Український центр

Український центр

Український центр

Український центр

About us

The First Lady of Lithuania, Diana Nausėdienė, together with the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, have initiated the establishment of the Ukrainian Centre in order to create an open space for culture, education and community services for the Ukrainian community in Lithuania.

I am very positive about the result of our active mutual cooperation with the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska – the establishment of an international open Ukrainian educational and cultural centre in Lithuania. I am convinced that the project will be an excellent example of assistance to Ukraine and our bilateral cooperation. The confidence expressed on behalf of Ukraine is a strong recognition of the humanitarian efforts we have all made together towards Ukraine, said D. Nausėdienė.

The Ukrainian Centre was established in cooperation with the Embassy of Ukraine, the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Lithuania and Vytautas Magnus University.

The Centre’s mission is to mobilise, empower and represent the interests of the Ukrainian community.

The aim of the Centre is to create an open cultural and educational space for the Ukrainian community, providing information about cultural, educational and other social opportunities in Vilnius and Lithuania, planning and organising events, activities and employment for children and all members of the Ukrainian community in Lithuania.

The long-term strategic objective is to create a centre-institute that will contribute to Ukraine’s preparations for EU membership through effective cooperation between Lithuania and Ukraine.

Functions of the Centre

  • To provide opportunities for Ukrainians who have resettled in Lithuania to interact with each other, organise cultural and educational events;
  • To promote and implement educational, cultural and other humanitarian initiatives for Ukrainian war refugees residing in the Republic of Lithuania;
  • To disseminate information about Ukraine and Ukrainians in Lithuania;
  • To present Ukrainian culture and art in the Republic of Lithuania;
  • To cooperate with international experts and professionals in various fields in order to strengthen the representation of the interests of the Ukrainian community in Lithuania and Ukraine’s cultural diplomacy in Lithuania and the European Union;
  • Contribute to Ukraine’s preparations for membership of the European Union;
  • To carry out other activities related to the purpose of the Centre, in accordance with the Statute of Vytautas Magnys University, the orders of the Rector and other decisions of the governing bodies of the University.

Ukraine has been a close partner of VMU for many years – we have probably the most agreements with higher education institutions in this country. As a liberal arts institution, our university cherishes the values ​​of democracy, which is why we have extended a helping hand to Ukraine and its academic community since the beginning of the war. The Ukrainian Center established at VMU at the initiative of the presidencies of both countries and the Ukrainian Embassy has become an island of safety for Ukrainians in Lithuania. The events and gatherings held here help maintain a connection with the homeland, inspire hope and give courage in the face of the future – when Ukraine will be free.

VMU Rector Prof. Juozas Augutis

Algirdas Kumža

Ambassador and first director of the Ukrainian center Algirdas Kumža

I hope that in the future, the Ukrainian Center will not only help ensure the most important needs of the Ukrainian community in our country, but will also contribute to the dissemination of information about Ukraine and Ukrainians in Lithuania, and will ensure the dissemination of the art and culture of this country.
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