First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko took part in the Sofia Kyivska State Builders Forum, organised by the Ukrainian Leadership Academy with the support of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF).
This annual event, now in its eighth year, is a platform for young people to learn about the functioning of all branches of government and key institutions that form the basis of a strong and sustainable state. For young Ukrainians, it is also an opportunity to see the processes of state-building from the inside, form their own vision of Ukraine's future and understand what role they can play in these processes.
This year, the forum brought together over 250 participants, including students from the Ukrainian Leadership Academy, schoolchildren, university students, educators, and representatives of youth and civil society organisations.
«It was a pleasure to talk to the students and answer their questions. During the conversation, we discussed current issues, including the legislative process, work and voting in the session hall, the Parliament's future plans and its interaction with other institutions,» said Oleksandr Korniienko, telling the young people, in particular, about the specifics of the budget process and the priorities for the allocation of funds to the defence and social spheres. He stressed that the adoption of the country's budget requires taking into account different positions to ensure the effective functioning of the state and the protection of national interests.
It was emphasised that during martial law, the Verkhovna Rada works as efficiently as possible, making important decisions in a short time, and Ukraine's experience in organising the work of Parliament is a unique example to study and take into account in complex geopolitical conditions.
According to the First Deputy Speaker, the young people who took part in the forum demonstrate a high level of motivation and understanding of state processes. «Every time during our meetings, I see young people who are the real drivers of change and will become the drivers of the state's development in the future. They ask pertinent questions, which shows their active involvement in the life of the country. These are the people who are creating themselves and creating Ukraine,» said Oleksandr Korniienko.