Introductory speech at the coordination meeting of the UNICOM project (27.06.2025, online)

On 27 June 2025, SVITLANA SHYTIKOVA, Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine, delivered a welcome address at the coordination meeting of the international project UNICOM – Universities and Communities: Strengthening Cooperation, held on 26–27 June 2025 at the University of Genoa (Italy).

In her speech, SVITLANA SHYTIKOVA highlighted the importance of the third mission of universities, especially for Ukrainian higher education institutions in times of war. She emphasised the role of the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union in enhancing cooperation between universities and local communities, particularly through the creation of UNICOM Centres at Ukrainian partner HEIs, and expressed support for the project’s future activities.

The event gathered over 40 participants from project partner institutions across Ukraine, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Latvia, Kazakhstan, and other countries. The participants discussed project results, the development of assessment criteria for the third mission of universities, the functioning of the UNICOM Centres, and the upcoming organisation of an open Mechaton involving representatives of Ukrainian communities.