Estonian-Ukrainian Project on Modernizing Personnel Policy in Higher Education Launched

On September 12, 2025, the opening of the Estonian-Ukrainian project "Enforcing the Ukrainian Higher Education Reform with a Focus on Modernizing and Implementing Personnel Policy" took place in Kyiv at the front office of Mariupol State University.

The event was attended by representatives of the governments and universities of both countries, including Liina Kersna, Chair of the Committee on Culture of the Estonian Parliament, Triin Laasi-Oige, Secretary General of the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, as well as educational experts and heads of leading Ukrainian higher education institutions.

From Karazin University, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Zarif Nazirov and Deputy Head of the International Relations Office Roman Nesterenko took part in the event.

Karazin University officially joined the project, emphasizing the importance of integration into the European educational space.

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine defines the modernization of personnel policy as one of its priorities, in line with its Strategic Activity Plan until 2027. The project also supports the process of European integration and educational diplomacy, aimed at strengthening the institutional resilience of Ukrainian universities during the war. Thus, the Estonian-Ukrainian initiative not only enhances the higher education reform but also lays the foundation for the long-term development of a modern academic environment in Ukraine.

The project is implemented by an Estonian consortium led by the University of Tartu in partnership with the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, the association Universities of Estonia, and the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV).

The main directions include mentoring and consulting for Ukrainian universities, conducting training sessions, developing analytical materials and recommendations on personnel policy, as well as creating development programs for managers and staff.

Participants from the Estonian side emphasized that strong universities are the key to a strong state, and investments in higher education benefit both society and the economy. In particular, they highlighted the importance of training professionals capable of working in the field of innovation and advanced technologies.

For Ukrainian universities, participation in such cooperation means the opportunity to adopt the best European management practices, integrate into the common educational space, and enhance competitiveness.