V International Scientific Readings named after Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Held at WUNU
The West Ukrainian National University (WUNU) once again served as a powerful platform for the exchange of knowledge, scientific research, and ideas that promote the development of international relations, human rights, and sustainable development. The V International Scientific Readings named after Bohdan Hawrylyshyn, dedicated to the 60th anniversary of WUNU’s founding, took place at the B. Havrylyshyn Education and Research Institute of International Relations.
The International Scientific Readings named after Bohdan Hawrylyshyn represent an extremely important tradition, as they not only honor the memory but also continue the work of Bohdan Hawrylyshyn – an outstanding Ukrainian, scholar, patron, and global public figure. Bohdan Dmytrovych's life serves as an example of dedication to his country and high moral principles.
The scholar paid particular attention to human rights , which is confirmed by the creation of the Declaration of Human Responsibility in 2014, consisting of 15 principles. It is a key legacy that emphasizes the necessary balance between rights and responsibilities in the modern world , which is particularly relevant in the context of international relations and sustainable development.
His wisdom became the leitmotif of the event, inspiring the participants: «Everything I have done in life, I started with a dream. I am convinced that the extraordinary is possible, if you only feel that state».
The co-organizers of the event, in addition to WUNU , included the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation, the Honorary Consulate of Hungary in Ternopil, as well as the University of Portsmouth (Great Britain), the University of Brescia (Italy), Sukhumi State University (Georgia), Bratislava University of Economics and Management (Slovakia), and the Silesian Academy (Poland).
Greetings to the participants were delivered by Uliana Koruts, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Research (International Relations); Lyudmyla Havrylyuk-Jensen, Director of the B. Havrylyshyn Education and Research Institute of International Relations; Marianna Yeleiko, Head of the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation; Tetyana Chubak, Honorary Consul of Hungary in Ternopil and Ternopil Oblast; Aleksander Ostenda, Rector of the Silesian Academy; Irma Dikhamindzhia, Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences at Sukhumi State University; and Ostap Kushnir, PhD, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, Associate Head Global Engagement School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature, University of Portsmouth, UK.
Within the framework of the V International Scientific Readings named after Bohdan Hawrylyshyn, the All-Ukrainian Essay Contest for Youth traditionally took place. The theme was «Culture of Peace and Cooperation in International Relations: Bohdan Hawrylyshyn's Humanistic Approach».
Oksana Tulai, Head of the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor, noted during the award ceremony: «This year's contest theme is extremely relevant and profound. We were very pleased to receive a large number of works that demonstrate our youth's high level of interest in the humanistic values established by Bohdan Hawrylyshyn. Each essay is not just a text, but a conscious position of Ukrainian youth striving for peace and responsibility».
During the award ceremony, Tetyana Chubak, Honorary Consul of Hungary in Ternopil and Ternopil Oblast, presented the Grand Prix Diploma and gifts to Olena Plaksa, a first-year student of the «International Relations» educational program (WUNU). The 1st Degree Diploma and gifts were awarded to Viktoriia Makieieva, a first-year student of the «International Relations» educational program (WUNU). Diplomas of the 2nd Degree and gifts were received by Sofiia Menko, Yelyzaveta Chernetska, and Yeva Khmelnytska, who are first-year students of the «International Relations» educational program (WUNU). Diplomas of the 3rd Degree and gifts from Lyudmyla Havrylyuk-Jensen, Director of the Educational and Research Institute of International Relations named after B. D. Hawrylyshyn, were awarded to Sofiia Baidalka, a student of the "International Information" educational program at Lviv Polytechnic National University; Meriem Izmailova, a student of the «Hotel and Restaurant Business» educational program (WUNU); and Diana Lysak, a student of the "Business Communications and Translation" educational program (WUNU). Additionally, Bohdan Mykhailyshyn and Yehor Verbenskyi, first-year students of the «International Relations» educational program (WUNU), received gifts and Certificates of Merit for active participation in the All-Ukrainian Essay Contest from Oksana Tulai, Head of the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy.
The event featured scientific presentations by:
● Adam LAZOWSKI – Professor of EU law, Westminster Law School, University of Westminster, London, UK (EU accession as a vehicle for reconstruction of Ukraine);
● Alina KOWALSKI – PhD researcher, University of Messina, Italy (The Battle for Truth: Propaganda, Moral Confusion and the Fragility of Solidarity);
● Olena MOTUZENKO – Candidate of Geographic Sciences, Associate Professor, West Ukrainian National University (WUNU) (The role of cultural diplomacy in peacekeeping in the context of war: Ukraine as a subject of cultural peacemaking);
● Paolo MASCIOCCHI – PhD in Sociology and Philosophy of Law, Scientific Director of the Vittorino Colombo Foundation, Milan, Italy (Proculturality and a new vision of bottom-up diplomacy: cultural praxis and intangibles beyond geoculture);
● Mykola MOVCHAN – Candidate of Political Sciences, Deputy Permanent Delegate of Ukraine to UNESCO, Chairman of the Communication and Information Commission of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference (Ukraine and UNESCO: achievements and prospects);
● Nadiya DUBROVINA – CSc., PhD, Assoc. Prof., Bratislava University of Economics and Management; Institute for Management, Economics and Healthcare, Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society (Problems of inclusive education of students with hearing impairments: possibilities of using artificial intelligence);
● Vira DUBROVINA – Expert in analyzing the impact of tax instruments on public health in the USA (Analysis of impact of soda tax on the obesity and overweight of population from different demographic and social groups income in the USA states);
● Petro HAVRYLYSHYN – Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, Karpathian National University named after Vasyl Stefanyk (Humanitarian dimension of international relations: Bohdan Hawrylyshyn's philosophy).
Student participants shared their impressions of the V International Scientific Readings named after Bohdan Hawrylyshyn, dedicated to the 60th anniversary of WUNU’s founding.
Olena Plaksa (1st-year student, «International Relations», WUNU) commented: «The event was extremely informative, rich, and interesting. We sincerely thank the speakers and guests for their presence and the valuable information they shared with us. It is incredibly useful for the young generation to gain such knowledge and experience, as it develops our practical skills. Special thanks to the organizers of the event, who motivate us, create various opportunities for development, broaden our worldview, and help us self-improve».
Sofiia Menko (1st-year student, «International Relations», WUNU) also shared her experience: «The International Scientific Readings named after Bohdan Hawrylyshyn are a very interesting and unforgettable event, an annual occasion for our Department of International Relations and Diplomacy. Within the framework of the event, the winners of the essay contest on the theme 'Culture of Peace and Cooperation: Bohdan Hawrylyshyn's Humanistic Approach' were announced. I was interested in working on the essay topic, studying the biography and main principles of Bohdan Hawrylyshyn's work. As winners, we received nice gifts – Bohdan Hawrylyshyn's book 'I Remain Ukrainian' and others, a souvenir mug, and a keychain with the symbolism of the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, which was a very pleasant addition to the positive impressions of the victory. After the award ceremony, there was a series of presentations from leading world professors on modern diplomacy and the development of international relations. We sincerely thank the organizers for the wonderful experience and hosting such an unforgettable event!».
The V International Scientific Readings once again affirmed the importance of international cooperation, the humanistic approach, and the scientific understanding of global challenges. This event served as a guidepost for new achievements in the professional and public activities of the participants, upholding Bohdan Hawrylyshyn's ideas of responsibility, moral values, and the culture of peace as the foundation for the sustainable development of Ukraine and the world. His legacy is alive and continues to inspire new generations to act for the good of humanity.
