On 27 October 2026, at UNESCO headquarters, Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Viktoria Lialina-Boiko, held a meeting with UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Science, Denise Pires de Carvalho.

During the meeting, the parties discussed priority areas for cooperation between Ukraine and UNESCO in the field of science, in particular the restoration of Ukraine’s scientific ecosystem, the protection of scientific infrastructure and support for Ukrainian scientists who have suffered as a result of Russian aggression.

The Ukrainian side emphasised the importance of mobilising resources to implement UNESCO’s Action Plan for the restoration of Ukraine’s scientific ecosystem and the continued support of the country’s scientific potential.

Particular attention was paid to the UNESCO Programme on the Freedom and Safety of Researchers, of which Ukraine was one of the initiators. Ukraine reaffirmed its readiness to continue contributing to its implementation, which aims to strengthen the protection of researchers and research institutions in times of crisis, emergencies and armed conflicts.

During the discussion, the question was also raised as to the appropriateness of continuing the UNESCO-Russia D. I. Mendeleev International Prize in the field of fundamental sciences, against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine and the systematic destruction of Ukraine’s scientific infrastructure. The Ukrainian side emphasised the need to ensure that UNESCO’s mechanisms and programmes are consistent with its objectives, principles and values.

Furthermore, the parties noted the importance of the first observance, on 27 November 2026, of the International Day of Engagement in Science for Sustainable Development, proclaimed on Ukraine’s initiative.

Ukraine will continue to work with UNESCO and partner states to strengthen international scientific cooperation, ensure the safety of science and scientists, and restore Ukraine’s scientific potential.