On 15 October 2026, representatives of Khmelnytskyi National University (KhNU) participated in the international final online conference “RE-DIRECTION: Shaping Future-Ready Higher Education”, dedicated to the outcomes of the eponymous project funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme under the Capacity Building in Higher Education action (Strand 2, No. 101128509).
The event brought together representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, international project partners, public authorities, higher education institutions, academic communities, students and employers from Ukraine, Georgia, Greece, Germany and other countries.
The conference focused on rethinking contemporary higher education in the context of digital transformation, greater inclusivity, sustainable development and the strengthening of universities’ institutional resilience.
The conference opened with a welcome address by Professor Robert Lepenies, President of Karlshochschule International University (Germany).
One of the key events was the international panel discussion “Resilient Universities”, which explored approaches to ensuring the continuity and quality of education, adapting universities to crisis situations, developing digital learning environments and strengthening cooperation between universities, students and employers.
Particular attention was given to the experience of Ukrainian higher education institutions, which continue to deliver education, implement digital technologies and develop international cooperation amid Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
An important part of the conference was the presentation of the RE-DIRECTION project’s results, including updated teaching materials and educational resources, as well as recommendations for improving higher education policy.
An important part of the conference was the presentation of the RE-DIRECTION project’s results, including updated teaching materials and educational resources, as well as recommendations for improving higher education policy.
The recommendations cover several strategically important areas: university governance and regulatory frameworks, digital infrastructure, educational inclusion and accessibility, the development of digital competencies among academic staff and students, quality assurance, environmental sustainability, innovation and inter-university cooperation.
For KhNU, participation in this international professional dialogue is particularly important in the context of implementing the University Development Strategy for 2026–2031. Its priorities include digital transformation, innovative education, an expanded global presence and the development of a modern, inclusive university environment.
The approaches presented through RE-DIRECTION are of practical value for further improving digital learning platforms, introducing flexible learning formats, increasing the accessibility of educational services, developing digital competencies among academic staff and strengthening the university’s institutional capacity.
The resilience of a university is particularly relevant: it means not only responding to challenges but also ensuring continuous development, maintaining the quality of education and creating new opportunities for students and staff, even in times of uncertainty.
KhNU’s participation in the RE-DIRECTION conference supports engagement with European practices in higher education modernisation, expands international professional dialogue and helps identify promising approaches that can be applied to the university’s institutional development.
Khmelnytskyi National University continues to actively engage in international educational initiatives aimed at developing a modern, open, inclusive and resilient higher education system in Ukraine, integrated into the European Education Area.