Alexander Popov, Head of the Kyiv City Administration, visited the National University of "Kyiv-Mohyla Academy" on February 26. In a meeting with Dr. Serhiy Kvit, president of NaUKMA, and members of the university’s administration, Mr. Popov proposed a partnership for the renovation and recovery of the area of Podil as a tourist attraction and acultural and historiccenter of the capital.

Mr. Popov stated that, “We understand the need to preserve the ancient part of Kyiv and we are particularly interested to restore this historic area. Podil is inextricably linked with the history of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.” He presented his vision of making Sahaidachny Street, Podil’s main street, a pedestrian area closed to traffic, and designating it as a recreation area for residents and tourists, as is the case in European cities. Mr. Popov explained that, “such a plan can be made possible because of the reconstruction of Kontraktova Square”.

He urged Kyiv Mohyla Academy to become actively involved in the city’s planning and redevelopment of the area. Specifically, he stated that students canbecome part of the effort by bringing their own proposals and designs for reconstruction of Kontraktova Square. Mr. Popov encouraged students to initiateand sponsor culturaland entertainment events,and to join the city’s effort to redevelop and preserve the historic area with its own unique architectural identity, and its own legends and traditions.

According to Mr. Popov, "Kyiv Mohyla Academy is a major historic, educational institution covering a large geographic area of the ancient part of the city, and the university has an integral part in the revival of Podil”. This is even more evident given the fact that in 2015 Kyiv Mohyla Academy will celebrate its 400-th anniversary. Oleksandr Popov expressed his intention to use every effort to support the commemoration of this anniversary, and to assist in the work of restoration ofthe university’s historic buildings and campus, including the building known as the Old Academic Building, originally built by Hetman Ivan Mazepa. Mr. Popov also proposed the creation of a City Tourism Information Center at the university, anddiscussed the facilitation and growth of the Center of Excellence for IT Professionals, and to involve its graduates in the socio-economic development of Kyiv.

Serhiy Kvit, President of the National University Kyiv-Mohyla Academyassured Alexander Popov that the university will support a collaborative approach in restoring Kyiv’s historic Podil area and the university’s campus. He emphasized the university’s commitment to the preservation of Podil as a historic legacy.

Podil is a historic area of Kyiv. Situated close to the Dnipro River, it is one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city, and the birthplace of the city's trade, commerce, and industry. It includes many national architectural and historical landmarks. Acheologicalsites are still being uncovered. Kyiv Mohyla Academy was founded in Podil in 1615.