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01.12.2022

International scientific and practical conferences “Cities and Regions at the Epicenter of Spatial Changes” and “Region-2022: Optimal Development Strategy” were held

On November 24, 2022, the International scientific and practical conferences "Cities and Regions at the Epicenter of Spatial Changes" and "Region-2022: Optimal Development Strategy" were held, organized by the Department of Economic and Social Geography of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and the Department of Human Geography and Regional Studies of V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University.
In difficult conditions after another terrorist act in the Russian Federation, the scientific forum gathered more than fifty Ukrainian and foreign researchers who discussed the problems of regional development, development of territorial communities, socio-spatial unevenness and inequality, urban development and urban policy, transformation of urban space, tourism and environmental problems.
The vice-rector for scientific work of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv Hanna Tolstanova and the vice-rector for scientific and pedagogical work of V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University Anton Panteleimonov addressed with a welcome speech to the participants of the event.
The conference was attended by the representatives of all the leading human-geographic centers of Ukraine, namely Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Institute of Geography of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Ivan Franko Lviv National University, Yuriy Fedkovich Chernivtsi National University, Ternopil National Pedagogical University named after Volodymyr Hnatyuk, Kherson State University, Dnipro National University named after Oles Honchar, I.I. Mechnikov Odesa National University, Nizhny State University named after Mykola Gogol, Volyn National University named after Lesya Ukrainka, Sumy State Pedagogical University named after A.S. Makarenko, Uman National University of Horticulture, Melitopol State Pedagogical University named after Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, Precarpathian National University named after Vasyl Stefanyk, Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University, as well as scientific institutions of the Czech Republic, Romania, Spain, Portugal, Poland, etc.
As part of the conference, a round table was organized in memory of prominent Ukrainian geographers, leaders of scientific schools and long-term deans of Kyiv and Kharkiv universities, Yaroslav Oliynyk and Kostyantyn Niemets. Their colleagues, students and friends highlighted the contribution of scientists to the development of the national human-geographical school, shared memories and recalled life situations and undoubtedly testified that Yaroslav and Kostiantyn remain in our hearts as bright Scientists, wise Teachers and open and sincere People, always ready to help, inspire, advise and support.
An important component of the conference was a methodical seminar, where the participants expressed their concern that geography was not included in the additional block of the project of conducting the National Multi-Subject Test in 2023. All speakers unanimously supported the opinion that such a situation will harm both the quality training of graduates of general educational institutions and the education of patriotic youth who have knowledge about the states of the world, their country, regions and cities and know how to use cartographic and topographical skills in practice. In the conditions of war, it is impossible to defend a country if you do not know geography. During the methodical seminar, the participants discussed the issues of development and implementation of educational programs in the specialty 106 Geography at the bachelor's, master's and doctor of philosophy’s levels, shared their experience and identified ways of their further improvement.
This scientific forum showed that knowledge in the field of geography, urban planning and regional studies is an important basis for ensuring the national security of Ukraine, and the issues discussed, the level of scientific discussions and activity of the participants in spite of the senseless terror of the Russian aggressor give confidence in the VICTORY of Ukraine.