WEST UKRAINIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

 The Sixth International Week has started at West Ukrainian National University.

For the third year in a row, the International Week is held in the midst of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. The topic of this year's event is "Bridging Partnerships, Shaping Futures: Innovation and Cooperation in a Trying World".

The war has united the Ukrainian nation as never before, mobilizing its full potential to repel the enemy. We honour and cherish the memory of those who sacrificed their lives to protect what is most precious to us. In memory of our fallen sons and daughters and for the future of our children, it is our duty to win.

With heavy hearts, we bow our heads to all the fallen defenders of Ukraine, among whom, unfortunately, are students and graduates of our university.

The International Week was opened by the Rector of West Ukrainian National University Oksana Desyatniuk: 'Distinguished guests, esteemed partners, dear colleagues and students! The Sixth International Week starts today at West Ukrainian National University. In light of the challenges we face today, it is clear that we need to take decisive action. Ukraine's victory in a full-scale war will require the support of our partners, and we must work together to develop international cooperation.

Universities have an important role to play in driving innovation and progress. They also have a responsibility to prepare new generations of leaders, scientists and professionals who will work to solve complex global problems.

In today's interconnected world, the boundaries between countries are becoming increasingly permeable. The challenges faced by some countries are quickly becoming threats to all of humanity. History shows us that crises require a collective response. We must recognise that challenges can also present opportunities. There is an opportunity for us to consider new ways of approaching education, research and technology, so that our institutions can continue to play a leading role in driving progress. West Ukrainian National University is seeking to enhance its strategic partnerships with educational institutions in the European Union and beyond. We are committed to harnessing the international expertise of scientists to address global challenges in the most effective way possible.

I hope that we can all engage in constructive dialogue to find solutions to the issues at hand, explore new ideas, and consider unconventional approaches!

I am delighted to announce that the Sixth International Week is now open!'

Today Ukraine must withstand and win. We are grateful for the support of our partners, who provide invaluable assistance. As an educational institution, the university is fortunate to have the support of foreign partners, who are friends and colleagues, and whose contributions are greatly appreciated in the spheres of education, science, and culture.

We thank our foreign friends for taking the time and opportunity to participate in the event.

Professor Fryderyk Zoll, a trusted partner of WUNU, was invited to speak. He is a Professor of Civil Law at the Jagiellonian University, a Professor of European Private Law, Comparative Law and Polish Private Law at the University of Osnabrück, and a member of the Supervisory Board of WUNU.

The staff of West Ukrainian National University and participants of the Sixth International Week were addressed by various other distinguished guests and long-term partners from Slovenia, Croatia, Israel, the UK, and Germany. We would like to thank you for your invaluable support of West Ukrainian National University and for fostering a fruitful international partnership.

Uliana Koruts, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Research (International Relations) of WUNU, presented an overview of the vectors of international cooperation and the emergence of new initiatives.

The inaugural day of I-WEEK`2024 commenced with the opening of the First Autumn School of European Law. The programme included a lecture on European Contract Law by Professor, Doctor Habilitated, Professor of Civil Law at the Jagiellonian University, Professor of European Private Law, Comparative Law and Polish Private Law at the University of Osnabrück, and Member of the Supervisory Board of WUNU Fryderyk Zoll.

The Education and Research Centre for Social and Psychological Support and Resilience hosted a (non)roundtable discussion on Resilience as an Ability to Overcome Life's Challenges: Ukrainian Context and International Experience.

Wolfgang Dorner, Professor and Vice President for Research at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology, gave a lecture on ‘Publication Strategies for Young Scientists and PhD Students’.

At the initiative of Oksana Tulai, Head of the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy of the Bohdan Havrylyshyn Institute of International Relations of WUNU, a meeting ‘European Integration without Pageantry. Why it is important to understand the European Union better’ with Bohdan Ferens, PhD in Political Science, international expert, columnist, founder of the SD Platform and Progressive, was held.

Also, with the support of foreign partners, a library of European law was opened at the Law Faculty of West Ukrainian National University.

The first day of the International Week ended with the workshop ‘Designing a classroom lesson’ in the mini-course ‘English as a medium of instruction’ as part of the DAAD project ‘Virtual Master's Interaction in Intelligent Data Processing’ (VIMACS).

We are convinced that the participants of the 6th International Week will work fruitfully and communicate with leading experts in various fields, find like-minded people, share their own ideas and developments, and spend a useful and creative time at West Ukrainian National University!