Mykola Sierha Spoke on the Importance of Cultural Diplomacy

November 21, 2024

On November 21, the National University of Ostroh Academy hosted a meeting with Mykola Sierha, a military officer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, head of 'Kulturnyi Desant' ('Cultural Forces'), public figure, and musician. 

Ruslana Kalamazh, Vice-Rector for Education, Doctor of Science (Psychology), Full professor, delivered the opening statements:

"Various events are constantly taking place at Ostroh Academy. Today, we have a fascinating personality - Mykola Sierha. He initiated the 'Razom!' ('Together') Project in the 'Cultural Forces' activities framework. The academic community of Ostroh Academy, especially the students, has been very active in the project. We continue to implement it and help children from Staryi Saltiv."

Mykola Sierha spoke about the "Razom" Project. He remarked that it aimed to build humanitarian, cultural, and educational bridges between small towns in the de-occupied Kharkiv and Kherson regions and central and western cities of Ukraine.

"I am very pleased that Ostroh Academy continues to help Staryi Saltiv. It is crucial.",

Mr. Mykola also spoke about a two-month "Tour of Gratitude" around the United States, during which the "Cultural Forces" of seven artists, professional musicians before the war and now Ukrainian Armed Forces military personnel thanked the Americans for their thoughts and actions for Ukraine. Mykola also emphasised cultural diplomacy and working with information and cultural influence in other countries.

"'Cultural Forces' is a huge unit that primarily provides moral and psychological support to the troops on the contact line and in rehabilitation centres. About 80 military artists joined the army from the very first days. We didn't even think we would ever continue playing instruments after we realised that we could accomplish important military tasks very efficiently.",

The event also included a question-and-answer session. The audience talked about advice for young people during the cultural representation of Ukraine abroad, the 'Letter to a Free Krym (Crimea)' Campaign, actions supporting Ukrainian prisoners of war, recruitment to the 'Cultural Forces' Team, and more.

Yuliia Khychiy, a 2nd-year student of the 'Ukrainian Language and Literature' Programme, shared her impressions of the meeting:

"It was interesting to hear about Mykola Sierha's experience in cultural diplomacy and volunteering. He also spoke about the 'Cultural Forces' created to support the psychological state of military personnel. Meeting with such people now is important because they inspire with their perseverance and strength."

By the way, Ostroh Academy has been actively involved in helping Staryi Saltiv since the Fall of 2022, when the 'Together' Project from 'Cultural Forces' began.