A joint meeting of the UNP WG4 “Contacts between people” and the CSP WG6 “Science and technology, information society, education, training and youth, culture and sports” was held on May 26 in an online format.
The meeting was dedicated to various educational initiatives and projects, including youth programs, diaspora involvement and cooperation with civil society, participants shared news about current work and discussed opportunities for financial support for UNP WG4 initiatives.
The UNP WG4 coordinator, Ivan Kulchytsky, focused on the difficult situation in education due to the war, in particular, the problems of distance learning and the destruction of infrastructure. He also noted that many children are studying in shelters, and the number of applicants is significantly decreasing.
Ivan focused on some details of cooperation and communication with the Eastern Partnership Forum. He noted that four delegates should be ready for the upcoming assembly in November, and that there will be a renewal of the delegation in 2025, encouraging participants to consider applying. Ivan also mentioned the grant opportunities available within the Eastern Partnership framework together with other countries. In conclusion, Ivan outlined the key areas of education reform, including digital transition, cooperation with European programs, lifelong learning, attention to youth and sports.
The UNP Secretary provided detailed information on submitting applications for the implementation of UNP EaP initiatives. This information was sent to the UNP WG4 mailing list. The initiatives are implemented within the framework of the project “Support for the Activities of the Ukrainian National Platform EaP CSF in 2025-2026”, which is implemented by the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting with financial support from the European Union.
The UNP Secretary, Maryna Gutharts, focused on the need for active advocacy and information campaigns within the framework of the initiatives. She also stressed the importance of completing analytical work by September 15 and preparing draft applications and appeals to authorities. The priorities of the initiatives are the consequences of the war, the restoration of Ukraine and EU membership. The WG4 Coordinator, Ivan Kulchytsky, called on the meeting participants to prepare applications, and also noted his readiness to assist in the preparation of applications and implementation of the initiative.
Members of the UNP EaP WG4 and the US PGS WG6 shared information about their activities in the context of reforms in Ukraine and European integration processes.
Rodion Kolyshko noted that important changes in education and professional qualifications are underway in Ukraine, in particular, the implementation of a new law on the national qualifications system. He emphasized that there are many technical challenges related to data harmonization and updating of occupational classifiers, but he hopes for their successful resolution.
Yevhen Bilchuk expressed his impressions of the changes in the education system, emphasizing the importance of professional development. He also announced the preparation of an English-language edition of a collection of ideas and the search for students for his school of externals. Yevhen Bilchuk also drew attention to the need for a more balanced assessment and discussion of academic integrity issues.
During the meeting, participants discussed various ongoing projects related to youth, education and diaspora engagement. Lyudmila Kudina spoke about her participation in youth projects with Lviv National University and the European Union Delegation to Ukraine. Ivan Kulchytskyi encouraged participants to share information about their activities with group members for better visibility and promotion on the UNP EaP online platform.
Meeting results:
- Prepare an initiative application within the framework of the project “Support to the UNP EaP in 20225-2026.”
- Activate the exchange of information between members of both groups WG4 and WG6.
- Draw attention to public events held in Ukraine in the field of thematic interests of the working groups, as well as activate the activities of members of the group on monitoring the processes of reforms and European integration
- Based on the exchange of information between the members of the groups, prepare proposals for a joint declaration of the EU-Ukraine GS Platform, the meeting of which is planned for July 2025.
Information provided by Ivan Kulchytsky, coordinator of WG4 UNP
Thanks to Ivan Kulchytsky for organizing and conducting the meeting.
The event is implemented within the framework of the project ”Supporting the activities of the Ukrainian National Platform of the EaP CSF in 2025-2026”, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting.
