Partners from Poland visit WUNU
Partners from the Republic of Poland visited West Ukrainian National University: Dr Tomasz Madras, a lecturer at the Faculty of International Relations at the University of Białystok and a member of the Podlaskie Voivodeship Sejmik, and Krzysztof Stawnicki, Chair of the ‘Centre for Environmental Support’ Foundation and a member of the Białystok City Council.
The visit marked another step forward in the development of international cooperation between West Ukrainian National University, the University of Białystok, the ‘Centre for Environmental Support’ Foundation and representatives of local authorities in the Podlaskie Voivodeship.
The Polish partners were welcomed by Uliana Koruts, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Research of WUNU. During the meeting, Andrii Kotsur, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management; Ruslan Avhustyn, Head of the Department of Management, Public Administration and Human Resources; Hryhorii Monastyrskyi, Professor in the Department of Management, Public Administration and Human Resources; and Yuliia Palaniuk, Head of the International Relations Office of WUNU, discussed prospects for further cooperation, opportunities for implementing joint educational initiatives, exchanging experience, and involving students in European programmes.
“We appreciate all the efforts made by our partners, particularly the fact that you come to Ukraine and contribute to the development of young people. When students see and interact with foreign businesspeople, government officials or academics, it confirms to them that the exchange of experience is important,” said Uliana Koruts.
During the discussion, particular attention was paid to issues relating to environmental protection and ecology. Representatives of the university highlighted the importance of Poland’s experience in this field and the opportunities for WUNU to participate in relevant programmes.
“We have received many proposals, particularly from Poland, where the environment is a key priority. We have much to learn in order to take part in such programmes and implement them,” emphasised the Vice-Rector.
An important part of the visit involved our Polish partners meeting with WUNU students. As part of the ‘European Dialogues’ educational project run by the School of Effective Management Leaders at WUNU, a discussion forum entitled ‘Ukraine and Poland: Neighbours, Partners, Friends’ was held. Students of the degree programmes in ‘Public Management and Administration’, ‘Management’, ‘Human Resource Management’ and ‘International and Regional Political Communications’ had the opportunity to speak directly with the Polish representatives and learn more about the functioning of local government bodies, international cooperation and European practices.
Tomasz Madras, Krzysztof Stawnicki and Professor Hryhorii Monastyrskyi led the discussion.
Such exchanges enable students to gain practical experience and gain a better understanding of European approaches to community development. We would like to thank our Polish colleagues for fostering this international partnership and for providing new opportunities for the academic development of WUNU students.