Ukrainian Ambassador Highlights Diplomacy, Global Engagement as Lehigh Celebrates 20th Anniversary of LU/UN Partnership

In the midst of one of the most important periods in this modern history of his country, Sergiy Kyslytsya, the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United Nations, visited Lehigh University to discuss the Russia-Ukraine War, the nature of diplomacy, and the importance of global engagement.

During his remarks and a robust question-and-answer session with students on Sep. 4, Kyslytsya provided a frank assessment of the limitations upon the United Nations to stop the war, even as he stressed the importance of continued diplomatic efforts and engagement.

“You can be frustrated at the end of the day that the system doesn’t work for anyone, but on the other hand, you cannot cancel the system,” he said. “If you cancel the system without having a viable alternative, it is only our enemies and opponents who will win in a world where there is no point of reference. So the conversations and discussions must continue in the United Nations.”

Kyslytsya, who has been Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations since February 2020, spoke to a capacity crowd of more than 200 students and members of the Lehigh community at the Rauch Business Center’s Perella Auditorium.

The appearance marked the first of several events and celebrations planned as part of a year-long celebration of the LU/UN Partnership’s 20th anniversary. It continues Lehigh’s long history of engagement with the United Nations since 2004, when it became the sixth university in the world to gain Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status at the U.N.

"The LU/UN Partnership expands on the great work being done in the classroom by providing these impactful experiential learning opportunities. It's a great theory to practice model," said Bill Hunter, director of fellowship advising and U.N. programs, and Lehigh’s primary representative to the United Nations. "Sitting across the table from a global decision maker is a profound way to enhance one's perspectives."

Visit this page or download this eight-page booklet to learn more about the LU/UN Partnership’s 20th anniversary and view a 20-year timeline of the Partnership.

The Challenges of the 21st Century

Kyslytsya discussed the limitations upon U.N. member nations outside of the 15-member United Nations Security Council, which includes China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as 10 rotating non-permanent members elected to two-year terms.

Kyslytsya believes these limitations stem from even before the U.N.’s formation in October 1945, dating as far back as the historic Yalta Conference. During that February 1945 conference, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, U.K. Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Soviet Union General Secretary Joseph Stalin met to discuss post-World War II order. The discussions led to an agreement on the establishment of the United Nations.

Lehigh’s Long History of U.N. Engagement

The LU/UN Partnership provides opportunities for all Lehigh students, faculty, and staff to gain skills necessary to become successful global future makers by engaging with the U.N. via curricular and co-curricular initiatives.

“The Lehigh University/United Nations Partnership is our gateway to the U.N., providing opportunities for faculty, staff, and students alike to directly engage in U.N. conferences, briefings, workshops and meetings with Ambassadors,” Helble said. “It’s been a deeply engaged partnership throughout our history.”

Each year, more than 1,000 Lehigh faculty, staff, and students attend U.N. conferences, high-level briefings, and private meetings with ambassadors and other U.N. officials in New York City and on campus. Just last month, the partnership placed its 60th student intern in a row at the United Nations.

The Partnership offers myriad ways to engage the U.N., including internships, class trips, faculty research presentations, the UNA-Lehigh Student Club, the LU/UN Youth Representatives Program, and more.

The event featuring Kyslytsya was part of the LU/UN Ambassadorial Speaker Series, sponsored by the Copeland Family.

Story by Colin McEvoy