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НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ • Липень 2025 7 UNWLA Hosts Groundbreaking Panel on Decolonization of Ukrainian Studies The UNWLA National Education Committee host - ed a powerful and timely online panel discussion on May 10 on the Decolonization of Ukrainian Studies — a conversation that extended far be - yond academia and into the heart of our collective identity and advocacy. We were deeply honored to open the event with a welcome from the Ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S., Oksana Markarova, whose words reminded us of the urgency and importance of this work. Our sincere thanks also go to Eugenia Kuznetso - va for moderating the discussion with clarity and care, and to our outstanding panelists — Oksana Lutsyshyna, Oleh Kotsyuba, Yuliya Yurchuk, Myro - slav Shkandrij, Tetyana Filevska, Grace Mahoney, and Sophia Wilson — for sharing their deeply in - formed and thoughtful insights. The panel addressed how colonial legacies con - tinue to shape perceptions of Ukraine in global academia, from misconceptions and low visibili - ty to the dominance of russian narratives in both scholarly discourse and media. Panelists reflected on the persistent need to “prove that Ukraine ex - ists” — an issue intensified by the underinvest - ment and marginalization of Ukrainian studies, particularly in Western institutions. Despite these challenges, speakers shared examples of recent progress: the creation of Ukraine-centered courses following 2014 and 2022, efforts to integrate Ukrainian perspectives into broader Slavic and European studies, and new collaborations between scholars and institu - tions. Still, concerns remain — including the lack of Ukrainian-speaking experts, the hiring of schol - ars with backgrounds in russian studies to teach Ukrainian content, and the continued exclusion of Ukraine from global debates on colonialism. The discussion also tackled key questions: Can one truly engage with Ukrainian Studies without speaking the language? How can underfunded universities prioritize Ukrainian content? Who should finance these initiatives, and how can pol - icymakers be encouraged to support Ukrainian scholarship? The consensus was clear: Ukrainian expertise is urgently needed — in academia, in the media, and in policymaking. Our scholars must continue to as - sert their presence within academic institutions, The speakers (l-r): Grace Mahoney, Yuliya Yurchuk, Oleh Kotsyuba, Myroslav Shkandrij, Tetyana Filevska, Eugenia Kuznetsova, Oksana Lutsyshyna, Sophia Wilson. while also forging stronger ties with the public and political spheres. This means translating research into accessible formats, advocating for curriculum change, and actively engaging with both media and decision-makers. The conversation underscored how far we’ve come — but also how much further we have to go. If you missed the event, we invite you to watch the recording and hear directly from the scholars at the forefront of this vital movement. Together, we are building the foundation for a decolonized, more accurate understanding of Ukraine — one course, one conversation, one coa - lition at a time. Watch a recording of the panel discussion on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwzvTXv_cAs&t=1s Anna Petelina , UNWLA National Education Chair
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