Since its foundation 29 years ago, the Academy has undergone various stages of development. However, one constant has been its mission: to provide professional training for diplomatic personnel to represent Ukraine in the world with dignity.

The Diplomatic Academy is named after Hennadii Udovenko, a diplomat who reached the highest levels of his profession, leaving a significant legacy in the history of diplomacy. He was also one of the founders of the modern diplomatic service of Ukraine.

As Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine from 1994 to 1998, Hennadii Yosypovych was instrumental in establishing the Academy. During a meeting with the inaugural class of students, he underscored the importance of the Academy’s mission:

It is of the utmost importance to ensure that the international community is aware of the long-standing traditions and original system of values that have shaped the consistency, coherence and purposefulness of Ukraine's foreign policy. These values, which have been developed over centuries, have naturally positioned our country as a full-fledged member of the European community. They should not be viewed as a mere response to the ever-changing political situation." In light of the current political situation on the continent, it is becoming increasingly clear that the future of the European order is inextricably linked to Ukraine. It is therefore of paramount importance that the Diplomatic Academy dedicates its considerable efforts to a thorough scientific research and popularisation of the traditions and values that underpin our country's foreign policy today.

Furthermore, it would be highly beneficial to gain a deeper understanding of the peculiarities of the Ukrainian diplomatic tradition and the prospects for its further development in comparison with other traditions. In this regard, it would be invaluable to focus on Western European diplomacy. Firstly, because of the high authority of such diplomatic schools as the British, French or German ones, and secondly, because of the strategic goal of our country – integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures.

As professionals, you are well aware that there are no sudden or accidental diplomatic successes in the international arena. They are all achieved as a result of systematic, long-term and painstaking work. When establishing the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine, the state considered not only the challenges of the present, but also the possibilities of the future. We therefore hope for your practical assistance in addressing the complex tasks facing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, and therefore the foreign policy in general. In return, we will do our utmost to establish the closest possible interaction and cooperation between the Academy and the Ministry.

In conclusion, Hennadii Yosypovych made a point of emphasising: “It would be our great privilege to strengthen the authority of the Ukrainian Foreign Service, not only in our own country, but also on the world stage.”

We at the Hennadii Udovenko Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are honoured to bear the name of the esteemed Ukrainian statesman and diplomat.