How can we support the well-being of young people coming of age in war conditions, displaced within their own country or temporarily living abroad? This was the key question of a five-day seminar that took place from 30 September to 4 October 2024 at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, with a focus of young people from Ukraine.
The seminar brought together 30 youth work and youth policy experts from Ukraine, Armenia, Czechia, Croatia, Denmark, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Romania, Portugal, France, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. They shared and discussed their experiences in addressing the needs of young people impacted by the Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine through four dimensions:
- Participation
- Empowerment
- Social inclusion
- Mental wellbeing.
The seminar highlighted the resilience of youth and the critical role they play in shaping a better future. “Young people are not just victims of war - they are key actors in the recovery and rebuilding of their societies. We, as youth workers, policymakers, and citizens, have a responsibility to ensure that young people are equipped with the resources and support they need to thrive despite the odds”, noted one participant.
“The work we do in youth spaces - whether it is supporting mental wellbeing, promoting human rights, or encouraging active participation - gives young people the tools they need to take control of their lives. This is not just about survival; it is about giving them a voice, a space, and the confidence to shape their own tomorrow”, said another.
On 2 October the seminar featured a public discussion “Youth, Ukraine, Europe: Coming of age during war. How can European youth policy adapt?”, aimed at shedding light on the role of youth policies and youth work in Europe to support young people experiencing war and its consequences.
The seminar and related activities were organised within the Framework Programme for co-operation in the field of Youth Policy between the Council of Europe Youth Department and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine for 2021-2025.
