A space where the future takes shape: a new location for the Human Capital Akademy has opened

On February 19, a landmark event symbolizing confidence in the development of Ukraine’s human capital took place in Kyiv — the ceremonial opening of a new location of tHuman Capital Akademy. The new educational space has been designed as an environment for growth, professional dialogue, and the training of specialists capable of responding to the challenges of today and the future.

The opening ceremony was led by Volodymyr Shchelkunov, Chair of the Akademy and Chair of ICC Ukraine, and Ivan Shypka, First Vice Chair of the Akademy and First Vice Chair of ICC Ukraine, together with distinguished guests representing government, academia, and quality assurance in higher education. Among the attendees were Svitlana Kryshtof, Head of the Department for Attestation of Highly Qualified Personnel at the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine; Anatolii Mazaraki, Rector of the State University of Trade and Economics; and Oleksandr Klymenko, Head of the Secretariat of the National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance, as well as representatives of public institutions and the expert community.

Welcome remarks were delivered by Bohdan Tyrus, Head of the Department for Liaison with the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine at the Office of the President of Ukraine, who emphasized the strategic importance of professional education, the preparation of competent personnel for public administration, and strengthening partnerships between the educational sector and state institutions. Anastasiia Simakhova, Head of the Council of Young Scientists under the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, also addressed the audience.

Among the honored guests from ICC Ukraine were Oleksii Kozhanov, Secretary General; Oleh Platonov, Vice Chair for Trade Facilitation, Transport and Customs; Tetiana Savosko, Executive Director; Roman Kozniuk, Head of the ICC Ukraine Regional Office in Kyiv and the Kyiv region; Nadiia Hnatiuk, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Innovation and Technology; and Yelyzaveta Konovalenko, Director of the Legal Department. Other distinguished participants included Artem Romaniuk, Deputy Director General of the General Directorate for Rendering Services to Diplomatic Missions; representatives of the State University of Information and Communication Technologies — Volodymyr Shulha, Rector, and Serhii Kondratiuk, Assistant to the Rector and Professor of Public Administration; Svitlana Petrovska, Director of the Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship; Anzhelika Herasymenko, Vice-Rector for Academic and International Relations of the State University of Trade and Economics; Volodymyr Yehovkin, Director of the Center for Innovation, Investment and International Relations of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences; Oleksandr Marusyn, Director of the School of Grants and Projects “Plus Ultra”; and Valerii Tsybukh, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Association of Foreign Policy.

In their speeches, the Academy’s leadership and honored guests emphasized that investment in education and human competencies today forms the foundation of a strong economy, effective governance, and sustainable development tomorrow. The emergence of modern educational environments is therefore a crucial step toward building a fundamentally new system of professional training in Ukraine.

A presentation of the Academy’s capabilities and educational space was delivered by Olha Vovk, Vice Chair for the Implementation of Educational and Scientific Potential. She presented the vision of the Academy as a platform that integrates education, science, management practice, and international partnership. Key areas of development include expanding educational programs and courses, implementing research and project initiatives, creating educational and scientific projects, and strengthening cooperation with Ukrainian and international institutions.

The event was further enriched by significant partnership and educational initiatives. During the opening, a trilateral memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Academy of Human Capital, ICC Ukraine, and the State University of Trade and Economics — a document that opens new opportunities for joint programs, research, and professional training.

A presentation was also held for the International Center for Urban Studies, which will be headed by Viktoriia Zalizniuk, Doctor of Public Administration and Head of the Department of Public Administration and Administration at the State University of Trade and Economics. The Center will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary research and practical solutions in urban and territorial development.

Another highlight of the event was the recognition of the Akademy’s team for the successful implementation of the educational course “School of Projects and Grants,” conducted jointly with the Ukrainian Association of Foreign Policy, the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, and Plus Ultra LLC. Representatives of the Academy were awarded the title of international experts, recognizing their professional contribution to the development of project culture and grant activities in Ukraine.

During the event, the launch of the socially oriented course “Democracy for Youth” was also presented, aimed at fostering civic competencies, leadership thinking, and active youth participation in public life.

Following the official part, the Academy’s new space was filled with dynamic professional networking, as representatives of public educational institutions, universities, the expert community, and Ukrainian businesses discussed joint initiatives, partnerships, and future educational projects.

The opening of the new location of the Akademy of Human Capital became not only an institutional milestone but also a symbol of trust in education as a driver of change, recovery, and the future of Ukraine.