On Thursday, Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, attended the traditional annual university holiday the Day of the History Department of the National T.H.Shevchenko University.
Addressing the participants of the festivities, V.Lytvyn stressed that Ukraine´s future should be shaped by the academic community, especially by alumni of the history departments who "must talk about the future in light of the past experience." The Head of the Ukrainian Parliament stated that the issue of knowledge and its quality had gained priority. "It is not the academic credentials, but the ability to think and develop formed throughout the period of studies that is essential," he stated.
V.Lytvyn informed that the place and role of the universities was a key topic of the latest discussions and meetings in the foreign universities, in which the Head of the Parliament participated. "In Hanoi, Seoul, Zagreb and Belgrade, it was stressed that the universities should set the pace of the educational reforms and social development," declared the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. He believes that historical research "should be highly respected to guarantee a civilized development."
The Head of the Parliament supposes that scholars and historians should regain the right to interpret historical events from the politicians. He believes that history should be analyzed in its entirety, not only in light of its tragic chapters. "We had both failures and victories," V.Lytvyn admitted. "This approach to the past will guarantee a successful future, which is connected with Europe, as our country is a European state, not a neighbour of Europe."