National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy
National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) is one of the most prestigious universities in Ukraine, with a history of introducing experimental initiatives that later become models for national educational reform. NaUKMA organically combines scientific activity, educational process and the acquisition of practical skills of the highest quality. The university is also a vibrant intellectual community whose members are active in politics and civil society. Kyiv-Mohyla Academy is actively involved in international and interdisciplinary projects on European integration, politics, and security policies; conflict resolution; social and political transformations. NaUKMA also is a home base for the School for Policy Analysis (SfPA NaUKMA), which is a think tank focused on advocating evidence-based policies, Donbas reintegration, conflict resolution, informational security, and civic participation.
Role within SHAPEDEM-EU
Although NaUKMA contributes to almost all work packages, the primary role of NaUKMA’s team within SHAPEDEM-EU is to use its local expertise for the analysis of EU’s democracy promotion practices and instruments within the Eastern Neighbourhood countries. Having an interdisciplinary background in sociology, political science, and public administration, the research group of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy also participates in defining key theoretical concepts of democracy and democracy support, in methodological designing of the project, and in modelling the Democracy Learning Loop.
Our vision for SHAPEDEM-EU
Promotion of democracy as a social practice and a lived experience is especially important in our turbulent times and in a midst of a war as it increases civic engagement, social trust, and societal resilience and cohesion.
- from Anna Osypchuk