Kiev, May 15, 2024 – The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in Kiev today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics (KNUTE). This agreement represents a significant step in strengthening training and development opportunities for Ukrainian students in the field of international cooperation.
KNUTE, a distinguished university and member of the European University Association, welcomes over 33,000 students and offers a wide range of educational programs, including 68 bachelor’s programs, as many master’s programs, and 15 PhD programs, spread across 10 cities.
Thanks to this partnership, KNUTE students will have the opportunity to participate in internship programs at AICS offices in Kiev, where they can gain practical experience and a deep understanding of operational mechanisms in the field of international cooperation. Working closely with industry experts, students will have the opportunity to interact with the diplomatic world, the European Union, the United Nations, and various civil society organizations, both Italian and international. This will enable them to develop crucial professional skills and build a valuable network of contacts for their future. The internships, starting next September, will accommodate up to four students for a period ranging from three to six months.
“This agreement represents a crucial step in providing Ukrainian students with greater training and growth opportunities in the field of international cooperation while also strengthening our capacities. In a time of unprecedented challenges for Ukraine, we want to emphasize the vital importance of culture, collaboration, and the enhancement of international relations. As the university’s motto states, ‘scientia difficilis sed fructuosa,’ we are confident that by joining forces, we can transform this experience into a valuable investment for the future,” said Pietro Pipi, Head of the AICS office in Kiev.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, followed by a performance organized by students, took place at the KNUTE University headquarters.
The Rector of the University, Anatoly A. Mazaraki, emphasized the vital importance of exchanging experiences between Ukrainian and Italian academic institutions, highlighting their fundamental role in training qualified specialists.
This event marks the beginning of a collaboration aimed at building bridges that overcome current challenges, aiming towards a future of mutual enrichment and prosperity.