Webinar on Youth Partnerships For Just And Lasting Peace (16.04.2025, online)
On 16 April 2025, the National Erasmus+ Office (NEO) in Ukraine team participated in the international side event “Youth Partnerships for Just and Lasting Peace,” held as part of the 2025 UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum. The ECOSOC Youth Forum serves as the primary UN platform where young people share their visions for solving global challenges and engage in dialogue with UN Member States to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event provided a platform for 50 youth representatives to engage in a global discussion on the role of youth-led initiatives in peacebuilding and national recovery. The programme consisted of a panel discussion featuring international experts and thematic working groups focused on youth involvement in decision-making processes at various levels.
During the panel session, representatives from international organisations and government institutions shared their experiences in implementing youth strategies:
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International Cooperation: Particular emphasis was placed on developing partnerships within the Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps programmes. Experts highlighted the vital importance of cross-border cooperation in supporting young leaders.
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The Ukrainian Experience: Participants were introduced to Ukrainian case studies, including the UNDP-led VidNOVA:UA programme for engaging youth in national recovery efforts, as well as the experience of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine in shaping youth policy during wartime.
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The European Context: Representatives from Tirana (Albania), Lublin (Poland), and UN Youth Delegates shared best practices for building long-term inter-city cooperation and implementing the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda.
The NEO in Ukraine team joined discussions in breakout sessions dedicated to international inter-city cooperation and the role of youth in policy-making. Participants had the opportunity to present their own ideas and projects aimed at building sustainable peace and developing initiatives that strengthen security and social cohesion.