Schleswig-Holstein strengthens university cooperation with Kherson: A sign of solidarity!

Schleswig-Holstein strengthens university cooperation with Kherson: A sign of solidarity!

In a significant step to promote academic relations between Germany and Ukraine, the Christian Albrechts University of Kiel (CAU) and the Kherson State Agricultural and Economic University (KSAEU) signed a new university partnership on October 13, 2023. This happened as part of a solidarity partnership that the state government of Schleswig-Holstein launched with the Kherson Oblast in September 2023 and which focuses in particular on economics. The two universities now want to expand their cooperation and develop projects in the areas of agricultural, environmental and economic sciences. Schleswig-Holstein thereby reaffirms its support for Ukraine in this challenging time, as lksh.de reports.

The signing took place in the presence of Prime Minister Daniel Günther, who underlined the importance of science in times of crisis, as well as a delegation from Kherson led by Deputy Governor Dmytro Butrii. Agriculture Minister Werner Schwarz also emphasized the relevance of agriculture and food security in the partnership. Professor Ralph Schneider, Vice President of the CAU, welcomed the funding from the DAAD and the initial progress in university cooperation.

Science as a bridge

The cooperation is intended not only to offer deeper insights into climate-efficient management strategies, but also to give students from both universities the opportunity to gain valuable experience through exchange programs. Specifically, 22 students from Ukraine can attend the Christian Albrechts University in Kiel. In the future there could also be an exchange in the other direction as soon as the situation allows it. Professor Kai Carstensen expressed optimism about the opportunities arising from this partnership, especially with regard to the KSAEU's digital progress, as ndr.de reports.

The funding from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) amounting to almost 800,000 euros until 2029 will be used, among other things, for new joint research projects, exchange programs and further training offers. This financial support is part of a broader BMBF initiative to strengthen academic cooperation between Germany and Ukraine, which will be supported with a total of 24 million euros until 2029.

An ambitious plan for the future

The university partnership between CAU and KSAEU is a long-term project based on existing cooperation in the field of economics. Among other things, the plan is to introduce a joint German-Ukrainian bachelor's degree program. Details are currently still in flux, but those responsible are confident. The cooperation is seen as an important building block for the upcoming reconstruction in the Kherson Oblast, which is suffering greatly from the consequences of the current conflict. The entire partnership is intended to help build bridges and create new perspectives even after the war, as daad.de counts.

Schleswig-Holstein and the Kherson Oblast have agreed on close cooperation that goes beyond the boundaries of science and ultimately aims at sustainable development in the region. The delegation from Kherson will also visit agricultural businesses in Schleswig-Holstein in order to gain valuable insights into innovative management strategies and to further intensify the exchange.