Development of education and security of the region: a meeting of the Council of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions of Zaporizhzhia region was held

On November 6, a meeting of the Council of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions of the Zaporizhzhia Region was held at the Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University under the chairmanship of Rector Viktor Greshta. The meeting was held in a mixed format with the participation of university leaders, representatives of regional and city authorities, law enforcement agencies, and public organizations.

Heads of higher education institutions discussed draft changes in legislation that regulate the educational sphere and the regulatory framework for the activities of higher education institutions in today’s conditions.

The discussion covered key issues of higher education functioning under martial law:

• Results of the admission campaign and plans for 2027: the results of the admission of applicants were analyzed and consolidated proposals for the Admission Procedure for 2027 were formed.
• Security and countermeasures against threats: considered measures to counter the recruitment of students by the Russian special services in the region. A meaningful speech on this issue was delivered by Artem Kysko, Head of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Zaporizhzhia Region, Police General of the Third Rank.
• Student Ombudsman Project: the implementation of the initiative to protect student rights was discussed. The emphasis on key aspects of the legal protection of youth was made by Mykhailo Volkov, representative of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Commissioner for Human Rights in Zaporizhzhia region.
• Human-centeredness and mental health: the expansion of psychosocial support systems in higher education institutions. Practical steps for implementing the principles of the All-Ukrainian mental health program «How are you?» were presented by its regional coordinator, Serhiy Druzhynin.
• Education for veterans and interaction with employers: reintegration programs and assistance to Ukrainian defenders in obtaining civilian professions were discussed. Nataliya Velychko, head of the NGO «Our Dreams of Ukraine», spoke about partnership and support for educational projects, and Oleksandr Holovko, president of the ZOSPPR «Potential», outlined the challenges and prospects of employment.
• City educational programs and youth support: Nelya Sitenko, Deputy Director, Head of the Department for Educational Development of the Department of Education and Science of the Zaporizhzhia City Council, reported on the implementation of the city program «Success» and areas of cooperation with higher education institutions.

Thank you to all participants for their active position and joint work to preserve and develop the educational potential of the Zaporizhzhia region!