achievements,” said Zelenska.
The First Lady also donated book collections to the libraries of the University of Helsinki and Tampere University. These included works by Serhii Plokhy and Orest Subtelny, Ukrainian language textbooks, and fiction books—especially works authored by Ukrainian soldiers.
Zelenska’s project to create Ukrainian bookshelves in libraries worldwide now includes 230 shelves across 55 countries and UNESCO’s library.
“Books speak to Ukrainians and our friends around the world, expanding their circle. Strong relationships are built through understanding and awareness,” she concluded.
Background Information
The Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies, under the patronage of First Lady Olena Zelenska, is a joint initiative of the Ukrainian Institute, the President of Ukraine’s Fund for Education, Science, and Sports, the Office of the President’s Representative in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea / Crimea Platform Office, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
The coalition aims to unite existing academic initiatives and develop new tools for advancing Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar studies worldwide. The Ukrainian Institute contributed to the coalition’s concept, strategic development, and operational capabilities, as well as its promotion in key academic forums in Ukraine and abroad.
For more information:
Olena Zelenska Foundation: Valeriia Savenko, Head of communications: v.savenko@zelenskafoundation.org