Ukrainian universities participating in the Erasmus+ KA2 UNICOM project proudly represented Ukraine on the international stage during the ACEEU Forum 2025, held on 9–12 September in Prague. The event brought together more than 150 experts, scholars, business leaders and civil society representatives from across the world. The Forum focused on the role of universities in fostering entrepreneurship, innovation and societal impact, as well as the importance of aligning purpose, strategy and institutional culture. The participation of the UNICOM Ukrainian university consortium, led by coordinator Diana Spulber, became a notable element of the programme, as Ukrainian initiatives were highlighted among the best international practices of university–community engagement.
Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs presented its own initiative, “PsychoSafe Community”, aimed at providing psychological support and educational reintegration for service members, police officers, first responders and their families. Developed jointly by the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Pedagogy and the International Cooperation Unit of DonSUIA, the project received the highest expert evaluation and won first place in the Ukrainian Social Innovation and Engagement Award category of the Triple E Awards 2025. The initiative clearly demonstrated that Ukrainian universities are capable of designing innovative and socially impactful solutions that align with European approaches to community safety and social responsibility.
At the same time, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv advanced to the final stage of the prestigious competition. The University submitted the project “Reintegration of Veterans into Community Life”, implemented by the Center for Veteran Support and Social Initiatives within the Erasmus+ KA2 UNICOM project. This initiative focuses on supporting veterans, facilitating their return to active civic life, and strengthening partnerships between the university and local communities. At the award ceremony in Prague, Lviv University was represented by UNICOM administrative coordinator Oksana Kraievska and the head of the Center for Veteran Support and Social Initiatives, Yaryna Tanchak. Reaching the finals of the international award became an important recognition of the University’s contribution to advancing the third mission and community engagement.
Both distinguished initiatives have become a powerful testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian higher education sector in times of war and its ability to develop community-oriented models that receive international acknowledgement. These achievements strengthen the positions of UNICOM partner universities within the European academic space, support the dissemination of effective third-mission practices in Ukraine, and demonstrate the significant potential of Ukrainian higher education institutions in fostering social innovation.
