Rankings, resilience, sustainability: Kyiv Polytechnic representative attends IREG/ICASF 2025 conference
Andrii Shysholin, Vice-Rector for International Relations of the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, participated in the IREG/ICASF 2025 conference hosted by the Abu Dhabi University, United Arab Emirates, from 9 to 11 November 2025. Held under the theme “University Rankings and Challenges of Sustainability,” the event served as both a platform and a forum, bringing together universities, ranking organisations, and international partners to discuss sustainable development, innovation, and future-oriented models of university impact in a globally inclusive dialogue.
Sincere thanks are due to Waldemar Siwiński, President at IREG Observatory on Academic Ranking and Excellence, for his continued support and thoughtful facilitation, as well as to colleagues at Abu Dhabi University for their kind assistance and warm hospitality throughout the visit.
It is impossible not to be impressed by the remarkable development achievements of the United Arab Emirates. The country’s ability to combine strategic vision with rapid implementation, bold investment in knowledge, technology, and future industries sets a unique example of transformation. Observing this progress inevitably leads to the thought that Ukrainian universities — resilient, innovative, and battle tested — may well form meaningful partnerships with Emirati institutions and ecosystems, especially in areas where respective strengths complement one another.
Discussions in Abu Dhabi highlighted an important global trend: university rankings are increasingly intertwined with institutional strategy. Yet meaningful progress lies deeper, in the capacity of universities to demonstrate real contributions to sustainability, societal resilience, and innovation. For institutions such as Kyiv Polytechnic, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity: to be more transparent, more data-driven, and more deliberate in defining what to measure and why.
Resources emerged as a recurring theme. Advancing sustainability agendas and improving the data, systems, and competencies that underpin rankings and impact assessment require investment. It is precisely these investments that contribute to long-term visibility, credibility, and partnerships.
Overall, this visit offered valuable insights and reaffirmed how strongly the global higher education landscape is shifting toward sustainable, innovation-driven development. Remaining active and engaged in this ongoing transformation is essential for Ukraine’s universities – and Kyiv Polytechnic continues to position itself firmly within this global dialogue.
Sustainability is a clear priority for Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. The university is pushing forward in an interdisciplinary and innovative way so that the knowledge it generates leads to real impact and change in society.
