Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is to address Ireland’s further and higher education students later this month. The event will take place on Wednesday, November 16th in Dublin City University, and be livestreamed to institutions across the country.
Following President Zelenskyy’s speech, students attending the event will have the opportunity to engage directly with the President in a Q&A session and learn about how Russia’s illegal invasion has impacted Ukraine and its citizens.
Speaking today, Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris said: “President Zelenskyy will address our third level students, and will hear from a man who has stood defiantly in the face of an illegal and barbaric invasion of his country.
“We have welcomed hundreds of Ukrainian students into our colleges, and this will be an opportunity for them to hear directly from their President.
“Throughout history, Ireland has also had a long tradition of supporting other nations in times of trouble. This has posed great challenges for many of us.
“President Zelenskyy has offered to speak directly to our students about their concerns or any questions they may have, and I know they will benefit greatly from hearing first-hand from the frontline.”
Ukraine Ambassador Larysa Gerasko said: “The address by President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a great opportunity to for the students of Irish universities to hear first-hand information about Russian aggression against Ukraine, it's hybrid warfare, and disinformation campaigns that have already impacted Europe.
"We must do everything to spread the truth and to hold Russia accountable for the atrocities and crimes committed in Ukraine”.
The event in DCU, which will be attended by Government Ministers, dignitaries and students, will involve a live-stream to other third-level institutions, where it is envisaged other events involving EU Ambassadors, and discussions on democracy, EU support for Ukraine and European values, will take place.
ENDS