A three-day Ukrainian Youth Forum: Free to Dream started on Saturday, 10 August, bringing together more than 300 active young people. Andriy Chesnokov, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, member of the Presidential Youth Council, delivered the opening speech, emphasising the key role of young people in the country's recovery and modernisation.

"Ukraine is facing serious challenges. Today, it depends on young people how quickly and effectively we can rebuild the country and ensure its prosperity. The proactive attitude and responsibility of young people will be the driving force behind these changes," the Deputy Minister said.

Andriy Chesnokov also outlined the Ministry's achievements in the youth sector, noting that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, more than 2,000 specialists have been trained under the Youth Worker State Programme. Today, there are about 500 youth centres and spaces in Ukraine, of which more than 100 have been created recently. Active work is underway to establish a Youth Council at the Ministry, support projects of children's and youth organisations, and involve young people in the country's recovery process through youth exchanges. In addition, the Deputy Minister presented departmental awards to the active participants of the forum, emphasising their significant contribution to the development of youth policy.

Oleksandr Sanchenko, Member of the Ukrainian Parliament and Co-Chairman of the Presidential Youth Council, and international partners who support Ukrainian youth on their way to rebuilding the country, also addressed the active youth.

During the three days of the forum, the participants will share their experience and develop ideas on how to engage young people in the development and reconstruction of the country. The final materials of the forum will be shared with the public and government agencies to promote further development of youth activities and the formation of the Concept of the State Targeted Social Programme "Youth of Ukraine" for 2026-2030.

The event was organised by the Presidential Youth Council in close cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, in collaboration with the Office of the President of Ukraine, and with the support of a number of international partners.