Our Speakers Featured in International Academic Forum “Shevchenko Spring 2026”

On 2 April 2026, the international scientific and practical conference “Shevchenko Spring” was held in Kyiv at the Institute of International Relations of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. The programme brought together early-career researchers, academics, and students, with 120 presentations scheduled across the conference, making it a major international platform for academic exchange.

The conference was organized in partnership with several academic institutions and professors from: Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (Germany), Lisbon Polytechnic Institute (Portugal), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (Norway), and Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (Georgia).

The programme included a wide range of thematic sessions, including International Relations, Current Issues in International Security, Contemporary Diplomatic Practices and Mechanisms of International Cooperation, International Law, Comparative and European Law, and International Economic Relations.

The conference programme featured speakers from “Media Voice”, whose presentations addressed media freedom, solidarity, information warfare, and democratic resilience in Georgia and Ukraine.

Professor Mariam Gersamia, Chairwoman of Media Voice and a member of the Organising Committee, together with “Media Voice” fellows Gvantsa Gurgenidze and Marika Gersamia, presented the study “Comparative Analysis of the European Media Freedom Act and Georgia’s Media Legislation in Times of Crisis.” The paper offered a critical comparative perspective on current debates around repressive laws, media law, freedom of expression, and democratic standards. The study was prepared with the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom South Caucasus and the German Federal Foreign Office.

Ekatherine Gigauri, Senior Fellow at Media Voice, delivered the presentation “Russia’s War in Ukraine and Solidarity of the Georgian Media.” Her contribution highlighted the importance of solidarity, professional responsibility, and the role of media in times of war.

Teona Tskhomelidze, MA in International Relations and Executive Director of Media Voice, presented the study “Dark Side of Cyberspace: Challenges of Information Warfare and Security (Case of Georgia).” Her presentation focused on the information-security dimension of contemporary conflicts and the risks that digital and media environments face in both the Georgian and Ukrainian contexts.

For Media Voice, participation in this conference “Shevchenko Spring 2026” was an expression of sincere support for Ukraine and for Ukrainian academics, who, despite extremely difficult circumstances, continue to teach, conduct research, and share knowledge with the world. Their dedication, professionalism, and resilience deserve deep respect.

Cooperation between “Media Voice” and Institute of International Relations of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv is particularly important today. Such collaboration strengthens international academic dialogue, encourages the exchange of ideas and experience, and reinforces the shared values of freedom, critical thinking, and solidarity. “Media Voice” highly values this partnership and looks forward to continuing meaningful cooperation with Ukrainian colleagues in the future.