70th Anniversary of Ukraine in UNESCO: Experience and Prospects

  • Post category:Issue XXV

Olena Shtepa
PhD in Economics, Associate Professor Deputy Head of the Division (Secretariat) of the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine;
Anzhela Liebakh
Student of Educational and Scientific Institute of International Relations, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv

DOI:

Abstract. This article examines the dynamics of Ukraine’s membership in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) over the past seven decades, with special attention paid to the country’s diplomatic efforts in the face of a full-scale invasion. Highlighting Ukraine’s strategic interaction with UNESCO, the article focuses on the role of soft power in the formation of international relations. Through a comprehensive analysis of Ukraine’s historical path within UNESCO, from acquiring membership in 1954 to contemporary challenges such as russian aggression, the article highlights Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to promoting UNESCO’s principles of protecting peace, justice, and the development of education and culture.
Beginning with Ukraine’s initial struggles against external influences, particularly within the context of the Soviet Union, the article traces the nation’s evolution within UNESCO, emphasising its commitment to asserting national identity, preserving cultural heritage, and advancing global peace. It elucidates Ukraine’s strategic utilisation of UNESCO as a platform for promoting soft power mechanisms, multilateral cooperation, and coalition-building to address pressing global issues, including the ongoing conflict with the Russian Federation. Against the backdrop of geopolitical challenges, Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts within UNESCO are becoming an important mechanism for protecting sovereignty and strengthening the state’s voice in international affairs.
The work highlights Ukraine’s diplomatic achievements within the framework of UNESCO’s operations, the country’s proactive approach to securing key positions in various committees and programs, as well as the implementation of consolidated efforts to ensure peace. Furthermore, the article underscores UNESCO’s key role in promoting Ukraine’s foreign policy goals and in addressing urgent global challenges. Adhering to the principles of multilateral cooperation, Ukraine reaffirms its commitment to promoting peace, justice, and sustainable development.
Keywords: Ukraine, UNESCO, soft power, multilateral diplomacy, cultural heritage.

Download Article (ukr)

References:

  1. Zorinets, S. (2015) ‘Ukraine in the UNESCO: Perspectives of Cooperation and the Activity Concerning the Enlistment of Objects of World Heritage’, Bulletin of Mariupol State University. Series: Philosophy, Culture Studies, Sociology, 9, pp. 71–82.
  2. UNESCO (1945) Constitution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Translated from English into Ukrainian by the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine. Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/995_014#Text
  3. Permanent Mission of Ukraine to UNESCO (2022) Opryliudneno lyst-zvernennia do chleniv Komitetu vsesvitnoi spadshchyny YuNESKO, 7 April. Available at: https://unesco.mfa.gov.ua/news/oprilyudneno-list-zvernennya-do-chleniv-komitetu-vsesvitnoyi-spadshchini-yunesko
  4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (2023) Stratehiia diialnosti Natsionalnoi Komisii Ukrainy u spravakh YuNESKO [Strategy of the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO]. Available at: https://mfa.gov.ua/storage/app/sites/1/UNESCO%20National%20Commission/strategiya-diyalnosti-natsionalnoi-komisii-ukraini-u-spravakh-yunesko.pdf
  5. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (2024) Uchast Ukrainy u diialnosti YuNESKO [Ukraine’s participation in UNESCO activities]. Available at: https://mfa.gov.ua/mizhnarodni-vidnosini/yunesko/uchast-ukrayini-u-diyalnosti-yunesko
  6. Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (2023) Shche 5 obiektiv kulturnoi spadshchyny Ukrainy vneseno do Mizhnarodnoho spysku kulturnykh tsinnostei, yaki perebuvaiut pid posylenym zakhystom, 15 December. Available at: https://www.kmu.gov.ua/news/shche-5-obiektiv-kulturnoi-spadshchyny-ukrainy-vneseno-do-mizhnarodnoho-spysku-kulturnykh-tsinnostei-iaki-perebuvaiut-pid-posylenym-zakhystom
  7. Permanent Mission of Ukraine to UNESCO (2023) YuNESKO nadalo posylenyi zakhyst 20 obiektam kulturnoi spadshchyny Ukrainy, 7 September. Available at: https://unesco.mfa.gov.ua/news/yunesko-nadalo-posilenij-zahist-20-obyektam-kulturnoyi-spadshchini-ukrayini