New Partner from Australia Owing to the International Universities’ Alliance

This spring Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute expanded the circle of its partners and established cooperation with one more continent. Our university concluded Memorandum of Understanding with the leading Australian HEI – Western Sydney University (WSU). Cooperation was initiated thanks to the participation of our researchers in the projects and initiatives of The Alliance of Guangzhou International Sister-City Universities (GISU Alliance). This Memorandum of Understanding established a framework for a cooperative and productive relationship between the parties.

The Memorandum provides for cooperation in considering the possibility of implementing various activities, including collaborative research projects; joint activities such as conferences, seminars, symposia, and lectures; joint publications and other scholarly activities; joint academic programs and joint curricula. The terms and conditions of that project or initiative will be the subject of a formal agreement or other instruments between the parties.

At this stage, the academic staff of the Faculty of Management and Marketing (FMM) jointly with colleagues of the Faculty of Sociology and Law (FSP) of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute took an active part in international events and initiatives offered by WSU. In particular, our university scientific team directed its efforts to the implementation of a research project dedicated to the recovery of the economies of countries during and after the pandemic of the COVID-19 virus. As a result, the lecture “Research on Innovations, Sustainability and Mechanisms of Tourism Development: Challenges and Opportunities for Ukraine” was presented (https://ied.kpi.ua/uk/archives/6033) in the Program of the Academy of Digital Technologies and Entrepreneurship GISU Alliance (Digital and Entrepreneurship Academy https://icd.kpi.ua/?p=16111). Olena KOROHODOVA, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor of the Department of International Economics, was in charge of the event from the FMM; Anna ISHCHENKO, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Management Theory and Practice, was in charge of the event from the FSP.

Researchers actively participated in joint scientific research, and also gave reports at the international symposium “Business Rejuvenation, Resilience, and Creativity in a Changing World and Post-Pandemic Future” (http://gisu.gzhu.edu.cn/info/1004/1283.htm) organized by WSU in November 2023 in Sydney, Australia. Serhii VOITKO, Professor of the FMM, Doctor of Economics, presented a report that aroused considerable interest among the participants. At the same time, the most active participant on the symposium platform, which was encouraged by the organizers, was Svitlana CHUKUT, Professor of the FSP, and Doctor of Science in Public Administration. The participants of the event remembered the lively discussion of promising ideas and cultural events that reflected the peculiarities of Australian culture.

Due to the active cooperation and thanks to the initiative of Olena KOROHODOVA, Associate Professor of FMM, PhD in Economics, University of Western Sydney and Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding in March-April 2024. The coordinator of the implementation of the Memorandum is Serhii VOITKO. The partner’s contact person is Dr. Karina WARDLE, Academic Program Advisor for Hospitality and Sport Management, International Academic Lead: Southeast Asia School of Business. In the future, it is planned to continue joint research activities (http://gisu.gzhu.edu.cn/info/1004/1263.htm), false development of educational initiatives and exchange of valuable experience. This is especially important given that WSU has been ranked first in THE international university ranking for sustainable development for the second year in a row (Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/western-sydney-university).

Under the leadership of WSU and Guangzhou University, research is being discussed as part of the Net Nature Positive initiative, which aims to implement the global agenda of Nature Positive Universities. This initiative is based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically goals 11, 13, and 15, to make an impact through local projects that focus on sustainable urban development. The project coordinator is Jen DOLLIN from WSU. In particular, the idea of “An International Alliance Approach to Green Development for a Sustainable Future” was recently presented at China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week by Professor Guy MIDGLEY, Director Jen DOLLIN, Coordinator Brittany VERMEULEN, and Executive Director Steve FARR from Stellenbosch University, Western Sydney University and the GISU Alliance Secretariat office (http://gisu.gzhu.edu.cn/info/1004/1325.htm).

We are very grateful for the cooperation with the partner WSU because, in the history of the families of its employees, there is also a connection with Ukraine. For example, Director Jen DOLLIN shared such a story. The emotional warmth with which our partners treat the Motherland of their ancestors and friends felt even at a distance of more than 6 thousand km (almost 4 thousand miles). We deeply appreciate the help and support sent by our partners and hope for further fruitful cooperation that will bring mutual benefit and development to both sides.

Professor Barney GLOVER AO, Honorary Professor of Western Sydney University, has resigned from his position as Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University to assume the role of Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia. Consequently, he has also stepped down from his position as Executive Chair of the GISU Alliance. (https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/about_uws/leadership/vcs_biography; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barney_Glover; https://ministers.dewr.gov.au/oconnor/new-jobs-and-skills-australia-commissioner).

He thanked the members of the Alliance for the opportunity to fulfill the duties of the Executive Chairman and work with everyone within the framework of a successful international Alliance: “We sought to promote the development of education, cultural exchange, and academic cooperation. The University of Western Sydney was honored to host the GISU University Presidents’ Roundtable and the GISU Council Annual Meeting, as well as the 2023 GISU International Science Symposium at our Parramatta campuses last year. I wish the GISU Alliance every success in its endeavors and look forward to news of its future achievements.”

A representative of the Australian continent, Professor Scott BOWMAN AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of Charles Darwin University, who is organizing the 2025 meeting of the GISU Council of Chancellors, has been appointed to the position of Executive Director of the Alliance. https://www.cdu.edu.au/about-cdu/leadership-structure/vice-chancellor-president; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Bowman_(academic); https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJvVEuYlssY.  As stated in the charter of the Alliance, the office of the Secretariat works under the leadership of the Chairman and the Executive Chairman. The Executive Chairman is responsible for matters related to the annual meeting – in 2024, it will be held at Guangzhou University, China.

GISU Alliance events planned for the near future include:

• During the year, meetings will be held between the steering committee and project teams to discuss future joint project activities (invitations will be sent to the addresses of project group leaders who submitted applications to the university coordinator);
• during September, and October 2023, the further presentation of educational programs at the GISU Academy of Digital Technologies and Entrepreneurship will continue https://icd.kpi.ua/?p=16121;
• October 30, 2024 – the final of the Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition in Guangzhou, China;
• interregional programs for the academic mobility of students are considered;
• joint research, publication activities, and exchange of experience between researchers and educators from the universities participating in the Alliance continue in working groups and at events to which each other is invited.

The final events of the Alliance are scheduled for the end of 2024:

• November 7, 2024 – Meeting of the Alliance Council, Guangzhou, China
• November 8-9, 2024 – International biomedical conference organized by Alliance member – Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.

Currently, the GISU Alliance is a union of 23 universities – both permanent and affiliated participants – across 5 continents, 18 countries, and 20 sister and friendly cities. It represents a total population of about 40 million inhabitants, including 600 thousand students and 64 thousand teachers and employees.

We are happy to welcome the new members of the Alliance and express our sincere hope for success in fruitful work.

We extend our congratulations to all students, heads of educational institutions and projects, researchers, academic and administrative staff, alumni, and everyone involved in the GISU Alliance!

May your contribution to the development of science and education be recognized and highly valued!