On International Youth Day, we celebrate the incredible strength and resilience of Ukrainian youth. As a generation born into a digital world, young people are adept at harnessing the vast opportunities that technology offers to build a more inclusive present and future. This generation in Ukraine has also endured profound changes, and while their resilience is admirable, it is not an infinite resource. As we enter the third year since the full-scale Russian invasion, we are already witnessing the long-term impacts of war on Ukraine.
The ongoing war has brought constant shelling, economic instability, and disrupted access to essential services, severely affecting the mental health and motivation of young people. Despite these challenges, Ukrainian youth continue to demonstrate determination in pursuing their dreams, protecting their loved ones, and contributing to their communities. It is crucial to understand what drives these young individuals who work tirelessly, often on the front lines, and to ensure they receive the support they need.
Amid challenges, young people have adeptly utilized digital platforms not just for learning, but also for fostering community support and innovating solutions that contribute to sustainable development even during this wartime. I've heard stories from young people like Andre, an adolescent from Kyiv, who engages in "Pubertat", a UNFPA supported digital page on sexual education for adolescents, and Olesya, 21 years old, who listens to "Mentalochka", a podcast for youth about mental health. Young people are at the cutting edge of these innovative solutions.
The situation is still urgent, according to Government sources, 2 million young people left the country at the start of the war, and another 2 million internally displaced. To address this, there is an immediate need for policies that empower and support youth, offering them opportunities to thrive and take on leadership roles. UNFPA is committed to advocating for such policies because young people are at the forefront of driving positive change.
Young people are vital to the future of any nation, and in Ukraine, this is particularly true. They are the human capital propelling the country forward, with aspirations for family happiness, health, and career development, reflecting a collective vision for a prosperous future. They have proven themselves adaptable and committed to learning, even during the war. The pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement continues, in face of the circumstances. They play a crucial role in the nation’s recovery and growth, even as attacks intensify.
Today, we call upon governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to acknowledge and support the potential of Ukrainian youth. We advocate for their future by pushing for access to quality education, job opportunities, and providing comprehensive mental health services—as well as the tools and opportunities to succeed in a digital age. Additionally, we must eliminate barriers that hinder full participation in public life. By fostering an inclusive environment where all young people, including those from vulnerable groups, can thrive, we support the foundation of Ukrainian society.
As UNFPA Executive Director, Natalia Kanem stated “We should stand ready to amplify the voices of young people, to work shoulder to shoulder with them, to advance our common agenda globally, and as already has been said, also at home, at the country level, where it counts.” UNFPA stands with Ukrainian youth, committed to supporting their journey and amplifying their voices. Together, we will build a resilient, inclusive, and thriving Ukraine.
Thank you—you, the youth of Ukraine—for your courage, strength, and spirit. Happy International Youth Day!
