Youth Shaping Ukraine’s Future Together with the UN in Kharkiv

Two days ahead of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, on 22 October, more than 75 students and young leaders from Kharkiv and the region came together at a joint event organized by the United Nations jointly with Karazin National University Kharkiv to discuss how young people can contribute to positive change in their communities. 

Check out the photo story from the event:

The young people were welcomed by the representatives of the University and UN agencies at the underground modern art space – Yermilov Centre that has become a symbol of Kharkiv’s creativity and unbreakable spirit.  

The UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, and Vice-Rector of Karazin University, Anatoliy Babichev, opened event. 

The representatives from UNICEF Ukraine and UNFPA interacted with participants encouraging them to describe their experience in participating in youth engagement initiatives, including Youth Councils.  

UN Head in Ukraine busted some of the most prevailing myths about the UN while challenging youth to think about solutions to a range of issues. 

The second part of the event was devoted to the young people working in the groups. They were tasked to determine the most pressing issues in their community and develop innovative solutions and suggest concrete project for the UN to implement.  

Surrounded by exhibitions and installations, young participants shared their visions for Ukraine’s recovery, exchanging experiences. They focused on such a challenging topics like mental health support, gender-based violence, lack of the employment opportunities for young people who just finished the university. 

Also, they touched upon the questions of demining and need for restoration of social infrastructure and services. 

As part of the event, participants also attended the opening of the photo exhibition “Shared Lives, Shared Future,” marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.  

The exhibition highlights how UN projects transform people’s lives helping communities recover, unlock new opportunities, and build a future where no one is left behind. 

“Events like this show that Kharkiv is not only a city that stands strong, but a city that thinks about the future,” underlined Head of the UN in Ukraine Matthias Schmale during the closing discussion.