Academic leaders, international partners, and researchers were brought together to explore opportunities for UK–Ukraine collaboration in education, research, and youth development.The programme and event were led by Viktoriia Startseva, Doctoral Researcher at the Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs, with leadership support from Professor Aidan McGarry, Dean of Loughborough University London; Dr Tim Oliver, Director of the Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs; Professor Gerhard Schnyder, Director of the Institute for International Management and Entrepreneurship; and Professor Anna Grosman, PhD Programme Director at Loughborough University London. Hosted at the Here East campus in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the event reflected Loughborough University London’s growing role as a hub for international academic cooperation and values‑driven diplomacy.
Strategic Dialogue and Institutional Collaboration
The event included a tour of the university, institutional presentations, and a strategic roundtable discussion, followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to support future cooperation.
Speakers included representatives from the Fund of the President of Ukraine, alongside academic partners from leading UK institutions including University of Warwick, University College London (UCL), Coventry University and Cambridge University, Centre of Geopolitics.
Discussions focused on expanding dual‑degree pathways, research collaboration, academic exchange, and long‑term partnership development between UK and Ukrainian institutions. The initiative aligns with the UK–Ukraine 100‑Year Partnership Agreement, supporting the development of international academic networks that contribute to innovation, talent development, and Ukraine’s long‑term recovery.
Expanding Educational and Sports Partnerships
According to the Fund of the President of Ukraine, collaboration with Loughborough University, which is globally recognized for excellence in sport, education, and research, creates new opportunities for Ukrainian students and young professionals. The partnership aims to support international education programmes, research collaboration, summer sports camps, and the development of sports diplomacy skills. These initiatives will help Ukrainian students and athletes access global expertise while strengthening Ukraine’s presence in the international academic and sports community.
Professor Aidan McGarry, Dean of Loughborough University London, said:
It was a great privilege to welcome the Fund of the President of Ukraine to Loughborough University, London. We share many of the same values, including responsibility and inclusion, and are excited to explore future collaboration through teaching and research.
UK Premiere of “Responsibilities We Share”
A central highlight of the event was the London premiere of the travelling exhibition “Responsibilities We Share”, presented by the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation.
Inspired by the Declaration of Human Responsibilities by Bohdan Hawrylyshyn (1926–2016), a Ukrainian-born economist, member of the Club of Rome, and co-founder of the World Economic Forum in Davos, the exhibition features 15 illustrations by Ukrainian artists from the Pictoric collective. The artworks explore universal values such as dignity, freedom, solidarity, responsibility, and care for the future.
The exhibition has previously been presented internationally, including at the European Parliament. Its presentation at Loughborough University London marked the exhibition’s official UK debut. During the opening ceremony, the Foundation presented Certificates of Appreciation to Professor Aidan McGarry, Dr Tim Oliver, Professor Gerhard Schnyder, and Professor Anna Grosman in recognition of their leadership support in hosting the exhibition.
Acknowledgements
The organisers thank all partners and contributors who supported the event. Special thanks to Anthony Richards, CEO of the Millennium Centre in St Helens and Justice of the Peace, for sponsoring the exhibition posters. Thanks also to the Ukrainian-British band Cats and Bats, finalists of the Chervona Ruta 2025 Ukrainian music festival, for their performance during the exhibition opening. Finally, appreciation goes to Adrii Galaiko and Valeriia Pavliuk for documenting the event and supporting community engagement.