Halyna Protsyk, PhD, Deputy Vice Rector for Outreach and Social Engagement (Internationalization), lecturer of Political Science Department of Ukrainian Catholic University with the Ukrainian delegation took part in the 15th Annual Japan University English Model United Nations (Notre Dame Seishin University). UN Body: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Conference Theme: Education for Sustainable Development.

Halyna Protsyk

Distinguished members of the Notre Dame Seishin community,

Honorable Secretary Generals, Miki Taguchi and Sayaka Katayama, Esteemed Professor Thomas Fast,

Respected delegates, and dear Model United Nations community,

It is a profound honor to address the 15th Annual Japan University English Model United Nations on a topic that is being truly tested in my role as a Ukrainian educator. Education for Sustainable Development resonates deeply with the timeless wisdom shared by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: “There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development.” This profound insight guides our dialogue today, reminding us of the inseparable bond between sustainable progress, education and peace.

Yet, let me challenge you today: peace is not merely a gift to be passed down through generations. It is not a legacy that can be simply inherited. Peace is a moral victory—a triumph that demands an unwavering resolve, relentless determination, deep commitment, and stringent accountability. These are not innate qualities; they are skills that must be cultivated and nurtured. This is where education becomes essential—not just as a preparation for life, but as life itself.

Standing before you, I transcend my role as an educator. I bear witness to the profound, almost sacred power of education as it illuminates the darkest corners of my war-torn homeland, Ukraine. Amidst the chilling echoes of war, amidst landscapes scarred by destruction and lives shattered by death and loss, education stands as a beacon of resilience and hope. Nelson Mandela famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” In Ukraine, education is not just changing the world; it is saving it.

Through the stories of Ukrainian defenders, teachers, and students, we see how education cultivates resilience and hope amid the worst situations. Despite enduring daily shellings, air raid alarms, and constant power outages, Ukrainians from kindergarten to university persist in their studies within bomb shelters, fully understanding the critical importance of education. They transform into warriors of resilience, wielding education as their weapon against imperialistic ideologies and armed genocide. Education in Ukraine has become more than a path to personal growth; it is a tool for national survival and revival. Through service learning initiatives, community support projects, and volunteering, education ignites our unwavering determination to heal and rebuild our nation.

Honoring the sacrifices of thousands of fallen heroes—brilliant minds who fought for our freedom—and supporting their families, we steadfastly preserve our national identity. Nearly 2,000 children in Ukraine have been killed or injured amidst the ongoing war, as

reported by UNICEF. I urge you to visit the “Unissued Diplomas” exhibition generously hosted by Notre Dame Seishin University, which shares the stories of 40 Ukrainian students killed in the war. This exhibition reminds the world of the ongoing conflict and the price Ukrainians pay daily for freedom. After February 24, 2022, classrooms became bomb shelters and battlefields, transforming fear into bravery. These students, who once worried about exams, now have diplomas that will never be issued, because Russia took the lives of their to-be owners in its attempt to take Ukraine’s freedom. This exhibition honors their memory.

Through academic partnerships, educational programs, and dialogues like this, education becomes a beacon of unwavering truth and immense strength, connecting Ukraine with the global community through solidarity and shared responsibility. This is not just education in the traditional sense; this is education as a lifeline, as a vital force that sustains the spirit of a people fighting for their future. In the context of the United Nations, this embodies the principles of global solidarity, the protection of human rights, and the fostering of peace through educational empowerment. By supporting Ukraine’s educational resilience, the international community reinforces its commitment to these universal values and demonstrates the power of education in promoting sustainable development and peace.

This shapes a future where Ukraine emerges not just from the shadows of war but into the light of a promising, united, and peaceful tomorrow, where justice and international law prevail over violence. This is our mission, our hope, and our unwavering promise to the generations to come. As we look to the future, we envision Ukraine that is not only a “country of volunteers and veterans” or “the resilient” but also a “country of homecoming” for our refugees, a “country of healed wounds” for the millions in need, a “country of youth” where family reunions take place on our land, a “country of economic miracle” where innovations and world talents meet together, a country of hope for other countries devastated by conflicts and disasters. The answer lies in our collective efforts today by prioritizing education, by fostering global partnerships, and by committing to the principles of peace and justice.

Halyna Protsyk with the Ukrainian delegation

As you, distinguished delegates, embark on your Model United Nations journey today, allow me to share some ideas that I hope will inspire you to become not only successful diplomats and negotiators but also empathetic leaders during these turbulent times. These concepts are rooted in what I cherish most—being part of the Ukrainian Catholic University community, which, according to its mission, is nurturing future generations of leaders in Ukraine and internationally for the glory of God, human dignity, and common good and as our Rector Taras Dobko states, “is called to be a community of hope during the turmoil of war and recovery”. They are rooted in the principles of Witness, Serve, and Communicate. Around here, we joke that these are the secret handshake and password to join the UCU club:)

You can Witness: Bearing witness to truth and justice is a core tenet of our university. It means actively observing, documenting, and sharing the realities of those affected by war, injustice, and adversity. By bearing witness, we ensure that the stories and experiences of marginalized and oppressed communities are heard and remembered. This principle encourages our students, faculty, and staff to stand up for what is right, to be voices for the voiceless, and to advocate for peace, human rights, and dignity. As Elie Wiesel, a

survivor of the Holocaust and Nobel Laureate, once said, “There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” By bearing witness, we take a stand against indifference and strive to make a positive impact on the world.

You can Serve: Engage in service learning and community support initiatives. Volunteering is a powerful way to contribute to the healing and rebuilding of affected communities. As the famous Japanese proverb says, 塵も積もれば山となる– “Even dust, when piled up, becomes a mountain.” Small efforts, over time, lead to great results. Each act of service, no matter how small, contributes to the larger goal of peace and stability. As Mother Teresa famously said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” By serving others with dedication and compassion, we collectively make a significant impact on our communities and the world.

You can Communicate: Foster open, respectful and honest dialogues with your fellow delegates. Effective communication is essential for understanding, cooperation, and the promotion of shared goals. Through dialogue, we can build bridges, resolve conflicts, and work towards common objectives. As another Japanese proverb goes, 「三人寄れば文殊の知 恵, which means “When three people meet, wisdom is exchanged.” This underscores the importance of collective understanding and cooperation, reminding us that only through open communication, we can achieve greater wisdom and progress together.

Enhanced by your talents and knowledge, these efforts will transform the three days of the conference into a celebration of global solidarity and long-lasting friendship. Much like what I experienced in the past when I met once professors from Japan, Canada and Germany, who now have brought their students here. Professor Thomas Fast, Chaldeans Mensah, and Thomas Weiler, I feel truly blessed to have your friendship in my life. Your empathy and unwavering support demonstrate the power of global solidarity, and because of this, I am here today on this stage.

Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished delegates,

As I conclude, I wish to communicate my gratitude. To the Notre Dame Seishin community for their tremendous effort in supporting the arrival of international delegations, and to the Okayama families for hosting international students in a safe, warm, and caring environment. My heartfelt thanks extend to the Japanese nation and all the people and countries you represent. Your unwavering solidarity, prayers, information, and aid have been invaluable. The people of Ukraine—soldiers, medical staff, volunteers, scholars, students at risk, and nearly 8 million refugees welcomed in your countries—are profoundly grateful for your support in standing with Ukraine and protecting peace.

Archbishop Borys Gudziak, President of the Ukrainian Catholic University, aptly said: “It all comes together. No act of good is lost. No gesture of solidarity is without fruit. We thank you for walking with the people of Ukraine, bringing upon them your solidarity and mercy, and keeping your countries informed about the truth, virtues, and our shared responsibility to remain united in solidarity.”

Dear young leaders, thank you for your commitment. May your journey in Japan University English Model United Nations be both enlightening and empowering!

どうもありがとうございます!

Halyna Protsyk, PhD

Deputy Vice Rector for Outreach and Social Engagement (Internationalization) Lecturer of Political Science Department of Ukrainian Catholic University National academic trainer for NMUN Ukraine

Member of the Academic Council of United Nations System