The event took place on October 3-4 and became an important venue for strengthening cooperation between Sweden and Ukraine. The Swedish-Ukrainian Contact Seminar 2023 was dedicated to expanding opportunities for cooperation under the EU Erasmus+ Program in the field of education and joint research.

This two-day event was a unique opportunity for participants to learn more about higher education and research in Ukraine and Sweden, as well as to create a networking platform for building new partnerships. Participants also had the opportunity to find partners for future joint Erasmus+ projects and learn how to write projects for the 2024 calls.

Particular attention was paid to reports and presentations that provided participants with a practical understanding of the implementation and impact of joint international projects not only on the scientific community but also on citizens.

Olga Kordas took the floor at the event, presenting the successful projects currently being implemented. It should be noted that they are aimed at supporting long-term cooperation with Ukrainian universities and public partners. Her report helped the participants of the event learn about the current projects jointly organized by the KTH. According to the lecturer, the projects are aimed at “building a better future.”

Among the projects that were presented was UniCities, which aimed to support sustainable development and climate neutrality in Ukrainian cities. The project is based on the experience of the successful Viable Cities and citiES2030 initiatives, as well as on the experience of partnerships between four Ukrainian universities and civil society partners.

The participants of the event were able to see that UniCities advocates for innovations in education (new interdisciplinary and challenging curricula), structural innovations, and also envisages the creation of a joint portfolio of multilateral partnerships between Ukrainian universities, cities, and civil society partners to create impact aimed at strengthening the fight against climate change and society’s adaptation to these changes.

The Swedish-Ukrainian Contact Seminar 2023 has opened up new opportunities for cooperation and knowledge exchange, contributing to the further development of education and research in the two countries.