Universities of Graz joins Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies

First Lady o Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, and Rector Peter Riedler. Photo: Markus Korenjak

The Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies, founded in July 2024, brings together activities worldwide to promote Ukrainian studies. On 17 June 2025, the University of Graz, the University of Innsbruck, the University of Klagenfurt and the University of Vienna joined the coalition. The agreement was signed in the presence of the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska. She has actively supported the initiative since its inception.

The interdisciplinary field of Ukrainian studies encompasses research into the language, literature, history and culture of Ukraine. The coalition aims to strengthen international academic discourse on Ukraine and promote educational and research projects. In addition to networking existing research initiatives, new instruments for support and cooperation are to be created in order to further expand the global exchange of knowledge about Ukraine.

The signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation on 17 June 2025 marks the beginning of cooperation between the Ukrainian Institute and the four Austrian universities. The main points of the cooperation include the development of programmes and projects to spread knowledge about Ukraine – its history, culture, language and identity, the promotion of joint studies through the exchange of experiences, resources and ideas, the organisation of joint scientific events and the expansion of international understanding of Ukrainian identity and its cultural heritage.

The Ukrainian Institute is a state institution of Ukraine that focuses on the international promotion of Ukrainian culture, language, history and identity. It is the central organisation for supporting and developing initiatives aimed at strengthening international understanding of Ukraine and its cultural diversity.

Sebastian Schütze, Rector of the University of Vienna
“Building on our long-standing partnership agreements with Taras Shevchenko National University (Kyiv) and Ivan Franko National University (Lviv), joining the Global Coalition further strengthens scientific cooperation in the field of Ukrainian studies.”

Peter Riedler, Rector of the University of Graz
“By signing this Memorandum of Cooperation with Ukraine, we are reaffirming our shared conviction that Europe is strengthened through education, science and cultural exchange. Language, history and a common understanding are the bridges that connect our countries. As the University of Graz, we are consciously sending a signal of solidarity and cooperation with Ukraine. We believe in a Europe of togetherness, openness and future prospects for all generations.”

Ada Pellert, Rector of the University of Klagenfurt
“We are delighted to join the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies together with the Universities of Graz and Vienna – an international initiative to promote Ukrainian culture, history, language and literature. The coalition sends a strong signal of academic solidarity and intercultural exchange. In doing so, we are creating a platform for the development of Ukrainian studies at an international level.”

Veronika Sexl, Rector of the University of Innsbruck
“By joining the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, we are sending a clear signal for the expansion of Austrian-Ukrainian university cooperation. An important partner in this regard is V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, with whom we already work closely within the framework of the Aurora European University Alliance – for sustainable academic networking as a contribution to dialogue, education and peace.”

This partnership aims to create a stronger global presence for Ukrainian studies and further expand international academic networking.

Linde Tuscher

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