A key goal for DESTIN, as outlined in our Erasmus+ application, is the creation of a practitioner research and development network for journalism to ensure the sustainability of DESTIN’s work beyond August 2022. The Ukrainian Forum for Educators in Media and Journalism was formally established in December 2021 under the management of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, and brings together all ten of DESTIN’s Ukrainian university partner]. Thanks to DESTIN, the UFEMJ has already been granted exceptional affiliated status with the European Journalism Training Association. 

As the first network of its kind, the Ukrainian Forum for Educators in Media and Journalism will play a crucial role in the future development of Ukrainian journalism and media education. By helping university programmes to respond effectively to the changing needs of Ukrainian students, media sector, and society while also remaining aligned with international educational frameworks and approaches, it will ensure that journalism and media education at the partner universities continues to be innovative, dynamic, relevant, and internationally engaged.