On February 27, 2025, at 3:00 PM, experts in intercultural development and diversity gathered for a webinar focused on promoting inclusive education, fostering equity, and assessing diversity in academic and urban environments. The event brought together key speakers, including Prof. Dr. Hanna Shvindina, a leading expert in management and intercultural communication; Dr. Tetyana Mayboroda, Deputy Head of the International Affairs Department at Sumy State University; and Oksana Kubrak, Head of the Department of Strategic Development of Sumy City.
During the discussion, the speakers highlighted the increasing need to integrate Diversity, Equity, and Intercultural Dialogue (DEID) principles into education, policy-making, and urban development. They presented findings from ongoing research and practical projects aimed at enhancing intercultural competencies and addressing challenges faced by diverse communities. The panelists emphasized that fostering an inclusive environment is crucial for both academic institutions and local governments, as it strengthens social cohesion and creates new opportunities for growth.
A key topic of the webinar was the development of specialized intercultural education programs tailored for scholars, policymakers, social activists, and media professionals. The speakers introduced several new courses designed to equip participants with practical skills for navigating cultural diversity, effective communication, and public administration in an increasingly globalized world. The courses have already gained interest from a wide range of stakeholders, reinforcing the need for structured training in this field. These courses were developed within the project “EU Education Agenda for Intercultural City Development” (Jean Monnet Module, №101047729 ERASMUS-JMO-2021-HEI-TCH-RSCH).
Another focus of the event was the DEID assessment, which was conducted at the campus level as a pilot survey. The findings revealed both progress and challenges in implementing diversity and inclusion policies. Among the key recommendations discussed were strengthening anti-discrimination measures, expanding peer support networks, and fostering open dialogue between different social and professional groups. The discussion underscored the importance of proactive policies and ongoing training to ensure that intercultural interactions become a driving force for development rather than a source of conflict.
The webinar also served as a platform for experience sharing, where participants exchanged best practices in integrating diversity into strategic development. Real-life case studies from academic and municipal projects illustrated how small but targeted interventions can lead to significant improvements in inclusion and equity.
As the session concluded, the speakers emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between academia, public institutions, and local communities. The event marked an important step in advancing discussions on inclusive development and the role of education in fostering a more equitable future, and possible cooperation soon.
This event took place within The project “EU Education Agenda for Intercultural City Development” (Jean Monnet Module, №101047729 ERASMUS-JMO-2021-HEI-TCH-RSCH), co-funded by the European Union.
