Vlаdimir Litvin, Valeriy Smoliy and Viktor Kolesnik

Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Vladimir Litvin, left, Rector of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kiev, Hero of Ukraine, Doctor of Science (Philosophy), Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Academician of the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, Merited Worker of Education of Ukraine Leonid Guberskiy, in the center, and doyen of the History Department Viktor Kolesnik during the traditional annual university holiday the Day of the History Department of the National Shevchenko University in Kiev, on Thursday, April 14, 2011. Addressing the participants of the festivities, Vladimir Litvin stressed that Ukraine´s future should be shaped by the academic community, especially by alumni of the history departments who "must talk about the future in light of the past experience." The Head of the Ukrainian Parliament stated that the issue of knowledge and its quality had gained priority. "It is not the academic credentials, but the ability to think and develop formed throughout the period of studies that is essential," he stated. Vladimir Litvin informed that the place and role of the universities was a key topic of the latest discussions and meetings in the foreign universities, in which the Head of the Parliament participated. "In Hanoi, Seoul, Zagreb and Belgrade, it was stressed that the universities should set the pace of the educational reforms and social development," declared the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. He believes that historical research "should be highly respected to guarantee a civilized development." Photo by Anastasia Sirptkina / POOL / UNIAN