Education Shaping the World: Kyiv to Host Fifth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen

The announcement came during a press conference in Kyiv, where Zelenska and top ministers unveiled the program and central theme of this year’s gathering.

Each year, it brings together First Ladies and Gentlemen from across the world, alongside opinion leaders, statespersons, and humanitarian ambassadors, to tackle some of the most urgent global challenges.

This year’s gathering will focus on the theme “Education Shaping the World,” with Zelenska, Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov, and Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi presenting the program and ideas for the event.

Zelenska explained that education was chosen as the central theme because it is vital for Ukraine, especially amid war, and equally important for other countries facing their own educational challenges.

While she did not reveal the names of this year’s summit participants, Zelenska noted that two First Ladies will be attending for the first time. Ministers of education and teachers from various countries will also take part to share their experiences. Additionally, several Nobel laureates, professors, and researchers will participate in panels and deliver special lectures for Ukrainian students.

The summit’s guests will hold open lectures at 12 universities in different regions of Ukraine, as well as in museums, children’s institutions, and schools.

“The theme of education, as a fundamental pillar for any society, resonates with everyone,” Zelenska said. “While we have our own unique challenges in organizing the educational process due to the war, other countries face different issues, such as ensuring equal access to education or providing high-quality learning opportunities. This year, we have special guests—teachers.”

“We are proud to have organized the event so that teachers from around the world can join us, share their experiences, and inspire us.”

The first day of the summit will present the results of a new study conducted specifically for the event. Students aged 12 to 17 were surveyed about the learning process, school safety, and how well schools prepare children for adulthood. Parents, students, and teachers from 14 countries, including Ukraine, participated in the study.

The second day will be dedicated to thematic panels. The first session will focus on access to education, followed by a discussion on information technology and digital learning, and concluding with a session on education as a tool for peacebuilding.

Minister Fedorov highlighted that representatives from Google, Cisco, and various educational technology startups will be involved, showcasing innovative solutions in the digital learning space. He emphasized that education systems worldwide are facing unprecedented challenges, and in Ukraine, these challenges are magnified for children who attend school after enduring nighttime shelling, often arriving with heightened stress and disrupted focus.

“Our task is not to keep children away from technology and innovation, but to help them find their place in it,” said Fedorov. “We aim to support teachers on this journey and the education system as a whole. In five, ten, or 15 years, our world will look completely different—technologies are emerging today that are only just beginning to develop.”

Minister Lisovyi explained why Ukraine continues to invest in education despite the existential challenges of war, including reforms in school meals and the establishment of underground schools.

“Our victory in all its aspects depends on whether education survives, too,” Lisovyi stated.

The Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, launched by Ukraine in 2021, has already brought together participants from over 40 countries. Over the years, the summit has facilitated fundraising for Ukraine and established direct medical partnerships between Ukrainian and foreign clinics.

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