KYIV, 17 October 2024 – A press conference was held to discuss the results of the VidNOVA:UA programme in 2024, which for three years has actively involved young people in the processes of Ukraine's restoration through volunteer activities, youth exchanges, and the renovation of youth spaces within Ukrainian communities.

This year, the programme reached 24 communities in 16 oblasts of Ukraine, resulting in the renovation of 24 youth centres. Over 713 participants took part in the youth exchanges.

In its three years of existence, the VidNOVA:UA programme has achieved the following results:

• 52 youth spaces have been renovated in 18 oblasts of Ukraine.
• 1,554 volunteers have joined the project.
• Over 43,000 young people visit and use the renovated spaces.

Andriy Chesnokov, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, said involving young people in the processes of Ukraine's renewal is a powerful tool for fostering civic engagement, strengthening youth policy, and establishing national and civic identity.

“VidNOVA:UA aims not only to rebuild ruined spaces but also to enable young people to become active participants in decision-making within their communities, enhancing unity and social cohesion," Chesnokov emphasized.

The VidNOVA:UA programme demonstrates that active participation by young people in volunteer activities and local initiatives is a foundation for sustainable development and the future of Ukraine.

Christophoros Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine, emphasized that engaging youth in recovery projects is a crucial component of democratic processes essential to Ukraine’s sustainable recovery.

'The path to rebuilding the country cannot succeed without young people's active participation and voices. They are real change-makers to transparency, inclusivity, and democracy. Youth must be heard and have a say in shaping the future of their country.

Thanks to such meaningful projects, we see how the energy, creativity, and determination

give the country a powerful impetus for change. That is why supporting youth is one of UNDP's priorities, as it undoubtedly demonstrates tangible results now and significant impact in the future,’  added Christophoros Politis.

Oksana Malchenko, Deputy Director of the All-Ukrainian Youth Centre, emphasized the importance of the VidNOVA:UA programme in creating opportunities for the development of youth centres and new perspectives for young people.

“In the three years of the programme’s existence, 52 youth spaces have been restored, and this achievement goes beyond physical reconstruction,” Malchenko said. “It's also about building unity and shared identity, which are the foundations for Ukraine's future. The programme not only restores spaces but also forms a new generation of young leaders united by the common goal of restoring the country.”

Programme participants, along with representatives of NGOs and local government bodies, also joined the press conference and shared their experiences of the programme's impact. They included:

• Oleh Kotelenets, Head of Youth Sphere NGO
• Oleksandr Mighey, Mayor of Baranivka
• Tetiana Tarasiuk, Ambassador of the VidNOVA:UA programme

They emphasized that in the places where exchanges were conducted, local partners' capacity had been strengthened, a dialogue built with the authorities, and a positive impact made on community potential.

Programme ambassador and 2023 exchange participant, Tetiana Tarasiuk, shared her experience of how volunteering changed her life and helped her find new opportunities for personal and professional development. 

“Thanks to the people who were with me during the exchange, I realized that young people are the driving force of all the changes that can happen in our country,” Tarasiuk said.

The press conference recording is available at https://www.facebook.com/UNDPUkraine/videos/28296829389915740

Background:

The programme for engaging young people in the restoration of Ukraine through VidNOVA:UA youth exchanges is being implemented by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, the All-Ukrainian Youth Centre and UNDP in Ukraine in partnership with the Youth Centre of Volyn NGO, and with funding from the governments of Denmark and Japan.

Media inquiries: Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications Department at UNDP in Ukraine; email: yuliia.samus@undp.org