Guest speech: Ambassador of Ukraine, H.E. Yelchenko

As a continuation of the Guest Lecture series of the IMC Export Department, under the auspices of the Chair for International, Legal and Global Political Studies, Prof. Dr. Anis Bajrektarevic invited H.E. Yelchenko, residential Ambassador of Ukraine to the UN and other IOs in Vienna.

Mr. Yelchenko was giving the IMC students and lecturers the possibility to gain insights into the geopolitical role of Ukraine in Europe, and the current political system in the country.

The introducing movie, “12 minutes with Ukraine“ gave us first impressions about the Culture, Traditions, History and the country Ukraine itself. The movie showed the transition of Ukraine starting 5000 BC including the Scythia and Cossacks area with its fascinating culture and artwork which still engraves the modern state.

Afterwards our guest gave a highly informative speech about the Ukraine including not just the historical background of the country in detail but also the connection with bordering countries especially with Russia. He pointed out that the Ukraine was and still is a key transit country as the bridge between western and eastern civilizations.

Especially the close partnership with the Russian Federation has been strong and is getting more and more transparent. Still there are topics to be worked on for instance the creation of a free trade area, the Black Sea fleet issue and the transparency in energy issues.

Being a member of the UN, the OSCE and the Council of Europe Ukraine tries to be less depended on Russia and looks to the West for future economic growth with the ultimate goal to become a member of the European Union. Ukraine is committed to the UN peacekeeping since its creation and was the leader of the declaration of commitment on HIV/ Aids by the UN.

After his highly informative speech, the second part of the visit was reserved for students’ questions, in which topics such as, how the political situation will affect the reliability of Ukraine for future upcoming events such as the EURO 2012 in cooperation with Poland or its position as chairman of the OSCE (2013) as well as the economical environment were discussed.

The guest lecture was followed by an informal, pleasant meet and great event, which gave the opportunity to personally get in contact with our guest.

H.E. Mr Volodymyr Yelchenko graduated from Kyiv State University in 1981 (M.A. in Internal relations and International law.) Onwards he served in several offices and countries as the First Secretary, Chief of Section and Director in the Department of International Organizations. He is also Chairman of the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO and a member of UNESCO Executive Board. H.E. was appointed Deputy Foreign Minister, and back in March 2001 he also served the post of President of the UN Security Council.

Summing up after the event (H.E. Yelchenko was accompanied by the Mission member Mr. Yuriy Tokarski), content-intensive talks with fellow students and professors, with Ms. Eva Werner , the IMC Vice-Rector, and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, Export Chair and principal host of the event, our distinguished guest stated that he has been very impressed by our faculty’s interest. H.E. also complimented the commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated in the questions and discussion with him, and encouraged the widening of the IMC EXP cooperation with the Ukrainian counterparts in Kiev.

Ambassador finally expressed his willingness to repeat the event soon by inviting a world-known performer and musician Ruslana (currently the UN Goodwill Ambassador) to address our students.

The guest lecture of Mr. Yelchenko was the 55th event organized under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies.

Photos: Julia G. & Hermann M.
Text: Stephan W. & Prof. Dr. Anis Bajrektarevic