Educational Event for the Day of Dignity and Freedom for Students of Group UFP-21s of the Educational and Professional Program “Public Administration and Business Management”

On November 25, 2025, an educational discussion dedicated to the Day of Dignity and Freedom was held for the students of group UFP-21s, conducted by the group advisor, PhD in Public Administration, Associate Professor of the Department of Public Administration and Business Management, Olena Reshota.

During the event, which aimed not only to honor the memory of the participants of the Revolution of Dignity but also to reflect on its impact on the modern development of Ukrainian society, the socio-political preconditions for establishing the values of dignity, freedom, and democracy – foundational to the state-building processes of independent Ukraine – were thoroughly examined.

During the discussion, the lecturer emphasized that the events of the Revolution of Dignity in 2013-2014, which began as a peaceful protest by students and civic activists against the government’s refusal to pursue the European integration course, gradually evolved into a large-scale nationwide movement aimed at protecting human rights, freedom of speech, and the dignity of every citizen. It was noted that it was during this period that Ukrainian society demonstrated unprecedented unity, as thousands of people took to Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kyiv, expressing their aspirations for justice, equality, and the rule of law.

Special attention was given to the heroism of the Maidan participants who, despite violent confrontations with law enforcement, defended democratic values and the ideals of Ukraine’s European choice. The tragic events of February 2014 were recalled, during which dozens of peaceful protesters were killed; these individuals became known as the “Heavenly Hundred,” whose sacrifice became a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people.

It was emphasized that the events of the Revolution of Dignity led to a reassessment of the role of civil society in state governance processes and contributed to the emergence of a new generation of young leaders for whom democratic values, openness, and transparency of government are integral components of modern public administration.

The lecturer highlighted that educational events of this format, during which students have the opportunity to reflect on historical events through the lens of the present, contribute to the development of a high level of civic consciousness, critical thinking, and an understanding of the individual’s role in state-building processes.

The tragic events of the Revolution of Dignity convincingly testify to the high price of freedom paid by the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred with their lives, a price that Ukrainians continue to pay today in defending the independence, dignity, and right to a free future of their country.