Young people and the UN came together to shape new ideas and solutions for Ukraine’s future

On 8 December, more than 80 students and young leaders joined a joint event of the UN and Lviv Polytechnic. They talked about what their communities need today and shared ideas that could grow into real projects with UN support.

The day began in the modern space of the Leoland educational and sports center, where university and UN representatives welcomed the participants.

The Head of the UN in Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, and University Vice-Rector Iryna Khomyshyn opened the event, highlighting how important it is to hear from young people, those who often sense change first and shape new approaches. 

Representatives of UNESCO and UNICEF also shared programmes already supporting young people in the region.

During the conversation, Matthias Schmale debunked several common myths about the UN and encouraged students to think boldly about solutions for today’s challenges and to take part in shaping them.

In the second part of the event, the young participants rolled up their sleeves and got to work. In groups, they identified the most urgent issues in their communities, developed creative ideas and drafted project proposals that the UN could help bring to life.

They explored themes such as mental health, supporting displaced youth, inclusive public spaces and access to housing, relying not only on their skills, but on their lived experience of what young people need to stay, grow and feel at home in their communities.

Across interactive zones and installations, the students shared their vision for Ukraine’s recovery and learned from one another.

Participants also visited the opening of the photo exhibition “Shared Lives, Shared Future,” dedicated to the UN’s 80th anniversary.

The exhibition captures how UN projects across Ukraine support people through crisis, help communities rebuild, and create opportunities for a future where no one is left behind.

In his remarks, Matthias Schmale said: “At the UN, we are working to ensure this war ends justly for Ukraine and in line with the UN Charter. But even after the fighting stops, we will face a long road to recovery. Young people will play a key role in shaping what Ukraine becomes. Your ideas and your energy matter.”

This was the second youth-focused event of its kind this year. The first took place in Kharkiv in October. Next year, the UN hopes to visit more regions, because young people everywhere are shaping the future we are building together.