01 Sep 2025

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between University of Botswana (UB) and the Ukranian Institute will contribute to internationalisation efforts, provide new opportunities for student and faculty participation in global dialogues.

The Mou will also promote the values of openness, diversity and mutual understanding, said UB acting vice chancellor, Mr Dawid Katzke during the signing ceremony in Gaborone on August 28. The learning institutions will cooperate in the establishment and operation of a Ukraine Centre within UB, which shall serve as a hub for academic collaboration, research and cultural exchange and the promotion of scholarly engagement on topics related to Ukraine.

Mr Katzke said the parties had agreed to cooperate in the areas of academic collaboration, research engagement, resource access and knowledge sharing, student engagement and capacity development and public diplomacy and cultural exchange.

The Ambassador of Ukraine to Botswana, Dr Oleskiy Syvak, said the MoU marked a significant step in Ukraine and Botswana through a new chapter in the academic and cultural relations. He was expressing hope that the cooperation would grow, flourish and enrich both countries’ academic communities. “The establishment of the Ukrainian Centre here, at UB, carries particular importance for the institution,” he said.

Dr Syvak said the partnership was also aligned with Botswana’s Vision 2036, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Ukraine’s own journey of recovery and reform. Furthermore, Dr Syvak said the agreement also brought new opportunities for faculty and students to engage with Ukrainian scholars, to access resources previously unavailable and to participate in joint research and academic exchanges that would enhance UB’s global visibility.

Highlighting the two key dimensions of the collaboration, Ambassador Syvak said cultural exchange and promotion would be done through exhibitions, film screenings, performances and commemorations that celebrated Ukraine’s rich history, art literature and music.

The signing of the MoU was also accompanied by the donation of a collection of books, from the Embassy of Ukraine to be become part of the the entre’s resources at UB. Dr Syvak said the donated books would serve students and faculty for years to come, offering a gateway into Ukraine’s identity and contributions to global scholarship. “Botswana, with its own strong democratic tradition and commitment to peace and education, is a natural partner for us,” he added.

UB deputy vice chancellor for Research and Enterprise, Prof Doreen Ramogola-Masire thanked the ambassador and his team for the collaboration. “I cannot wait to see the centre operational. I, certainly, look forward to visit the Ukrainian Institute in the near future,” she said. ENDS