As part of the UNICEF project “Strengthening the Implementation of Youth Policy in the City of Kryvyi Rih, Communities of the Dnipropetrovsk District and Donetsk Region”, a series of online focus groups were held with the youth of the Donetsk Region. These discussions became an important stage in the process of forming the concept of the regional Program “Youth of Donetsk Region” for 2026–2030 — a document that will become a real guide for the development of youth policy in the region.
Young people were able to express their ideas, concerns and vision of what youth policy should be in the conditions of the military present and post-war reconstruction. The online format ensures the involvement of participants from different communities of the Donetsk Region — regardless of their location or security situation.
Active representatives of the youth environment — those who not only support changes, but are also ready to join in their implementation — joined the discussions. Together we analyzed the challenges facing youth today and found answers to the questions of how to make politics truly effective, modern and inclusive.
The focus of the discussions was on supporting youth initiatives, expanding opportunities for participation in decision-making, developing non-formal education, preserving mental health, media literacy, and creating conditions for employment for youth workers. Every idea, every suggestion was recorded and will be taken into account when preparing the final version of the program concept.
We are convinced that it is thanks to the direct participation of youth in the policy development process that we will be able to create a truly effective document that will meet real needs.
The project is implemented within the framework of the UNICEF program in Donetsk region in partnership with the NGO "Zakhody" and the Donetsk regional state administration.