Palacký University and the US Embassy in Prague have reaffirmed their commitment to further developing Czech-American relations. Palacký University Rector Michael Kohajda and Nicholas Barnett, Head of the Public Diplomacy Section at the US Embassy, have signed a new memorandum of cooperation for a further two years. The agreement primarily concerns the operation of the American Centre Olomouc and its educational and cultural activities.
The American Centre Olomouc is located on the premises of Palacký University on Vodární Street and forms part of the international American Spaces network. It creates an open space for education, meetings and dialogue, familiarises the Czech public with American society, culture and the education system, and contributes to mutual understanding between the two countries.
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“The new memorandum builds on the previous agreement from 2024. Both institutions renew it regularly at two-year intervals, thereby confirming their long-term commitment to mutual cooperation, the sharing of experiences and the promotion of Czech-American relations. The agreement primarily defines cooperation in ensuring the operation of the American Centre Olomouc and the preparation of its programme,” summarised UP Vice-Rector Ivona Barešová, who also attended the signing of the memorandum. Also present were Vít Nejedlo, Director of the American Centre, which forms part of the US Embassy in Prague, and Lukáš Merz, Head of the American Centre in Olomouc.
Public lectures, discussions, information sessions and other educational and cultural events form an important part of the centre’s activities. Its programme is aimed not only at students and university staff, but also at schools and the general public from Olomouc and the wider region. All the centre’s services and activities are provided free of charge.
Another part of Nicholas Barnett’s visit to Palacký University was the launch of the ‘Leadership Matters’ course at the Student Club in Zbrojnice.
