On October 24, 2025, Comrat State University hosted a thematic meeting in the format of a “Thematic Café” as part of the research project “Strengthening Intercultural Dialogue and Inclusion in the University Environment of Southern Moldova”, implemented with the support of the Sergio Vieira de Mello Academic Chair (SVMAC) Grant Program and in partnership with the Lawyers’ Center (Centrul de Drept al Avocaților).
The event brought together over 40 participants, including 10 Ukrainian citizens benefiting from temporary protection in the Republic of Moldova. The meeting was opened by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Serghei Zaharia, Rector of Comrat State University, who emphasized the importance of fostering intercultural dialogue and social inclusion within academia.
Vice-Rector for Research and External Relations, Dr. Svetlana Ghenova, highlighted the value of university partnerships under the SVMAC program and expressed gratitude to the Lawyers’ Center for supporting academic initiatives promoting the integration of youth and vulnerable groups.
Project Coordinator, Dr. Habil. Prof. Alla Levitskaia, presented the objectives of DiVersiUni (Diversity + University + Dialogue), which combines research and educational activities aimed at strengthening tolerance and inclusivity in the academic environment.
The agenda featured a lecture by lawyer Alla Kebac (Public Center, Cahul) on refugee rights protection and temporary protection mechanisms in Moldova, as established by Government Decision No. 21/2023. Dr. Habil. Assoc. Prof. Șciuchina (Faculty of Law) and Valentina Kalegji-Pogîrc, Coordinator of the Comrat Public Center, moderated the discussions and group work.
During the interactive dialogue, students from the Law and Economics faculties -both Moldovan citizens and those under temporary protection - exchanged views on:
• what temporary protection means and what rights it entails;
• the barriers refugee students face in university integration;
• whether cultural diversity is a resource or a challenge for the education system.
The event was part of the series “Educational Dialogue: Speak. Listen. Understand.”, promoting intercultural communication and academic solidarity.
The project is implemented jointly by Comrat State University and “B.P. Hasdeu” State University of Cahul, with the support of the SVMAC Grant Program and the Lawyers’ Center.
Project Coordinator: Dr. Habil. Prof. Alla Levitskaia.
