Participant in the regional “Young Person of the Year 2026” contest “Youth Initiatives” category Alina Kozytska
The loss of her hometown of Mariupol did not deter Alina Kozytska from advancing youth policy. On the contrary, her experience spurred her to work even more actively to support young people and develop communities throughout Ukraine.
While still a student at Mariupol State University, she helped establish the Mariupol Youth Council and later became its chair. One of her key achievements was the creation of Ukraine’s first Youth Reception Center—a space where young people could receive counseling, support, and assistance in implementing their own initiatives.
After the start of the full-scale invasion, Alina continued to work in the field of youth policy at the national level. As a trainer for the “Youth Worker” program, a UNICEF program coordinator, an expert for civil society organizations, and a member of the Youth Council under the Donetsk Regional State Administration and the Kyiv City Youth Council, she helps communities establish youth councils, trains youth leaders, supports the integration of internally displaced youth, and implements modern mechanisms for their participation in decision-making.
For Alina Kozytska, true success is seeing young people who, after completing their training, launch their own projects, become volunteers and community leaders, and continue to create opportunities for others. This is how she shapes a new generation of active, responsible, and resilient Ukrainian youth every day.