On May 30, a ceremonial gathering was held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Hennadii Udovenko Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — an institution that has become an integral part of the diplomatic history of our state.
The official event commenced with the performance of the National Anthem of Ukraine by the National Honored Academic Ukrainian Folk Choir named after Hryhoriy Veryovka.
The Academy welcomed distinguished guests, representatives of the state authorities, the diplomatic service, the foreign diplomatic corps, former directors, faculty members, alumni, and institutional partners.
Opening remarks were delivered by Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine; Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine; Andrii Sybiha, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine; and Hennadii Nadolenko, Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine.
In their speeches, the distinguished guests emphasized the Academy's substantial contribution to the formation of a professional diplomatic corps, the support of Ukraine's European foreign policy orientation, and the enhancement of the state's international standing.
Director Hennadii Nadolenko remarked:
"Thirty years ago, in 1995, the Academy was established as a response to the strategic need of a newly independent state—to train its own diplomats, analysts, and negotiators. Today, we can proudly say that this mission has been successful and continues to evolve."
"Our graduates are those who make Ukraine visible and comprehensible to the world—those who uphold our diplomatic line of defense, complementing the heroism of our military with professional persuasiveness on the international front," emphasized Hennadii Nadolenko in his welcome address.
The Director extended his gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the development of the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine over the past three decades: lecturers, academic and teaching staff, rectors, international partners, students, as well as high-ranking officials, whose presence at the event served as “not only a sign of respect for the Academy but also a clear indication that diplomatic education is a strategic component of state policy.”
Outlining the future of the Academy, Hennadii Nadolenko stated:
“We will continue to build an Academy that serves not only as a robust educational institution, but also as an intellectual and strategic hub—a space for generating ideas, scenarios, and solutions for Ukraine within a changing global environment. The Academy enters its fourth decade with ambition, plans, and a deep awareness of its responsibility to both Ukraine and the international community.”
During the ceremony, honorary awards and distinctions from the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, and the Diplomatic Academy were presented to past and present Academy leaders and staff members who continue to contribute with dedication to the development of professional and language competencies among Ukraine’s diplomats and public servants.
The event concluded with an informal reception, where colleagues and guests had the opportunity to exchange memories, thoughts, and ideas on the future of diplomatic education in Ukraine.