Over two years into the full-scale war, Ukrainian youth have emerged as a vital force in strengthening the country’s civil society. Recognizing this, our partners are dedicated to empowering young activists.
In this edition, we explore how Ukrainian youth are navigating the challenges of war and how CSOs are contributing to the development of the next generation. We also highlight the international advocacy efforts of our partners towards Ukraine’s victory and share exciting grant opportunities for professionals working in cultural heritage preservation.
Stay with us for key updates you won’t want to miss!
Most young Ukrainians believe their future mainly depends on their own efforts. According to a survey conducted by the International Republican Institute and IREX, youth engagement in Ukrainian civil society has increased compared to last year. The percentage of young people donating to military (e.g., drones, vehicles) grew from 92% to 94%. Those contributing to humanitarian causes, such as supporting internally displaced persons, animals, orphans, and other needs, increased from 76% to 78%. Additionally, the number of respondents signing e-petitions rose from 68% to 75%, while participation in cultural or sports events climbed from 58% to 65%.
Civil society news
USAID/ENGAGE Partner Assesses Kherson Residents’ Views on Demographic and Migration Challenges
On November 14, the Kherson Community Foundation “Zakhyst” released the results of a survey exploring Kherson residents’ perspectives on demographic and migration issues.
The survey revealed that restoring the city’s population will rely on promoting entrepreneurial development (66% of respondents), rebuilding damaged infrastructure (60%), and supporting young families (54%).
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USAID/ENGAGE Partners Launch Interactive Game on State-Building for Youth
This week, our partners, the CHESNO Movement and the Ukrainian Leadership Academy (ULA), launched an interactive online game called New Citizens.
The game engages youth in learning about state-building processes in Ukraine through quizzes covering seven topics, including Ukrainian history, politics, and state procedures.
Top players will receive prizes and invitations to the ULA forum Sophia of Kyiv, where they will network with policymakers and experts.
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GoGlobal Supports Ukrainian Youth at TEDxYouth in Lviv
On November 15, our partner GoGlobal co-organized the TEDxYouth Conference in Lviv. The event focused on empowering youth and featured participants from the “Generation of Victory” project.
Speakers shared ideas to inspire new initiatives, explore opportunities within Ukraine, and develop public speaking skills. Topics included the role of history, culture, and art during wartime, the impact of social projects, and ways to drive community change.
The conference was attended by local authorities and community leaders.
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ICUV Advocates for Ukraine’s Victory on the International Stage
From November 18–20, our partner, the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV), will conduct an advocacy visit to Oslo, Norway. The delegation will meet with the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participate in a pro-Ukraine rally, and advocate for increased support for Ukraine, expanded sanctions against Russia, and solutions to energy security issues.
On November 19, ICUV co-founder Hanna Hopko will spoke at a hearing in Washington, D.C., marking 1,000 days of Russia’s war. The discussions will focused on the war’s impact, Ukraine’s path to victory, and ongoing threats from Russia and its allies.
On November 20, ICUV will participate in the Moldova Security Forum, where co-founder Olena Halushka will join a panel on Ukraine’s reconstruction plan.
On the same day, ICUV will also join the Belgrade Security Conference. Iryna Krasnoshtan will speak on a panel discussing the political implications of Russia’s war for Eastern Europe, alongside more than 500 policymakers and security experts.
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UAME to Highlight War in Ukraine at the European Festival Summit
On November 18-20, our partners from Ukrainian Association of Music Events (UAME) will participate in the European Festival Summit in Karlsruhe, Germany. The event will bring together music industry leaders to discuss resilience, responsibility, and the future of music festivals.
On November 19, UAME will present the documentary Music Ambassadors Tour 2024, showcasing the Music Saves Ukraine project. The film features international festival organizers and artists who visited Ukraine to witness the realities of life during the war.
Opportunities
Share Your Cultural Preservation Project Ideas!
The Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation is open for submissions. The Fund helps to protect historic buildings, archaeological sites, museum collections, and traditional cultural expressions like indigenous languages and crafts around the world. Selected projects will receive funding between $25,000 and $500,000.
What we read?
Displaced Ukrainian Youth: Disrupted Futures
The forced displacement of Ukrainian youth poses a significant threat to the country’s future human capital. A report by the Berlin Centre for East European and International Studies (ZOiS), titled “Displaced Ukrainian Youth: Disrupted Futures,” examines the experiences, challenges, and aspirations of young Ukrainians forced to leave their homes due to the war. The study explores the socio-economic impacts of displacement, the coping strategies adopted by the youth, and their vision for the future. The authors also provide essential recommendations for policymakers and humanitarian organizations to better address the needs of this vulnerable group.