“Ukraine” University has set a national record in the categories “First Time” and “Education” — the first inclusive conference in Ukraine that has been held continuously for 25 years. Over this period, the event brought together 15,078 participants. The achievement was officially confirmed on November 25, 2025, in Kyiv.
The initiator and long-term organizer of the conference is Petro Mykhailovych Talančuk — Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Academician, laureate of the State Prize, the first Minister of Education of independent Ukraine, and President of “Ukraine” University. He received the record-holder’s award together with the Open International University of Human Development “Ukraine”.
Founded a quarter century ago, the annual inclusive conference has become a unique platform for researchers, educators, students, civil society representatives, and experts working in the field of equal opportunities. “Ukraine” University was among the first institutions in the country to systematically implement inclusive education.
Among the distinguished speakers at the event were:
• Felix Hett, Director of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Office in Ukraine (Germany);
• Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights;
• Valeriy Sushkevych, Head of the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine.
They emphasized the importance of developing inclusive education and acknowledged the long-term contribution of “Ukraine” University to creating opportunities for people with disabilities.
The record was announced by Hanna Krysiuk, General Director of the World Records Book, and Oleksandr Zharkov, a parapsychologist-energetic practitioner and student of the university. They congratulated Petro Talančuk, the vice-rectors, and the academic staff, highlighting the historical significance of the event.
Hanna Krysiuk also shared a personal reflection:
“Ten years ago, ‘Ukraine’ University was my first workplace — I taught here and was involved in student affairs at the Ivano-Frankivsk branch. That’s why it is especially meaningful for me to congratulate the university on this record. I participated in several of these 25 conferences and truly understand how important this work is. Today, Ukraine has a tremendous need for inclusion and educational services for people with disabilities. What you do is support, development, and new opportunities for thousands of people.”
The recognition of this record underscores the role of “Ukraine” University as one of the leaders of inclusive education in the country. Over 25 years, the institution has not only maintained the tradition of hosting the conference but has also built an educational environment open to students with disabilities, veterans, and other groups requiring additional support.
The event sent an important message to the educational community: inclusion in Ukraine continues to advance despite challenges and difficult social conditions.