The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has initiated an expert dialogue focused on transforming physical education. This event was organized in collaboration with the Small Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, JuniorS, UNIT.City, and the NGO «Education 360» as part of the initiative «Education for Life», which supports the NUS reform. The ministry gathered experts to discuss new teaching methods in physical education.

The event was opened by Nadia Kuzmychova, Deputy Minister of Education and Science, who emphasized the need to adapt physical education to current challenges, particularly the impacts of war and the pandemic. She noted that the outcomes of this meeting would be incorporated into the educational concepts for the area of «Physical Culture» and others, which are expected to be published in spring 2025. The pilot implementation of the updated curriculum will commence in autumn 2025 for fifth grades across three educational sectors: arts, technology, and natural sciences. Additionally, the policy will involve upgrading workshops and laboratories for basic schools.

The program included two panel discussions. The first one, titled «The Purpose of Physical Education», was moderated by Oleksandr Pedan, who facilitated a Q&A session with Deputy Minister of Education and Science Nadia Kuzmychova and Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Serhii Tymofiev.

«Physical education in educational institutions is not just a lesson; it's the foundation for a healthy future. It should engage students in physical activity rather than merely meeting standards. Education must account for each child's individuality, revealing their strengths, which aligns perfectly with the spirit of the NUS reform,» stated Nadia Kuzmychova.

The second panel discussion focused on «The Graduate Profile: How Should Physical Education Prepare Children for a Changing World?». Participants included:

• Konstantin Yevtushenko — managing partner at Unit.city;
• Oleksandr Sekirin — founder of the «All Stars» Dance School;
• Maria Pavlichuk — co-founder of the NGO «JuniorS».

Experts emphasized the importance of a practical approach to physical education, enabling students to learn how to stay active in today's world, develop lifelong healthy habits, and find the sports or activities that inspire them.

After the panel discussions, forum participants formed groups to work on concrete solutions for updating physical education and sharing their professional experiences.

The physical education roundtable is part of a broader consultation process that includes surveys of educators, parents, and students. The Ministry plans to conduct further meetings across all educational sectors, which can be joined through the website educationforlife.mon.gov.ua in the section «Who is it for?».