In 2025, the paper youth policy of Donetsk region became an example of how the state strategy is transformed from this document into real affairs. Despite relocation and security challenges, the active youth of the region continues to implement the tasks of the State Targeted Social Program “Youth of Ukraine” for 2021–2025, proving: the community is based on people, not on walls.
An important evidence that youth policy is one of the priorities of the region was the openness of the authorities to direct communication. Dialogue with the regional leadership returned to daily practice: this year, the head of the regional military administration Vadym Filashkin held 18 meetings with youth activists. These events became not just a formality, but an effective mechanism, where each initiative received instant feedback. Such interaction confirms: the voice of the youth of Donetsk Oblast is not only heard - it becomes the basis for making management decisions at the highest level.
The main challenge of the year has become the need to work in a distance environment. However, instead of declining, the sphere of youth policy has transformed into a flexible network. Thanks to the work on family management, youth and mass events of national and patriotic education of the Donetsk Regional State Administration and the relevant subdivisions of territorial communities, 23 active youth centers have been preserved in the region and beyond:
− 8 premises operate in the region, supporting local residents;
− 15 relocated centers have become hubs for displaced persons in different parts of Ukraine, helping fellow countrymen maintain a connection with home and integrate into new communities.
Today, the sustainability of the region's youth policy rests on specific institutions. 29 youth councils have become the key leaders of change on the ground. Over the past year, more than 78 regional events have been organized - both online and in person. In total, these events brought together 16,735 participants, working on a huge demand for communication and joint action.
The main priority for 2025 was the training of specialists who will take responsibility for the reconstruction of the region. The key tool here was the platform “Leadership for the Restoration of Donetsk Oblast”. This is an enhanced 69-day program aimed at forming a human resource reserve for the region. Over the past two months, participants have mastered skills that are critical for reintegration and community development:
− effective management and local activism;
− launching social entrepreneurship;
− implementing systemic changes and building partnerships.
Young leaders worked with leading experts, defended their own ideas and built a network of professional connections. The project received real financial support - UAH 814.8 thousand was allocated from the regional budget for its implementation.
The key event of the year was the "Young Person of the Year" ceremony, where 70 laureates in eight nominations were recognized. Among the awardees were representatives of the Defense and Security Forces, police officers, rescuers, doctors, critical infrastructure workers, volunteers and activists. UAH 72.5 thousand was allocated for the event.
Special attention was paid to the formation of a conscious life path for young people. Through a number of strategic sessions, in particular within the framework of Open Government Week, young people got acquainted with the mechanisms of government work. An important stage was a series of 11 focus groups in Dnipro and Kramatorsk, which brought together hundreds of participants to develop the regional program “Youth of Donetsk Region 2026–2030”.
In parallel, areas of professional growth developed. Joint projects with the regional youth center and V. Stus Donetsk National University allowed young people to immerse themselves in the study of STEM disciplines - from genetic research to mastering modern educational platforms. The events covered about 1,300 participants. The final chord was the All-Ukrainian Forum for IDP Youth “We Are Not Alone” in Dnipro.
The priority area was supporting the psycho-emotional state. In conditions of stress, art therapy meetings, which brought together over 800 participants, became of particular importance. The project “Y.E.S: Youth – the Pillar of Resilience” was also implemented by the NGO “MARTIN-club”, whose trainings covered the Pokrovska, Kramatorsk, Cherkasy and Dobropil communities.
The issue of responsible parenthood also remained in focus. In May 2025, the competition “My Family: From Generation to Generation” collected over 400 works. A separate event was a family holiday for displaced persons in Kyiv, which brought together over 350 people.
Considerable attention was paid to the reintegration of youth from TOT and the creation of a barrier-free environment. Within the framework of the projects “Best Friends” and “Macrame of the Community”, participants learned tolerant communication and countering hate speech. Legal consultations were organized jointly with the CF “Right to Protection”. 560 young people from among IDPs were covered by such events.
An important step in strengthening interregional cooperation was the strategic session of the youth councils under the Donetsk and Odessa regional state administrations. At the same time, attention was also paid to the youngest: the training “Student Self-Government from A to Z” brought together more than 100 students.
To ensure the activities of the municipal institution “Donetsk Regional Youth Center” 3,264.7 thousand UAH were allocated from the budget.
With the support of international partners (UNICEF, UNFPA), the following were implemented:
− “DIY Community” mini-grant competition (NGO “Zakhody”): 40 teams received grants of up to 40,000 UAH.
− “Recovery Code” project: involved 1,000 young IDPs in planning the reconstruction of the region.
At the beginning of 2025, an audit of the effectiveness of youth policy in communities was conducted and methodological recommendations were provided on synchronizing actions with the regional strategy. To make opportunities accessible to everyone, a series of social videos was created, reaching about 10,500 people. This turns dry numbers from reports into live communication, helping young people see real development prospects.