Youth Forum: Shaping the Future of Odesa
On July 21, the Youth Forum «Odesa Youth - 2025-2028» took place, bringing together young leaders, government representatives, experts, and international partners to discuss the pressing issues faced by today's youth and their vision for the future.
Among the speakers sharing their insights were: former head of the Odesa regional state administration, Honored Citizen of Odesa Serhiy Hrynevetskyi, head of the UNICEF office in Ukraine Volodymyr Tsololo, head of grant programs at the Ukrainian Youth Fund Vitaliy Kryzhanivskyi, and Odesa City Council member Oleg Etnarovych.
Participants sought tangible solutions that could lay the groundwork for youth policy in Odesa:
- How to engage youth in decision-making processes?
- How to provide access to resources and support?
- How to protect youth rights during wartime?
- What obstacles do young people face and how can they be overcome?
As noted by Odesa's deputy mayor Pavlo Vugelman, youth is not only the future but also a powerful resource today.
«We must do everything possible to unlock their potential. An active youth means a strong Odesa», he stated.
The forum was held with the support of the UNICEF representation in Ukraine, the Youth Council under the Odesa City Mayor, the NGO «Youth Organization LIGHT», and the Lavandia space.
