Borys Humeniuk
Doctor of History, Full Professor, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Rector of the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine at the MFA of Ukraine (1996–2003, 2007–12)
DOI:
Abstract. The article covers the history of the creation and evolution of the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. It goes back to Presidential Decree No. 357/95 of 30 May 1995, which defined the Academy’s objectives and its unique role in professional training. The author elaborates on the differences between the Diplomatic Academy and the Institute of International Relations of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, noting their specific competence areas. While describing his own professional career, the author further explains the process of his appointment as the Academy’s rector and the challenges he faced at the time.
The text provides a detailed account of the preparation process for establishing the Diplomatic Academy, including the formulation of its fundamental documents and structure. The author discusses the role of notable individuals in establishing the Academy and describes the search for the optimal way to integrate the future educational institution into the MFA system.
The author considers the critical aspects of the Academy’s establishment, including the development of curricula, the recruitment of high-profile faculty, and the promotion of international partnerships. The article also addresses how other countries offered technical assistance, which turned out to be crucial at the initial stage of the institution’s development. It also covers essential aspects related to the organisation of internships with foreign diplomatic missions and cooperation with international educational institutions, which enhanced the prestige and efficiency of the educational process.
The author also recounts the unexpected and unfair attacks on the Academy driven by political subterfuge and vested interests, which sometimes smeared its reputation. However, he remains optimistic that the Academy will be revitalised and remodelled under a system he proposed to introduce 30 years ago.
Keywords: Diplomatic Academy, Rector, outstanding specialists, integration, underfunding, MFA, Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, internship.
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