Participation of WUNU delegation and Dutch partners in the international forum "Voices in Motion: Voices that drive change"
As part of the development of the strategic partnership between the West Ukrainian National University and the National Police of Ukraine, a working visit to the Patrol Police Academy in Kyiv was held. The event brought together representatives of the academic community, law enforcement and international organisations to discuss the development of a new security culture.
The WUNU delegation included Oksana Koval, Director of the Education and Research Centre for Communications, and her deputy Anastasiia Martynevych. The Dutch party was represented by experts from the Global Resilience Centre (Netherlands): Sven Burgers - Director of Eduquest, Head of GRC, Board Member of the Time-Out Centre Foundation, military clinical psychologist, veteran; Sebastian Schreiner - medical consultant on PTSD, clinical psychologist, GRC partner; Hendrikus Speck - applied psychologist, coach and trainer, GRC partner.
During the visit, the delegation took part in the international forum "Voices in Motion: Voices that drive change", dedicated to gender equality, combating violence and strengthening the role of women in society. The event brought together representatives of the police, educational institutions, international organisations and the civil society sector.
Among the key speakers of the event: Blair Schmidt, Head of the Canadian Police Mission to Ukraine, who shared his vision of leadership and community policing; Anette Schwitzke, Gender Advisor at the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine, who presented an analytical overview of the problem of discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace.
During the visit, representatives of WUNU had the opportunity to learn more about the work of the Academy: they visited classrooms and specialised simulation areas, met with instructors and cadets. They were particularly impressed by the environment of the Academy, which combines iron discipline with deep respect for each individual. A lively and informative conversation with the cadets testified to the excellent training of future patrol officers.
We sincerely thank the Head of the Patrol Police Academy, Police Colonel Vadym Lisnychuk, for his invitation, openness and sincere partnership.
The cooperation between the West Ukrainian National University and the Patrol Police Academy involves both exchanging experience and moving together towards a new security culture where professionalism, empathy and dialogue are the primary pillars. The involvement of Dutch partners - experts from the Global Resilience Centre - has given the cooperation a significant international and European dimension. This cross-sectoral exchange opens up new opportunities for implementing EU best practices in law enforcement education, psycho-emotional support and institutional resilience. This is an example of how the joint efforts of the academic community, police and international partners create the basis for a safe, just and democratic society.
