Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Kenya Andrii Pravednyk Lectured at Ostroh Academy

November 12, 2024

On November 12, as part of the Open University Project of Ostroh Academy, a lecture entitled "Ukraine and Africa: Challenges of Diplomacy in a Time of Global War" was presented. The speaker, Andrii Pravednyk, is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Kenya.

The event was moderated by Olena Shershniova, the Director of the Educational and Scientific Institute of International Relations and National Security, Associate professor of the Department of Journalism and PR Management, Cand. Sc. (in State Management).

"The students of Ostroh Academy have a unique opportunity to listen to lectures by well-known representatives and diplomats of Ukraine who create the present and represent the interests of our state abroad. The mission of the modern Ostroh Academy is a tradition that creates the future. We do not only train highly qualified specialists but also prepare the elite, the leading diplomats who will build the independent, free Ukraine we all dream of,"

During the lecture, Andrii Pravednyk informed the students about his diplomatic experience, achievements of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Kenya, diplomatic relations between the countries, etc.

The speaker noted that over the 20 years that the Embassy of Ukraine has been involved in Kenya's activities, they have developed not only political relations between the countries but also economic components. According to Andrii Pravednyk, the development of Ukraine's diplomatic presence in Africa will enable our country to increase exports to Africa, which will help Ukrainian enterprises (state and private), create additional jobs, and develop the Ukrainian economy.

"It is a great honour for me to speak to you today. You are the students of a well-known higher education institution with a long history. I hope that you will gain new knowledge from our meeting. I always enjoy communicating with young people because I believe you are our country's future. Wherever you work, your knowledge will be needed,"

The event also included a significant question-and-answer session. This session provided a platform for students to engage with the speaker on a variety of topics, including joint educational and cultural programmes between Kenya and Ukraine, the weakening of russia and China's influence on African countries, challenges for Ukraine, possible initiatives of the Kenyan government to attract investment in Ukraine, Kenya's foreign policy course, and the geopolitical situation in the region.

The Opportunity for students of International Relations to engage with Ukrainian ambassadors abroad, particularly in exotic and less-explored countries of Africa, is a rare privilege. Each meeting opens up unique horizons for learning and provides an opportunity to hear firsthand about Ukrainian diplomats' extraordinary challenges and achievements in difficult conditions. It is not only a chance to learn about other cultures but also an opportunity to feel that we belong to global processes. Such meetings expand knowledge and help students find their vocation and determine their path in international relations. We sincerely thank Andrii Ivanovych for his willingness to share his invaluable experience and inspire young people!

Yaroslav Varin and Yaroslav Burkut, 4th-year students of the EPP "International Relations", shared their impressions:

"The lecture was another opportunity to get comprehensive information about the practical experience of the Ukrainian diplomatic institution in the Republic of Kenya. In addition, the students were able to learn about the geopolitical situation in the region and the priorities of Ukraine's foreign policy, particularly in the context of Ukrainian-Kenyan relations at the present stage, as well as other factors of the African continent. Finally, the speaker urged students to deepen their knowledge in their speciality,"

"Meetings with representatives of Ukrainian diplomacy are an important part of training future international experts who aspire to work in foreign diplomatic institutions. Students gained valuable knowledge about the current state of Ukraine's relations with African countries. The attendees had the opportunity to talk to Andrii Pravednyk, asking him interesting questions about Kenya's foreign policy priorities and the prospects for cooperation between Kyiv and Nairobi,"

We want to thank the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Kenya and the Associate Professor of the Department of International Relations of the NaUOA, Natalia Konopka, for organising the event.