EU4Youth supports training for public officials and a policy lab in Kyiv

On 20-23 March, the ‘EU4Youth: Youth Engagement and Empowerment’ project supported its grantee, the National Ukrainian Youth Association (NUMO), in conducting a training for public officials responsible for local youth policy, and a policy lab in Kyiv.

Over the course of four days, 25 young people and local government officials from seven communities came together to collaborate on the development of youth programmes tailored to their communities. 

The event began with a two-day training for public officials, focusing on the role of local programmes as instruments of municipal policy. Participants explored theoretical frameworks, analysed existing priorities, and discussed the impact of wartime conditions on community initiatives. Through interactive sessions, they identified stakeholders, formulated objectives, and examined ways to ensure meaningful youth participation in decision-making.

The second part of the event was dedicated to a policy lab, where participants worked intensively on mapping local challenges and drafting solutions. The discussions revolved around defining priorities, understanding the root causes of issues, and designing actionable programmes. With guidance from experts, participants developed prototypes for youth programmes that aligned with their community needs.

A distinctive feature of the event was the joint work between young people and government representatives, fostering cross-sectoral dialogue and cooperation. By the end of the four days, each team had refined their ideas, integrating different perspectives into comprehensive policy proposals. 

To further enhance their initiatives, participants will meet once more online to refine their youth  programmes and ensure their feasibility. Beyond that, they will actively advocate for the adoption of their proposals within their communities, working to translate their ideas into concrete actions that address the needs of local youth.