In Donetsk Oblast, the initiative launched by Vadym Filashkin, head of the Donetsk Oblast State Administration and head of the Oblast Military Administration, to develop the institution of youth policy advisors is being consistently implemented.
This mechanism has already proven its effectiveness as a bridge between active youth, youth councils, and local authorities. As part of the second phase of this effort, leaders of nine more territorial communities in the region held a series of working meetings with newly appointed advisors. Constructive dialogue took place in the military administrations of the cities of Siverska, Mariinskaya, and Selidivska; the towns of Mangush, Sartana, and Udachne; as well as the rural military administrations of Kalchitska, Kryvyi Rih, and Shakhivska.
The meetings took place both in person and via videoconference, allowing for constant communication with young people even amid relocation and security challenges.
During the meetings, participants worked out the practical steps for cooperation in detail, focusing on the following priorities: the development of non-formal education and career growth (creating modern educational opportunities for young people to acquire relevant skills), supporting youth and volunteer initiatives (engaging young people in social projects and the volunteer movement within communities), and participation in decision-making (developing effective mechanisms to ensure that the proposals of youth advisors are taken into account when shaping local programs and budget priorities).
Overall, the youth advisor program is already operational in most communities across the Donetsk region, covering both large city administrations and town and rural areas. Ongoing coordination and direct dialogue with community leaders make it possible to respond promptly to young people’s requests and work together toward the recovery and sustainable development of the Donetsk region.