The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, and the First Deputy Chairman of Parliament, Oleksandr Korniienko, took part in the Ukrainian Youth Forum «Youth is Here.» The event brought together government officials, international partners, and active young people from all regions of the country in Kyiv.
Among the participants of the forum were President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Head of the Presidential Office Andrii Yermak, Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko, members of the Government and delegations of international organisations. The forum became a platform for discussing issues that will determine the development of youth policy, education and opportunities for new generations of Ukrainians.
During the event, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented initiatives that require further development, including simplifying travel abroad for young people under 22 (instead of 18) and increasing scholarships.
Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasised that the meeting was special because it involved a frank conversation with a generation that is already changing the country. According to him, this generation grew up in times of revolutions, war and pandemics, but it was precisely these trials that made it stronger, bolder and more determined.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada emphasised the partnership between the state and young people, as well as the adoption of decisions in parliament that take into account the voice of the younger generation. Among the examples he cited were the law on financial support for youth centres and projects, as well as the work of the Youth Council under the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. These initiatives are proof that young people have a real influence on the agenda of the Ukrainian parliament.
Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked young people for their energy, ideas and dedication, emphasising that they are not only the future but also the active present of Ukraine.
During the forum, Oleksandr Korniienko participated in working groups with members of the Presidential Council on Youth Issues. In particular, they discussed issues of regional policy and community development. Young leaders presented their proposals, including: directing state and donor funding to small communities, creating special economic zones for regional development, as well as ensuring accessibility and implementing the principle of ‘not only reconstruction, but also rebuilding’ to improve the living conditions of citizens.
According to Oleksandr Korniienko, supporting young people, creating opportunities for their development, ensuring access to modern education and conditions for self-realisation remain a constant focus of the work of parliament and the government. He stressed that young people in Ukraine are already active participants in social processes, and the state's task is to create all the necessary conditions for them to realise their potential.