On May 26, the International Institute of Education, Culture and Diaspora Relations (IECDR), Lviv Polytechnic, hosted the presentation of the book Woman in Official and Public Diplomacy: Essays and Interviews in the university’s Julian Zachariewicz Hall.
The author and editor of the publication is Iryna Matiash, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Scientific Society for the History of Diplomacy and International Relations, and Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine in Scientific and Educational Diplomacy. This is the third volume in the Woman in Diplomacy series, which became the centerpiece of an in-depth discussion on the Ukrainian diplomatic tradition, the role of women in foreign service, the contributions of diplomats’ spouses and first ladies, as well as the significance of public diplomacy carried out by diaspora organizations, civic institutions, and educational establishments.
The event was moderated by Oksana Halaichuk, PhD, researcher at IECDR.
Participants were welcomed by Nataliia Shakhovska, Rector of Lviv Polytechnic, who emphasized the importance of highlighting women’s contribution to representing Ukraine on the international stage.
– It is a great honour for Lviv Polytechnic to host the presentation of Woman in Official and Public Diplomacy. Ukrainian women have long played a leading role in diplomacy – not only as ambassadors and diplomats, but also as those who bring knowledge about Ukraine, our values, and our history to the world. Respect for women has always been an important feature of Ukrainian society. Today, it is especially important that women continue to realize their mission, speak about Ukraine as a nation with a rich historical heritage, and communicate this vision to our international partners. In such a way they strengthen Ukraine’s position in the world, said the Rector Nataliia Shakhovska.
The central part of the event was a conversation with Iryna Matiash, who stressed that the Woman in Diplomacy project is not solely an individual initiative but the result of cooperation among scholars, diplomats, public figures, representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora, and institutions dedicated to studying and promoting Ukraine’s global presence.
According to the author, one of the greatest challenges was encouraging the book’s protagonists to share their personal stories. Many of them did not seek public recognition and initially hesitated to participate. However, they agreed after realizing that their experiences could serve as valuable examples for younger generations. As a result, the book presents not only distinguished diplomats and senior officials but also younger members of the diplomatic community whose professional journeys already reflect dedicated service to Ukraine.
A special perspective on the topic was offered by Oksana Wynnyckyj-Yusypovych, Honorary Consul of Canada, scholar, educator, and public figure. She spoke about the role of women in Canada’s diplomatic representation in Ukraine and highlighted examples of female Canadian ambassadors who have served in the country. The speaker emphasized that gender equality in diplomacy is a matter of international relevance and that the book is particularly important to her because it features women who she has collaborated with in the fields of civic engagement and public diplomacy.
The event also highlighted the longstanding work of IECDR and its Director, Iryna Kliuchkovska, whose efforts have made the experience of global Ukrainians an integral part of Ukraine’s educational, academic, and cultural landscape. For decades, the International Institute of Education, Culture and Diaspora Relations has served as a bridge between Ukraine and Ukrainians around the world, transforming Lviv Polytechnic into a meeting place for those who have preserved Ukrainian identity and culture far from their homeland.
International congresses, conferences, book presentations, meetings with representatives of the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations, diaspora leaders, and Ukrainian communities from across the globe have become not one-time events, but the result of a long-term institutional mission aimed at strengthening connections within the global Ukrainian community. It is thanks to this work that names returned to Ukrainian circulation, without which the idea of Ukraine would be incomplete. Thanks to this work, many important names have been returned to Ukraine’s cultural and intellectual space, enriching the understanding of Ukraine’s place in the world and the people who have shaped it.
