Youth Here and Now: EU4Youth conducts youth forum in Cherkasy, Ukraine

On 6 May, the ‘EU4Youth: youth engagement and empowerment’ project co-organised a youth forum in Cherkasy, Ukraine. The event ‘Youth Here and Now’ brought together more than 110 youth activists, youth workers, NGO representatives and public officials to discuss youth development, participation, and opportunities for engagement at the regional level. 

The forum created a space for dialogue, exchange of experiences, and strengthening cooperation among actors working in the youth sector.

The programme combined interactive elements, discussions, and learning sessions aimed at fostering connections between participants and enhancing their understanding of current youth-related challenges and opportunities. Participants had the opportunity to engage in networking, share perspectives, and reflect on their roles in supporting youth development in their communities.

A central part of the event was the presentation of the draft Cherkasy Regional Youth Strategy until 2030. The draft strategy had been elaborated through a participatory process involving local youth and relevant stakeholders, with support from the EU4Youth project. During the session, participants were introduced to the key priorities and directions of the strategy and engaged in discussions sharing their perspectives and feedback.

The event also included a session focused on opportunities available for young people in the Cherkasy region and across Ukraine, highlighting pathways for professional development and engagement in broader initiatives.

The youth forum was co-organised by the ‘EU4Youth: youth engagement and empowerment’ project, co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), implemented by GIZ, Office of Youth and Sports of Cherkasy Regional State Administration and the Association of Youth Centres of Ukraine.