The fifth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen will be held in Kyiv, Ukraine, this September. This was announced by First Lady Olena Zelenska, Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, and Minister of Education Oksen Lisovyi during a press conference.
Olena Zelenska emphasized that this year’s theme will be “Education that Shapes the Future,” with a strong focus on innovations and technologies. The event will see the participation of first ladies and gentlemen, Nobel laureates, education ministers, experts, IT company representatives, and teachers from around the globe.
The first day will feature a presentation of research on the educational process in 14 countries, discussions, and an evening event titled “Gala Evening for Teachers.” The second day will include panel discussions about access to education, implementation of innovations, and the role of education in building lasting peace. Summit guests will hold open lectures in 12 universities, museums, childcare facilities, and schools across Ukraine.
“Education is fundamental for any society, and this topic resonates with everyone. Each country has its unique challenges linked to war and access to quality education,” noted Olena Zelenska.
Oksen Lisovyi added that different countries face various challenges in providing quality education, but they share a common issue – the declining prestige of the teaching profession.
“Young people are not inclined to pursue teaching careers not only in Ukraine. Teacher salaries are often lower than in other fields. We are working to address this issue swiftly, despite the war,” emphasized the Minister of Education.
Mykhailo Fedorov stated that representatives from IT companies, including Google and Cisco, will attend the Summit, announcing new partnerships and initiatives.
“Our goal is to integrate technologies into education, helping teachers navigate this journey. In 5, 10, or 15 years, our world will look different due to emerging technologies that are just beginning to develop,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.
The Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen is an international platform initiated by Ukraine in 2021, which has already united participants from over 40 countries. The aim of the summits is to collaboratively seek solutions, exchange experiences, and innovate in addressing humanitarian challenges.
