The Rector of the University of Bucharest (UB), Marian Preda, signed on May 13 the Memorandum of Accession to the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies, together with representatives of the “Babes-Bolyai” University in Cluj-Napoca and the “Stefan cel Mare” University in Suceava.
“The Rector of the University of Bucharest (UB), Prof. Marian Preda PhD, signed on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, together with Prof. Sergiu Miscoiu PhD, director of the International Cooperation Center of the ‘Babes-Bolyai’ University of Cluj-Napoca, and Prof. Stefan Purici PhD, vice-rector for university image, international relations and European development of the ‘Stefan cel Mare’ University of Suceava, the Memorandum of Accession to the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies. The document was signed in the presence of the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, the State Counselor for Relations with Civil Society, Diana Punga, and the UB Vice-Rector for Internationalization, Public Relations and Students, Prof. Dr. Mugur Zlotea,” a press release from the UB informs.
Through this partnership, the University of Bucharest joins the international network of academic institutions that contribute to the development of Ukrainian studies, assuming an active role in organizing educational, cultural and scientific projects dedicated to Ukraine.
According to the cited source, the Memorandum provides for collaboration in areas such as the development of educational and research programs, the organization of conferences, round tables, exhibitions, film screenings and thematic debates, as well as the facilitation of academic and cultural exchanges.
At the same time, the partnership aims to support the fight against disinformation by strengthening international academic cooperation and by promoting access to educational and scientific resources dedicated to studies on Ukraine.
Currently, 80 Ukrainian students study at the University of Bucharest, and at the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures, the Ukrainian language is taught within the programs dedicated to the study of Slavic languages and cultures.
In this context, the University of Bucharest will benefit from access to international academic networks, specialized educational and scientific resources, academic exchanges, thematic working groups and opportunities for collaboration with universities, libraries, archives and cultural institutions in Ukraine and within the coalition.
“The University of Bucharest will participate at an advanced level within the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies, already undertaking a series of actions, including the organization of a panel dedicated to the development of Ukrainian studies in Romania and abroad, within the international scientific conference of the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures, the organization of cultural and educational activities dedicated to cultural diplomacy, as well as the involvement of professors and researchers in editorial projects and thematic working groups of the Coalition,” the press release reads.
The signing of the memorandum continues the direction of constant involvement of the University of Bucharest in supporting the academic community and Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of the war. In 2022, the United Nations (UN) recognized the involvement of the University of Bucharest in supporting Ukrainian refugees, amid the numerous initiatives carried out by the UB community to support them, from logistical and educational support to the academic and social integration of students and researchers affected by the conflict.
In fact, the efforts of the University of Bucharest to support Ukraine have continued over the years. In February 2026, the University of Bucharest launched, through the “Virtute et Sapientia” Foundation, a support campaign dedicated to the “Taras Shevchenko” National University of Kyiv, in the context of the difficulties generated by the war, with the aim of supporting the continuity of teaching and research activities. The initiative aimed to collect essential electrical and electronic equipment – power banks, cables, portable batteries, voltage stabilizers, generators – necessary for conducting courses, taking exams and maintaining academic activities in safe conditions, in the context of frequent power outages.
