UNICEF Ukraine Young People Action Team

2026—2028

UNICEF
YPAT members
UNICEF

Children and young people have the right to be heard and be involved in decisions that affect them and their rights.  

UNICEF Ukraine established its Young People Action Team to help ensure that young people in Ukraine are heard by UNICEF and partners, and that their views, ideas and opinions are taken into consideration in the planning and implementation of programmes. 

The UNICEF Ukraine Young People Action Team aims to:  

  • Increase UNICEF’s accountability to young people.
  • Support young people’s leadership and build their skills to improve their understanding and opportunities of influence and participation in the Humanitarian Response and Early Recovery.
  • Increase programmatic relevance and credibility of UNICEF’s work with and for young people across all aspects of UNICEF’s mandate.
  • Create opportunities for vulnerable young people with lived experiences to co-design programmatic response and policies benefitting themselves and their peers.

 

The UNICEF Ukraine Young People Action Team 2026—2028

YPAT members are leaders in their own communities. They use their knowledge, skills, and voices to advocate for the rights of children and young people. They inspire their peers to take action and contribute to meaningful changes in society, helping build a better future for every child in Ukraine.  

Члени молодіжної ради

  • Student at the Faculty of Sociology, Vasyl Karazin Kharkiv National University. Works in SMM, content creation, and photography.
  • Founder of the socio-cultural project "yeSpokii", promoting social integration and mental recovery through clay therapy.
  • Alumna of the British Council's "Youth Connect for Ukraine" program, volunteer, and participant in international educational programs. Combines community activism with youth initiatives and visual communications.

     

"I strive to amplify the voice of youth by leveraging my background in sociology and communications. My goal is to create effective digital tools to engage adolescents in social projects and develop mental health and psycho-emotional support programs through creative practices and non-formal education."

I love traveling to broaden my horizons and for personal development. I have visited 14 countries, and each gave me a broader perspective on the world, people, and myself. For over 13 years, I have been practicing and coaching ballroom dancing – to me, it's about movement, strength, and discipline."

  • Earned a bachelor's degree in International Economic Relations from Lutsk National Technical University.
  • Member of the Youth Council under the Volyn Regional Military Administration; communications and youth policy expert at the association of local self-government bodies of the Volyn region "Volyn Economic League".

     

"I am working to foster the integration of youth into regional economic development through supporting entrepreneurship and implementing digital solutions. My priority is also to strengthen cooperation between youth, government authorities, and international partners to achieve sustainable change in communities."

I speak three languages fluently, so I can easily join any conversation. And to keep my mind from overloading with so many words, I burn off stress at the gym!"

  • 10th-grade student. Interested in language learning, folklore, cultural studies, and mythology. Envisions her future in creative industries and social work.
  • Actively participates in youth projects, member of the "Girls Leadership Academy 6.0", and volunteers at a pottery studio.

     

"I am inspired by the idea that even at a young age, you can drive change around you. I dream of creating opportunities that help teenagers be heard, take an active part in social life, and bring their own initiatives to life."

I have a small notebook titled 'Fragmenta Temporis', in which I ask everyone I meet along my life path to write a piece of advice, a poem, a quote, or anything else."

  • Student at Central Ukrainian National Technical University, majoring in Economics.
  • Member of the Student Council at the Faculty of Economics, participant in scientific conferences, and co-author of research abstracts.

     

"My goal is to raise awareness about inclusion and equality, combat discrimination, and break down stereotypes and myths about people with albinism. At the same time, I consider it essential to represent the youth of my region and foster social responsibility and an inclusive society."

I speak at conferences, write academic papers, love music, and I'm a huge Eurovision fan. My favorite colors are blue, green, and yellow.

  • Actively engaged in research activities in environmental engineering and eco-entrepreneurship.
  • Author of the eco-project "AquaGuard" – a robotic complex for water body purification.
  • Interested in combining modern technology, entrepreneurship, diplomacy, and ecology.
  • Passionate about linguistics, participates in language olympiads, competitions, and scientific projects.
     

"I plan to engage adolescents in finding solutions to climate challenges, promote principles of equality and sustainable development, and help build a safe and supportive environment for the mental well-being of youth.

I love learning languages, discovering new things, and turning challenges into ways to overcome them 😊".

  • Student at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, majoring in International Relations.
  • Member of the External Relations Committee of the Student Council (charitable initiatives) and the Volunteer Committee of the Trade Union Bureau.
  • Engaged in analytical work: completed an internship at "UDoNation" and is currently interning at "Resurgam".
  • Developing skills in writing analytical materials and researching geopolitical and economic processes, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

     

"I see my mission in contributing to the creation and implementation of initiatives aimed at addressing urgent youth issues and expanding opportunities, with a special focus on supporting those who need it most.

  • Interested in programming and reading. Plans to continue his education in college.
  • Participated in educational and youth projects, including UNICEF's "HIT" ("Inclusive TikTok Hub") and the "Generation+" initiative against bullying.

     

"My goal is to develop and promote accessibility in hromadas and cities, increase public awareness regarding the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, and participate in decision-making that affects young people's lives. I am also keen on advancing gender equality and an inclusive mindset in society.

I love exploring new topics so much that I can spend six hours straight analyzing reports and articles to uncover the most valuable insights and weave them into a concise, compelling story".

  • Student at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, majoring in Social Work, and KROK University, majoring in Law.
  • Volunteers at "Teenergizer" as a peer counselor, providing psychological support to adolescents and young people.

     

"I take on the role of giving a voice to young people with hearing impairments, openly addressing the barriers this community faces, and contributing to the development of a barrier-free, inclusive society through participation in shaping relevant solutions."

I have had a hearing impairment since childhood, but I see it as my superpower. My native language is Ukrainian spoken language, however, I am learning and passionate about sign language and would be happy to promote its use among others!"

  • Student at Romny Lyceum No. 1 named after P.I. Kalnyshevskyi.
  • Member of the Romny Youth Council and the Lyceum Student Parliament.
  • Actively participates in youth, educational, and civic initiatives; experienced in leadership development, media literacy, and European values projects.
  • Engaged in volunteering and interested in international relations, law, and foreign languages.

     

"My goal is to represent the voice of youth and adolescents from war-affected communities and internally displaced persons, promote quality education and inclusive environments, and expand youth participation in decision-making.

I speak four languages: English, Ukrainian, German, and Chinese. I have also worked as a cynologist and trained dogs."

  • Student at Odesa Lyceum No. 13. Member of the student council and serves as the Minister of National and Patriotic Education, promoting Ukrainian history, culture, and language among students; recipient of the lyceum’s “Leader of the Year 2026” award.
  • Graduate of the School of Young Ukrainian Diplomats at the Institute of International Relations of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and the "EU Study Days" program by the EU Delegation to Ukraine.

     

"I believe it is crucial to protect the rights and interests of children in Ukraine and to support those who have been affected by or lost parents to the war.

My hobbies are numismatics and bonistics. My collection consists of over 400 coins and banknotes from various historical periods, made of different materials, spanning over 50 countries worldwide."

  • Completed 10th grade at Ratsivskyi Lyceum. Together with her team, established a youth club at the school with the support of the British Council. 
  • Actively involved in youth initiatives and community service.

     

"My priority is to support youth from small hromadas, engage adolescents in active civic participation, and foster new development opportunities for young people across Ukrainian regions.

I enjoy painting. Interested in management and marketing."

  • Student at the National University of Ostroh Academy, majoring in Practical Philosophy: Consulting and Coaching.
  • Works as Educational Activities Manager at the Central Office of "Plast" in Ukraine and lab assistant at the "Global Communication Management" center.
  • Plast member, volunteer for "Dotyk" and "Crimea Daily", former Head of Student Brotherhood at Ostroh Academy (2023–2024). 
  • Participated in the UPSHIFT program by UNICEF.

     

"I aim to help transform Ukraine's educational system so that the child's personality, a safe environment, and the professional development of adults working with children remain at its center. It is crucial for me to strengthen the culture of remembrance and develop support tools for children from temporarily occupied territories, facilitating their integration into a shared future.

I know how to weave and can teach this craft to others."

  • Actively engages in civic activities and child rights advocacy. Member of the "DiiMo" Children and Youth Office – a consultative and advisory body under the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, representing youth at the national level.
  • Member of the international "Child Champions & Youth Ambassadors" community by Save the Children in Ukraine.
  • Plays music professionally.

     

"I want to develop and strengthen child safeguarding policies, as well as combat discrimination and various forms of violence. My dream is to help build a safe environment for children in schools, families, sports, and community spaces, while supporting a culture where every child's voice is heard and valued.

I have been a professional musician for over 10 years, specializing in piano performance.

  • Student at Ivano-Frankivsk Ivan Puluj Academic Lyceum of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
  • Active participant in youth and educational initiatives at the local, national, and European level.
  • Member of the National Child and Youth Advisory Council under Daria Herasymchuk, Advisor and Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights; member of Ivano-Frankivsk Student Government, Youth Parliament of Ukraine, and European Youth Parliament Ukraine (Auditing Committee Member).
  • President of Ivan Puluj Lyceum (2025–2026), Ambassador for "Youth Diversity Ambassadors", graduate of "Zalizna Zmina", member of "Interact Club" and "Paragraph" Youth Center.
  • I am passionate about youth diplomacy because I enjoy listening to diverse perspectives, bringing people together around shared ideas, and participating in debates.

     

"I contribute to educational development, promoting gender equality, and protecting children's rights through youth initiatives and international cooperation."

  • Student in Cultural Studies at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
  • Works as a public data analyst at "Clarity Project" ("Clarity Hromada") and certified youth worker at Dolyna Youth Center "Khyzhka".
  • Plays an active role in youth policy development and has experience managing environmental and infrastructure projects in cooperation with the Dolyna Youth Council.
  • Trainer for "MIST" program, alumna of NGO "Ukrainian Student Freedom" Leadership Program. 
  • Researches spatial anthropology, institutional trust, and collective memory.
  • In 2023, through collaboration with the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine,  participated in the international creativity olympiad 'Destination Imagination', where she and her team staged a play about Yuriy Kulczycki and presented it at the national level. 

     

"My goal is to support the transition of youth policy toward a data-driven approach, where decisions are based on facts and youth needs. It is essential to create effective participation mechanisms that turn young people's ideas into real infrastructure changes. I also view the Young People’s Action Team as a strong institutional partner that efficiently leverages resources, works evidence-based, and shares responsibility for community development."

  • Student at National Technical University "Dnipro Polytechnic", majoring in Marketing.
  • Since 2022 actively involved in civic activities. Began her journey as a student self-government leader and later joined the Dnipro Youth Council. 
  • Heads the Journalism Department at the Youth Media Center of Dnipro and works on the development of youth media.

     

"I am working to engage as many young people as possible in the active life of their hromadas, ensuring their needs are considered and relevant youth initiatives are carried out. I dream that every young person feels their voice matters and their ideas can drive change.

"I have been developing skills in media for over three years. I do photography and design, and I am eager to master videography and video editing.

  • Student at Kherson Specialized School No. 30 (Grades I–III), finished 10th grade.
  • Deputy Chair of the Culture and Spiritual Development Commission in Municipal Student Parliament; member of Kherson Youth Council.
  • Takes part in initiatives aimed at youth development and hromada support.
  • Has been practicing folk dancing for 14 years.

     

"I want assistance to be accessible to everyone. To me, it's not just about supporting individuals, but about finding solutions that work for many."