The Department of Family, Youth, and Mass Events for National-Patriotic Education of the Regional State Administration announces the start of the application period for the regional “Young Person of the Year” competition
The contest is held to recognize and support the most active young people for their significant contributions to social life, to encourage positive changes in the youth community, and to promote the implementation of the state’s youth policy.
Contest categories for 2026:
Guardians of Resilience
(Employees in the energy, gas, and utilities sectors, as well as in water supply and wastewater treatment, heat supply, transportation, communications, public works, and other services that ensure the community’s vital functions).
Agents of Change and Opportunity
(Representatives of civic associations and charitable organizations involved in implementing socially significant initiatives and state and local policies, as well as employees of the mass media and other media outlets that promote the development of civil society and keep the public informed).
Called to Save
(Employees of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, representatives of civil society organizations, and members of volunteer groups who carry out evacuation measures, emergency rescue, search and recovery operations, and the mitigation of the consequences of emergencies and military actions).
The Shield of Law and Order
(Employees of law enforcement agencies, the prosecutor’s office, the Security Service of Ukraine, and other government agencies whose activities are aimed at ensuring law and order, public safety, protecting national interests, combating crime, and strengthening the rule of law; who faithfully perform their official duties, ensure public order and safety, protect the rights and freedoms of citizens, combat crime, and make a significant contribution to strengthening the rule of law and national security of Ukraine).
The Heart of Victory
(Service members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, the Territorial Defense Forces, the State Special Transport Service, and other military formations established in accordance with Ukrainian law, who have demonstrated courage, professionalism, and leadership qualities and have made a significant contribution to the defense of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity).
The Pulse of Life
(Medical professionals, military and combat medics, emergency medical personnel, and other healthcare specialists who, through their professional work, dedication, and humanity, make a significant contribution to preserving people’s lives and health, providing medical care, and supporting the population during wartime and in peacetime).
Unbreakable Will
(War veterans and individuals who served in the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine and, after completing their service, have achieved significant results in professional, entrepreneurial, civic, volunteer, cultural and artistic, educational, scientific, athletic, or other socially beneficial activities, thereby making a significant contribution to the development of the community and the state).
Knowledge Leaders
(Educators, researchers, employees of cultural and arts institutions, cultural figures, artists, creative groups, coaches, athletes, physical education and sports instructors, as well as other individuals who, through their professional, creative, or athletic activities, contribute to the development of education, culture, the arts, and sports; promote a healthy lifestyle; and bring honor to the community at the local, national, or international levels).
Driving Force of Youth Initiatives
(Staff of youth spaces, centers, and clubs; youth workers; social educators; psychologists; coaches; organizers of youth projects and events; employees of educational institutions, libraries, and civic organizations; and other individuals whose activities are aimed at supporting, developing, educating, and fostering the self-realization of youth, as well as shaping their civic engagement and leadership potential).
The Power of Management Decisions
(Civil servants, local government officials, and employees of state institutions and organizations who, through their professional activities, sense of responsibility, and initiative, contribute to effective governance, the development of local communities, the implementation of state policy, and the improvement of the quality of public services provided to the population).
The Power of Care and Support
(Social workers, volunteers, staff at humanitarian hubs, aid centers, and shelters; representatives of civic and charitable organizations; social work professionals; and others whose activities are aimed at providing social, humanitarian, psychological, and other forms of assistance to the population, supporting vulnerable groups, and fostering social cohesion within the community).
Ukrainian citizens aged
14 to 35 who have distinguished themselves through significant achievements in the social sphere and in the implementation of state youth policy, have a declared/registered place of residence (stay), and carry out their activities within the territory of Donetsk Oblast are eligible to participate in the competition.
To participate in the competition, the following documents must be submitted to the Office in electronic form:
an application form;
a personal story written in any format, in Ukrainian, up to two A4 pages in length;
copies of documents confirming the young person’s achievements (articles, awards, information about participation in festivals, forums, conferences, etc.);
a digital photograph of the young person;
consent to the disclosure of personal data in accordance with the requirements of the Law of Ukraine “On the Protection of Personal Data.”
Other materials may be added to the list of documents mentioned above to help highlight the young person’s achievements and their social significance.
A contestant may submit an application for only one of the specified categories.
The criterion for determining the contest winners is the social significance of the candidates’ cumulative achievements in the respective categories. Achievements from previous years may also be taken into account.
Documents for contest participation will be accepted until July 20, 2025.
Email address for submitting documents: [email protected]
Contact persons: Oksana GILMULLINA, tel. 0990186426; Veronika MATSKIV, tel. 0506875911; Olena BILOZOR, tel. 0501317681.