For the first time, students from the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) represented Ukraine at the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Canada 2025 — one of the world’s most prestigious international Model UN conferences, bringing together the strongest university teams globally. Each of the KSE students participates in the program thanks to scholarships from the KSE Foundation.
This year, the event gathered over 400 students from 50 countries across four continents, simulating the work of key UN committees, including the Human Rights Council, UNESCO, UNDP, and others. The KSE team consisted of Margarita Rukhlenko, Maksym Nezhur, and Yelyzaveta Pinchuk, all recipients of academic grants from the KSE Foundation.
At NMUN, students represent different countries, even if it is not their own. Specifically, the Ukrainian team acted as delegates of the Republic of Benin, following official UN procedures while discussing issues related to the rights of indigenous peoples, human rights, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable peace.
Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at Kyiv School of Economics Kostyantyn Kyrychenko, noted:
“For students, this is high-level experiential learning, developing global citizenship and decision-making skills in a multinational environment. Most importantly, it gives them the opportunity to be the voice of Ukraine, represent the country, and join a global network of young leaders.”
He also added that KSE has been included in the Global Model UN Club and has been invited to participate in the program’s highest-level conference at the UN headquarters in New York, which will bring together 4,000 students from over 100 countries.
Science and education are the foundations of national development. That is why the KSE Foundation continues to support students and young researchers, helping them remain part of Ukraine’s academic community and represent the country on international platforms.
Svitlana Denysenko, Director of KSE Foundation emphasized:
“We invest in talented youth by providing scholarships because we believe that even during wartime, the voice of Ukrainian science can speak confidently and help defend Ukraine’s interests globally. This year, thanks to our donors, 951 students received scholarships.”
For seven years, only UCU and NaUKMA represented Ukraine. This time, KSE students joined as part of the Alliance of Ukrainian Universities, together with Alfred Nobel University.
Together, the Ukrainian delegation earned the Honorable Mention Delegation award — another step toward strengthening Ukraine’s presence in the global academic community.