From May 27 to 29, 2026, representatives of Sumy National Agrarian University participated in the international Aurora Alliance Symposium 2026, held in Amsterdam, the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The event brought together the academic community of 40 universities from 27 countries worldwide.
The university was represented by Marharyta Lyshenko, Vice-Rector for Scientific, Pedagogical and Educational Work, and Larysa Kalachevska, Rector’s Assistant, Professor of the Department of Public Management and Administration. The symposium served as an important platform for professional dialogue, the exchange of experiences and the joint search for the joint search for solutions regarding the role of higher education institutions in addressing contemporary global challenges.
The program combined academic discussions, dialogues, and practical case studies focused on universities’ social responsibility, inclusiveness, sustainable development, active citizenship, and ensuring the resilience of educational systems during the crisis.
The symposium was organized by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, which presented innovative approaches to creating an effective educational environment and fostering international cooperation.
Particular attention during the event was devoted to Ukraine and the resilience of the Ukrainian higher education system. Ukrainian universities, together with representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, presented their experiences of operating under martial law, maintaining the quality of education, and developing international partnerships.
During the poster session, Larysa Kalachevska presented SNAU’s cooperation with Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT, Germany) in implementing an international semester of virtual academic mobility. This initiative has become an effective digital platform for ensuring the continuity of the educational process, fostering international interaction, and supporting student development during wartime.
Participation in the Aurora Alliance Symposium 2026 opened new opportunities for expanding international cooperation, promoting academic mobility, and implementing innovative educational practices at Sumy National Agrarian University.
SNAU expresses its sincere gratitude to the organizers, partners, and colleagues for the insightful discussions, exchange of experiences, and the opportunity to present the achievements of Ukrainian higher education on the international stage.
