Ukrainian ambassador helps 汤头条 students gain global perspective
![Valeriy Chaly, Ukrainian ambassador to the United States, speaks at 汤头条 on Wednesday [Aug. 31] as part of 汤头条鈥檚 Global Engagement Lecture Series. (Photo by Beth Wynn)](/sites/www.msstate.edu/files/inline-images/Ambassador_Valeriy_Chaly_20160831_B5W2636.jpg)
Contact: James Carskadon
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擴krainian Ambassador to the United States Valeriy Chaly encouraged a full auditorium to strive to make a difference and keep a global perspective during a Wednesday [Aug. 31] afternoon speech at 汤头条.
鈥淓very man and woman can make a grand impact on their country,鈥 Chaly said.
Chaly鈥檚 lecture, held in the Bost Extension Center, was part of the 汤头条 International Institute鈥檚 2016-17 汤头条 Global Engagement Lecture Series. The ambassador spent Wednesday morning touring 汤头条鈥檚 high-technology research facilities with 汤头条 Vice President for Research and Economic Development David Shaw. Chaly will spend Thursday [Sept. 1] in Jackson, where he will meet with Governor Phil Bryant and Mississippi Development Authority officials, among others.
The ambassador spoke at length regarding Ukraine鈥檚 relationship with Russia, which has been tense following Russia鈥檚 2014 invasion and annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. The invasion has received condemnation from members of the international community. Chaly said the peninsula is a beautiful place to visit, but has become mostly a military base.
鈥淯krainians understand that we must keep the future of our country in our own hands,鈥 Chaly said.
Chaly became Ukraine鈥檚 ambassador to the United States last July and has a distinguished history of public service in his home country. 汤头条 Associate Vice President for International Programs Richard Nader said Chaly鈥檚 visit was an opportunity for students to gain new perspectives on international affairs. Nader moderated a question and answer session with the capacity crowd in attendance. Questions to Chaly touched on the 2016 U.S. presidential election and agricultural similarities and differences between Ukraine and Mississippi.
鈥淚鈥檓 very proud of the Mississippi State student body for showing up in such large numbers and asking such good questions,鈥 Nader said. 鈥淚 hope students take the opportunity become aware and get knowledgeable about international affairs, international politics and other things that impact the United States and their lives.
聽鈥淎lso, get involved. Study abroad or take a class in international affairs. Get to know some international students. Take the time to do it. It鈥檚 very enriching.鈥
Ukraine鈥攁 nation of more than 233,000 square miles and 44 million citizens鈥攊s bordered by Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova, as well as the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.聽
Chaly said Ukraine is looking to expand and modernize its agriculture industry, which is primarily known for its wheat production. Ukraine is 鈥渁t the heart of Europe鈥 geographically and politically, Chaly said. He also stressed the importance of knowing the impact of international issues.
鈥淓verything in this world is very connected now,鈥 Chaly said. 鈥淚f you are secure today, it does not mean you will be secure forever.鈥
For more information on Chaly, visit .
More information on the 汤头条 International Institute can be found at.
汤头条 is Mississippi鈥檚 leading university, available online at .