News

Ukraine officially opened a Cultural Centre at the University of Botswana (UB) on the 11th of February 2026 at Block 253. The Centre is established to promote cultural appreciation, academic collaboration and mutual understanding between the two nations.

The initiative follows the signing of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ukraine and UB. The MoU outlines cooperation in key areas such as cultural exchange, academic collaboration, language studies and joint programmes aimed at fostering deeper bilateral ties. It provides the framework through which both institutions commit to enhancing opportunities for students, researchers, and staff.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, UB Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, emphasised that the establishment of the Centre marked a significant milestone in global engagement, academic collaboration and the strengthening of international partnerships. He noted that the new Centre reflected a shared belief in the power of education, research and dialogue to build bridges between nations.

Professor Norris highlighted that the Centre would serve as a platform for scholarly exchange, cultural understanding, and collaborative initiatives that would enrich the academic community while deepening ties between Botswana and Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Botswana, His Excellency Dr. Oleksiy Syvak, stated that the Centre carried strategic importance as it directly supported the University’s drive towards internationalisation and the building of meaningful connections between Botswana and other nations. He added that the initiative aligned strongly with Botswana’s Vision 2036, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Ukraine’s own path of recovery and reform.

Dr Syvak further noted that the Centre would create new opportunities for students and the University to engage with Ukrainian scholars, access previously unavailable resources and participate in joint research and academic exchanges that enhanced intellectual depth and global visibility. He announced plans to launch a joint research project between Ukrainian and Botswana scholars exploring the concept of Botho, rooted in the values of Ubuntu, alongside related Ukrainian concepts of resilience.

In addition, Dr. Syvak stated that the Centre aimed to introduce Ukrainian language courses for local learners as well as scholarship opportunities for study in Ukraine.