The event took place in the presence of the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska
The memorandum was sigend together with Sergiu Mișcoiu, representative of Babeș-Bolyai University, and Ștefan Purici, representative of Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava
On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the Rector of the University of Bucharest, Professor Marian Preda, signed the Memorandum of Accession to the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies alongside Professor Sergiu Mișcoiu, Director of the Center for International Cooperation at Babeș-Bolyai University, and Professor Ștefan Purici, Vice-Rector for University Image, International Relations and European Development at Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava. The memorandum was signed in the presence of the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, State Counselor for Relations with Civil Society Diana Pungă, and UB Vice-Rector for Vice-Rector for International Relations, Public Relations and Students, Associate Professor Mugur Zlotea.
Through this partnership, the University of Bucharest joins the international network of academic institutions contributing to the development of Ukrainian studies, taking on an active role in organizing educational, cultural, and scientific projects dedicated to Ukraine. The memorandum provides for collaboration in areas such as the development of educational and research programs, the organization of conferences, roundtables, exhibitions, film screenings, and thematic debates, as well as the facilitation of academic and cultural exchanges. At the same time, the partnership aims to support efforts to combat disinformation by strengthening international academic cooperation and promoting access to educational and scientific resources dedicated to Ukrainian studies.
Currently, 80 Ukrainian students are enrolled at the University of Bucharest, while the Ukrainian language is taught at the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures through programs dedicated to the study of Slavic languages and cultures.
In this context, the University of Bucharest will gain access to international academic networks, specialized educational and scientific resources, academic exchanges, thematic working groups, and collaboration opportunities with universities, libraries, archives, and cultural institutions from Ukraine and across the coalition. The university will participate at an advanced level within the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies and has already committed to several initiatives, including organizing a panel dedicated to the development of Ukrainian studies in Romania and abroad during the international scientific conference of the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures, hosting cultural and educational activities focused on cultural diplomacy, and involving professors and researchers in editorial projects and thematic working groups of the Coalition.
The University of Bucharest’s Support for Ukrainian Refugees, Recognized by the United Nations
The signing of the memorandum continues the University of Bucharest’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Ukrainian academic community and Ukrainian refugees since the outbreak of the war. In 2022, the United Nations recognized the university’s efforts in supporting Ukrainian refugees, acknowledging the numerous initiatives undertaken by the UB community, ranging from logistical and educational assistance to the academic and social integration of students and researchers affected by the conflict.
The United Nations Academic Impact platform, which brings together higher education institutions involved in advancing the UN’s global objectives, published an extensive feature on the ways in which the University of Bucharest supported Ukrainian refugees from the very first days of the war, when UB faculty members were present at the Siret border crossing in Suceava County, Romania, assisting refugees. Together with students and administrative staff, the UB community organized the reception, transportation, and accommodation of more than 1,200 refugees, providing a total of 77,743 nights of accommodation for Ukrainian refugees.
The United Nations also highlighted the fundraising and donation campaigns organized by the university’s faculties, student associations, and the UB “Virtute et Sapientia” Foundation. Among the initiatives mentioned was the uni4Ukraine platform, created by a team of UB students and faculty members and administratively managed by the Center for Development and International Cooperation Studies within the Faculty of Political Science.
The United Nations also acknowledged the University of Bucharest’s support in organizing Romania’s largest live charity concert, “WE ARE ONE,” an initiative led by SAGA Festival, Pro TV, Kiss FM, and the Bucharest City Hall. The concert brought together 35,000 people at Arena Națională Stadium, and the 3.7 million lei raised were donated to the Romanian Red Cross to support refugees from Ukraine.
The University of Bucharest has continued its support initiatives for Ukraine in the years that followed. In February 2026, through the “Virtute et Sapientia” Foundation, the university launched a support campaign dedicated to Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv in response to the challenges generated by the war, with the aim of supporting the continuity of teaching and research activities. The initiative focused on collecting essential electrical and electronic equipment – power banks, cables, portable batteries, voltage stabilizers, and generators – necessary for conducting classes, holding examinations, and maintaining academic activities safely amid frequent power outages.
About the University of Bucharest
Founded in 1864, continuing the tradition of the Princely Academy established in 1694, the University of Bucharest has been a member of CIVIS – Europe’s Civic University Alliance since 2019, alongside ten other prestigious European universities, contributing decisively to the development and modernization of national and international education, science, and culture.
Today, the University of Bucharest is ranked among the world’s leading international university rankings, holding positions that place it first among Romanian and regional universities.
The second edition of the Times Higher Education – Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026 places the University of Bucharest as the leading university in Romania for interdisciplinary scientific research, fostering a dynamic interdisciplinary environment for research, education, and innovation built on high standards of sustainability, sustainable development, and social responsibility.
According to the Times Higher Education – Impact Rankings 2025, one of the most prominent rankings in international academia, the University of Bucharest is also the top university in Romania and among the top 100 universities worldwide for its involvement in sustainable development activities. The university’s highest score in this ranking was achieved for “Goal 5 – Gender Equality,” where UB ranks third globally.
Furthermore, according to the latest edition of the Study Abroad Aide’s World University Rankings 2025, the University of Bucharest is currently the best university in Romania for international students, further demonstrating the international outlook that has defined the institution since its founding.
Postări asemănătoare:
The message of Professor Marian Preda, Rector of the University of Bucharest, concerning the tragedy at Charles University in Prague
The speech of Professor Marian Preda, Rector of the University of Bucharest, at the opening of the BSUN-BUA Congress 2022
Professor Marian Preda, rector of the University of Bucharest and president of the Black Sea Universities Network, official visit to Turkey
The Rector of the University of Bucharest, Professor Marian Preda, awarded the French Order of Academic Palms, Officer Rank
