Cultural Diplomacy as a Strategic Instrument: Volodymyr Sheiko’s Lecture for First-Year International Relations Students
On April 21, 2026, with the support of the Department of International Organizations and Diplomatic Service, future diplomats attended a prominent meeting with Volodymyr SHEIKO, Director General of the Ukrainian Institute.
The event took place within the framework of the "Fundamentals of Diplomacy and Diplomatic Service" course (lectured by Prof. Viktor MATVIIENKO) for first-year Bachelor’s students of the "International Relations" educational program.
During his presentation on "Content, Priority Areas, and Tools for Implementing Ukraine’s Cultural Diplomacy," Mr. Sheiko focused on the transformation of Ukraine's global perception and the role of culture as a powerful "soft power" instrument.
The discussion centered on several key aspects:
Institutional Role of the Ukrainian Institute: How the state institution represents Ukrainian culture and builds the state's agency on the international stage.
Tools of Cultural Diplomacy: From artistic projects and academic programs to digital campaigns designed to dismantle entrenched stereotypes.
Strategic Priorities: Engaging with foreign audiences amidst global challenges and countering disinformation through cultural contexts.
The lecture sparked lively interest among the students. The format allowed them to gain not only theoretical knowledge of modern diplomatic practices but also to ask questions regarding practical cases of the Ukrainian Institute's work abroad, the specifics of cultural management, and career prospects in this field.
Professor Viktor MATVIIENKO emphasized the importance of involving high-level practitioners in the educational process, noting that it enables students to understand the multifaceted nature of modern diplomatic service and the current vectors of Ukraine's foreign policy from their very first year of study.