Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute

FESTIVE MEETING OF THE SCIENTIFIC COUNCIL OF
YURIY FEDKOVYCH CHERNIVTSI NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
on the 150th anniversary of the university

Solemn Awarding of Mantles Ceremony
2025-10-02

On-Site Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, Ukraine
On-Site Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute, Norway
Zoom link

Awarding of the title
DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSA
To Professor h.c. mult., Doctor h.c. mult., Fil. Dr. Jan-Urban Sandal, Norway

Acceptance Speech

Rector Ruslan Biloskursky,
Members of the Academic Counsel of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University,
The Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Roman Hresko,
The Head of the Department of International Economics, Oleksandr Saienko,
Dear Students,
Distinguished Guests,
Friends,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon,
It is a great honor for me to receive the highest recognition and distinction from Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University; Doctor Honoris Causa. It serves as motivation and inspiration for further meaningful contributions to international cooperation and to the development of science and education. The long and impressive history of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, the remarkable list of talented students, dedicated and famous professors and honorary doctors make this recognition from your university a privilege for me. I hereby express my deepest gratitude.

My first contact with Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University goes back to the autumn of 2012. 2012 is a remarkable year in economic history and the history of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University as it marks the 100th anniversary of the publication of Professor Joseph A. Schumpeter`s famous book: Theorie der wirtschaftlichen Entwicklung, written during his time as a young professor at the university in Chernivtsi between 1909 and 1911.

The foundation of my interest in the theories of Professor Schumpeter was developed and consolidated during my studies at Lund University and reflects my academic analysis in scientific theses that constitute my bachelor`s degree, master`s degree in social sciences, and doctorate in philosophy. I have had the privilege of meeting many outstanding people during my academic career, and at a time like this, it is right to remember.

In 2012, I decided that my institute, the Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute would open a four-year global academic research program in honor of the Austrian German American citizen, Professor Joseph A. Schumpeter, covering his life and his work and the research program was called “In the footsteps of the early Josep Alois Schumpeter.” The program includes site visits to important places where the young professor had lived and worked; archive research, interviews of key persons on site, global lecturing and speaking tours, newspaper, journal, radio and television interviews, exchange of books and literature, library research on sites, meetings with leaders, and members of business and organizations, governments, finance institutions, and trade fairs and exhibitions, all with the purpose of carrying out the research program. The research program included trips to the United States of America (Harvard University), the Czeck Republik, Ukraine, Germany, Austria, Japan, and Egypt. The results and fruits of the Professor Joseph Schumpeter four-year program are extensive; many scientific articles and one monograph have been published, the number of summits has passed 101, internation academic university networks have been established, many students and academicians have attended courses at the Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute and graduated after passing exams, doctorates have defended their theses and research centers and conferences have been established and are operating successfully.

During my first trip under the Schumpeter program, I visited Chernivtsi and met a very friendly and cooperative environment that was eager to collaborate, and this is where our collaboration begins. There are so many people that I have met at the university over the past years and that I would like to pay tribute to, even thou I cannot mention them all. Some of the highlights comprising our collaboration are the Joseph Schumpeter Economic Research Center, the International Schumpeter Conference 'The Scientific Heritage of Joseph Schumpeter and Modernity: A Look from the Past to the Future', the opening of the Joseph A. Schumpeter Lecture Hall, and Reading Clubs.

The degree I receive today is a recognition of my dedication to internation independent science, and the value of innovation as a mechanism of change to make the world a better place for everyone, and activities combining excellence in science, education, international diplomacy, and public service, embracing all corners of the world, leaving no one behind in the process of development.

Once again, I express my deepest gratitude for the great honor it is to receive the highest recognition and distinction from Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University; Doctor Honoris Causa, and I look forward to the continued journey in science, education, culture and international exchanges.

Thank you.
Doctor Honoris Causa of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University,
Professor h.c. mult., Doctor h.c. mult., Fil. Dr. Jan-Urban Sandal

Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute

AFFILIATED HONORARY RESEARCH FELLOW

4-year program

Promotion Ceremony

2025-08-12
Promotion for the title of
PATRON OF PHILOSOPHY

Promotion Gratitude Speech

Ceremonial Grand Marshal Summit Chair Prof. Fil. Dr. Jan-Urban Sandal,
APEX Honorary Scientific Fellows,
Patron of Philosophy,
Distinguished Participants,
Friends,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Prof. Dr. Jan-Urban Sandal,
Honorable Rector and Owner of Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute
Patron of Philosophy Nadina Helen Bakos,
Prof. Dr. Vitalii Dankevych and
Distinguished Participants,

Good afternoon,
     Today marks another significant moment in my life, the culmination of years of dedication, persistent determination and discovery. As I stand here, humbled and honored, I speak after having walked this long and often challenging path.
     First and foremost, I extend my deepest gratitude to this esteemed Institute- a place for scientific transformation. I am deeply indebted to Prof. Jan-Urban Sandal for supervision and the privileges of conducting my independent researches in social entrepreneurship, economic history and political economy.
     Prof. Dr. Jan, to you, as the supervisor for my research, I profoundly appreciate you for believing in me. Your mentorship goes to the vast extended area of economics and other branches of social science which has significant connection with my researches in multiple ways. Your discerning feedback and unwavering support strengthened my ideas and my passion to stand as a thoughtful scholar and reflective thinker.
     Once again, thank you- for the opportunities, the challenges and the memories.
May we go forth and make meaningful contributions to the world while we work together in the field of science.

Thank you!
Patron of Philosophy Dr. Achyut Nepal
Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute

Thank you.

Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute

AFFILIATED HONORARY RESEARCH FELLOW

4-year program

Promotion Ceremony

2025-08-12
Promotion for the title of
PATRON OF PHILOSOPHY

Promotion Speech

Ceremonial Grand Marshal Summit Chair Prof. Fil. Dr. Jan-Urban Sandal,
APEX Honorary Scientific Fellows,
Patron of Philosophy,
Distinguished Participants,
Friends,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

For the Promotion Ceremony of Achyut Nepal,

Ceremony Speech – Patron of Philosophy Dr. Achyut Nepal

Dear Patron of Philosophy Dr. Achyut Nepal,
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen,
     I am very happy and proud to be here today. This is a special day because we celebrate the great work and success of Patron of Philosophy Dr. Achyut Nepal.
     Patron of Philosophy Dr. Nepal is a very special person. He is a great teacher, a great leader, and a great researcher. For many years, he has worked in finance and economics. He has had important jobs in government, in public companies, and in many organizations in Nepal and in other countries. Everywhere he worked, he brought good results and helped people.
     He has made big changes in infrastructure, like hydropower and water supply and sanitation, and in financial management. He also works to bring people together from government and business, so that they can make strong projects together.
     Since 2017, Patron of Philosophy Dr. Nepal has been part of the Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute. He studied, worked hard, and completed the Affiliated Honorary Research Fellow program. Today he received the title Patron of Philosophy. This is a very high honor, and I believe Patron of Philosophy Dr. Nepal truly deserves it.
     This award is not only for his great knowledge, but also for his big heart and his wish to make the world better. His work in social entrepreneurship and his research on helping people without energy are very important for many communities.
     Patron of Philosophy Dr. Nepal, you have worked with passion, dedication, and kindness. You inspire all of us to do more, to learn more, and to help more. You fully deserve this recognition.
     Congratulations, Patron of Philosophy Dr. Nepal. I wish you good health, much happiness, and many more successes in the future.

Thank you.
Anastasiia Babaieva
Polissia National University student
SISS 2025 Class # 5, participant

Thank you.

Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute

AFFILIATED HONORARY RESEARCH FELLOW

4-year program

Promotion Ceremony

2025-08-12
On-Site Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute
Promotion for the title of
PATRON OF PHILOSOPHY

Promotion Speech

Ceremonial Grand Marshal Summit Chair Prof. Fil. Dr. Jan-Urban Sandal,
APEX Honorary Scientific Fellows,
Patron of Philosophy,
Distinguished Participants,
Friends,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

For the Promotion Ceremony of Achyut Nepal,
On behalf of APEX and Honorary Research Fellows,
APEX h. c. Fellow Dr. Iryna L. Lytvynchuk,

Dear colleagues, guests, and members of the Jan-U. Sandal Institute community,
     It is a privilege to join you today to mark an important milestone — not only for one individual, but for all of us who share a common vision of academic freedom, international cooperation, and social responsibility.
     The Jan-U. Sandal Institute is a unique institution in the global academic landscape. It stands firmly for the universal values of science: independence, integrity, and the continuous search for knowledge that serves society. In a time when education is often shaped by short-term goals and external pressure, this Institute preserves and promotes the tradition of pure, free, and open scientific inquiry.

     It is this foundation that makes the Institute more than an academic program. It is a living platform — a place where people from different countries and disciplines come together to learn, reflect, and take responsibility for the world they help shape. Through the APEX philosophy and the full scientific program, participants are invited not only to grow intellectually, but also to develop the courage to act with clarity and principle.
     Today we recognize Achyut Nepal, who officially receives the insignias and the title of Patron of Philosophy, built upon his Honorary Research Fellowship. With this step, he joins a global network of scholars and practitioners committed to building bridges between theory and practice, between vision and implementation.
     The Promotion Ceremony is not simply a formality — it is a moment to pause and acknowledge what we stand for. The insignias we present are not decorations. They are a symbol of readiness — to take part in building a more thoughtful, just, and informed society.
On behalf of the Honorary Research Fellows and the broader APEX community, I extend my congratulations to Achyut and my deep respect to Professor Jan-U. Sandal for creating and sustaining a program that holds firm to academic rigor while remaining open to global dialogue.
     Let this ceremony renew our shared commitment to science without borders, learning without compromise, and action guided by knowledge.

Thank you.

Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute

AFFILIATED HONORARY RESEARCH FELLOW

4-year program

Promotion Ceremony

2025-08-12
On-Site Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute
Promotion for the title of
PATRON OF PHILOSOPHY

Promotion Speech

Ceremonial Grand Marshal Summit Chair Prof. Fil. Dr. Jan-Urban Sandal,
APEX Honorary Scientific Fellows,
Patron of Philosophy,
Distinguished Participants,
Friends,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

For the Promotion Ceremony of Achyut Nepal,
Patron of Philosophy Nadina Helen Bakos,

Esteemed guests, honored colleagues, and fellow scientists,
     I stand before you with immense joy and deep respect to honor an individual whose work embodies science and integrity. It is a privilege to celebrate this remarkable scientific milestone, which is a testament to intellectual rigor, curiosity, and commitment.
     Today, we honor Achyut Nepal, with the Patron of Philosophy title and whose thesis: “Social Entrepreneurship and Political Economy as an Influencing Factor” represents not only an exceptional academic accomplishment, but also a significant contribution to the field of social entrepreneurship. In a world facing urgent social challenges, we need independent scientists capable of examining complex problems. Studies on social entrepreneurship encourage us to understand how innovation can serve humanity and create a better world.
     The promotion ceremony is a symbol of excellence and a recognition of dedication. It takes years of study, disciplined research, and the courage to ask difficult questions. It affirms that creative ideas, when nurtured with integrity and purpose, can shape the future. This ceremony is not only a recognition of excellence, but also a call to continue your scientific research.
     As a Patron of Philosophy, I extend heartfelt congratulations to you, Achyut Nepal. May this ceremony serve as a reminder of the significance of your work and as encouragement for the many chapters of achievement that lie ahead.

Thank you.

Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute

AFFILIATED HONORARY RESEARCH FELLOW

4-year program

Promotion Ceremony

2025-08-12
Promotion for the title of
PATRON OF PHILOSOPHY

Promotion Speech

Ceremonial Grand Marshal Summit Chair Prof. Fil. Dr. Jan-Urban Sandal,
APEX Honorary Scientific Fellows,
Patron of Philosophy,
Distinguished Participants,
Friends,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

For the Promotion Ceremony of Achyut Nepal,

Official Letter of Appreciation and Congratulations

Dear Patron of Philosophy Dr. Achyut Nepal,
     As Dean of the Faculty of Law, Public Administration and National Security at Polissia National University, I sincerely congratulate you on being awarded the title of Patron of Philosophy by the Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute. This is a well-deserved recognition of your dedication, knowledge, and hard work over the years of your fellowship program.
     Thank you for your meaningful contribution to the development of social entrepreneurship and for your research that combines theory with real-world practice. Your ideas and experience are a valuable source of inspiration for colleagues, students, and the wider professional community.
     Your deep analysis of the connection between political economy, social innovation, and entrepreneurship brings clarity to important concepts and helps build a foundation for future developments in this field. Such work is especially valuable in today’s rapidly changing world.
     I also highly appreciate your commitment to sharing your findings openly, making them accessible to the international academic and professional community. This openness strengthens collaboration and creates opportunities for further progress.
     I wish you strong health, new professional achievements, and continued success in all your future projects. May your work bring even greater benefits to society and open new opportunities for cooperation around the world.

With respect,
Prof. Vitalii Dankevych
Dean of the Faculty of Law, Public Administration and National Security
Polissia National University
SISS 2025, Class # 5, participant

Thank you.

Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute

AFFILIATED HONORARY RESEARCH FELLOW

4-year program

Promotion Ceremony

2025-08-12
Promotion for the title of
PATRON OF PHILOSOPHY

Promotion Speech

Ceremonial Grand Marshal Summit Chair Prof. Fil. Dr. Jan-Urban Sandal,
APEX Honorary Scientific Fellows,
Patron of Philosophy,
Distinguished Participants,
Friends,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

For the Promotion Ceremony of Achyut Nepal,

Ceremony Speech - Achyut Nepal

Dear Patron of Philosophy Dr. Achyut Nepal,
     Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on being awarded the prestigious title of Patron of Philosophy by the Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute. This recognition is a true testament to your unwavering dedication to academic excellence, your outstanding contributions to the fields of finance and economics, and your lifelong commitment to public service and social impact.
     Your impressive career — marked by leadership roles in government, public enterprises, and both international and national organizations — reflects not only deep expertise but also a strong sense of responsibility toward sustainable development.             Your focus on infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and project finance has created lasting value.
     I am especially inspired by your ongoing research on the role of social entrepreneurship in addressing energy poverty — a topic that is both urgent and essential for creating inclusive and equitable economic growth.
     It is a great honor to witness your achievements. I wish you continued success, good health, and many more milestones in your journey of impact and innovation.

With deepest respect and warmest congratulations
Tetiana Liubchenko
Student of Polissia National University
SISS 2025 Class # 5, participant

Thank you.

Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute

AFFILIATED HONORARY RESEARCH FELLOW

4-year program

Promotion Ceremony

2024-06-17
Promotion for the title of
PATRON OF PHILOSOPHY

Speech of Gratitude

Ceremonial Grand Marshal Summit Chair Prof. Fil. Dr. Jan-Urban Sandal,
Distinguished Participants, Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very much grateful to summit chair Prof. Jan-Urban Sandal for this opportunity to speak on this 94th Summit Conversations on Emerging Issues in Social Entrepreneurship Worldwide.

In this momentous day, I am going to say just few words on accepting me by the Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute for the title of Patron of Philosophy after completion of the 4-year fellowship program.

During this period of 4-year affiliated honorary research fellow program under the supervision of Prof. Jan, my time and effort were mostly revolving around the connection of political economy, social innovation and entrepreneurship. As I believe, I was successful to dig out many crucial facts from the conceptual and theoretical perspectives in analyzing the practical experiences collected for the study under the guidance of Prof. Jan. Most of my work were concentrated on the above theme and the whole work has been concluded in the thesis of the program and is available in the institute’s website.

I think innovation can also be analyzed broadly from two perspectives; the corporate innovation and social innovation. Whereas corporate innovation is driven by the market and the customer demand; social innovation is motivated to fulfill the growing unmet need of the society, and this necessitate social entrepreneurs. Every one of us can notice that in the review of the lots of studies consisting of the body of the knowledge of social entrepreneurship; the words philanthropy, volunteering, charity and business-like things are used. With this anyone can observe some type of ambiguity while trying to go deep for the correct understanding of social entrepreneurship. Social entrepreneurship is neither philanthropy, volunteering nor charity like things as it has been generally interpreted and understood. Also, it differs from the business enterprise as understood in general. Social entrepreneurship, in fact, can accommodate all the above along with a clear economic objective of putting an innovation into practice for transforming the society. Obviously, social entrepreneurs are supposed to efficiently handle the challenges and exploit the opportunity created by the political economy. Because social entrepreneurs are the individual who can think outside the box.

This is also related to the findings of my study under the 4-year program of the institute. I request you to visit the institute for full understanding of my contribution. I am very glad to share in this forum that my work has been accepted for the title of the institute.

Last but not least, I am thankful to all who come across this journey. Specially, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Prof. Dr. Jan-Urban Sandal, the wisdom, patience, and insightful guidance of Prof. Jan have been invaluable in this hard-earned Patron of Philosophy title of the institute.

Thank you!

Patron of Philosophy Dr. Achyut Nepal