On November 3–7, 2025, Anastasiia Zarzhytska, a leading specialist in the International Relations Department, represented Khmelnytskyi National University at an international week held at Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic. This year's event brought together participants from across the world under the slogan "Innovation in motion: Redefining campuses, connections and collaboration," focusing on sustainable development, innovation in higher education, international cooperation, and rethinking the role of university campuses in the modern world.
The international week program included panel discussions, practical workshops, presentations of best institutional practices, visits to faculties and research laboratories. The opening of the week was accompanied by a discussion of the role of innovation in shaping new formats of academic mobility, cooperation between universities, and strengthening intercultural ties within the framework of sustainable development. The following days were devoted to getting acquainted with the work of all five faculties: agronomy; business administration; horticulture; forestry and woodworking; regional development and international studies. Participants had the opportunity to see how the university conducts applied research, develops FoodTech, modernises laboratories, addresses sustainability issues, and integrates innovative approaches to learning.
The program also included an "international market" organised mainly by the student organisation ESN MENDELU, where cultures met through national dishes, music, and live communication, which added a warm and friendly atmosphere to the week.
An important part of the visit was the presentation of KHNU as an active partner of the European community, open to deepening cooperation and participating in international initiatives. Anastasia Zarzhytska participated in workshops, discussions, and individual meetings, during which she shared the university's experience and explored opportunities for new joint projects, particularly in the field of social sciences.
A particularly pleasant part of the trip was meeting with a long-time colleague, Dastan Bamwesigye, who works at Mendel University in Brno. This meeting allowed us to discuss potential joint academic projects. Equally emotional was the communication with KHNU students who are currently studying at Mendel University in Brno under the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (Key Action 171) academic mobility program. Supporting students abroad and taking an interest in their studies and adaptation are important parts of KHNU's work to develop international activity.
The participation of the KHNU representative in the international week made a significant contribution to strengthening cooperation with Mendel University in Brno and other European universities. The experience gained, new contacts, exchange of ideas, and acquaintance with innovative approaches to organising the educational process will contribute to the further development of the university, the expansion of mobility opportunities for students and staff, and the implementation of new international projects. This once again confirms that Khmelnytskyi National University remains an active and prominent member of the global academic community.
KHNU expresses its sincere gratitude to Hana Birtsova, Katerina Prašková (Mlejnková), and Tereza Šmidová for their excellent organisation and coordination. We also thank all our colleagues from the International Relations Department and representatives of the faculties of Mendel University in Brno for their presentations and active participation.