Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Matvii Bidnyi and his deputy Andriy Chesnokov held a working meeting with UNICEF Representative to Ukraine Munir Mammadzade. The focus of the meeting was on developing new programmes for young people and continuing effective cooperation in times of war.

“UNICEF is a reliable partner in creating strategic documents, developing youth centres and training youth workers. Your support is especially important now that the war requires a new approach to addressing youth issues. We look forward to working together on a new state programme for young people in Ukraine that will take into account the current challenges and needs of young people,” said Matvii Bidnyi.

“Cooperation with UNICEF helps not only to respond to current challenges, but also to develop systemic tools that promote social integration, increase youth resilience and support vulnerable groups,” added Andriy Chesnokov.

Munir Mammadzade emphasised UNICEF’s readiness to support the implementation of such initiatives as:

• Development of youth spaces and centres, including the All-Ukrainian Youth Centre;
• Support for the Ukrainian Youth Foundation;
• Implementation of the EU Youth Guarantee initiative;
• Promoting volunteering among young people and supporting the National Volunteer Platform;
• Assistance in the implementation of the programme “Lviv – the European Youth Capital 2025”.

The participants of the meeting agreed to expand cooperation and identified key tasks for the next year. UNICEF’s continued support will help strengthen the capacity of young people to overcome the difficulties caused by the war and integrate effectively into Ukraine’s reconstruction.