On April 29, 2026, the First Day of the All-Ukrainian Student Research Paper Competition among 10th-11th grade pupils of secondary education institutions “Ukraine – a Space for Dialogue between East and West: Interculturality and Traditionality of the Modern Personality” was held at the Taras Shevchenko Luhansk National University.

The conference was organized by the Social Pedagogy Department of the Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology.

The purpose of the scientific competition was to stimulate the scientific and research activity of senior pupils in the field of intercultural studies, to understand the role of Ukraine as a space for dialogue between East and West in the modern globalized world; to develop scientific thinking, creative abilities and critical thinking of participants; to support gifted youth of Ukraine, to create conditions for their creative growth, and to promote the establishment of universal and national values.

The competition was moderated by Larysa Danylchuk, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor, Professor of the Social Pedagogy Department of Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University.

The opening of the competition began with a welcoming speech by the rector of Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Olena Karaman, who expressed sincere support for the participants of the competition, emphasized the importance of developing the scientific potential of young people, forming intercultural competence and the ability to constructive dialogue in the face of modern challenges. In her speech, the rector emphasized the significance of such events for the professional self-determination of high school students and their further scientific growth.

On behalf of the eastern partners of the competition, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Republic of Iraq in Ukraine, Minister Plenipotentiary Tarek Adil Kazem, addressed the participants, noting the importance of intercultural dialogue as the basis of mutual understanding between peoples, emphasized the role of youth in building a peaceful and open society, and also wished the participants inspiration, success and new scientific achievements.

During the first day of the competition, participants presented the results of their own scientific research on the problems of intercultural communication, preservation of national identity, combination of tradition and innovation in the development of a modern personality. The speeches were distinguished by the relevance of the topic, depth of analysis and creative approach to revealing the selected problems.

Based on the results of the discussion of the reports, the participants received meaningful recommendations from the jury members, had the opportunity to ask questions, share their own thoughts and exchange experiences.

The work of the competition will continue, ahead is the next stage, summing up and determining the winners who demonstrated the highest level of scientific training and research skills, will take place on May 1, 2026.

According to the Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology