In April 2025, the Youth Council under the Odesa Regional State (Military) Administration began its work. This advisory body was established to amplify the voice of young people in decision-making processes and the country’s recovery. Youth engagement is crucial, as young people can become a driving force of innovation, economic growth, and social transformation.
The council consists of 48 leaders — representatives of youth organizations, student governments, civic associations, and expert communities. The Ukraine Rebuilding Alliance joined this initiative to support youth in the context of war and post-war recovery.
“Odesa has every chance to become a vanguard and an example in shaping youth policy, and we are ready to prove it. If young people leave Ukraine, remain marginalized, or are forgotten — it will have devastating consequences for our future. We must not allow that to happen,” emphasized Mykyta Laktionov, Deputy Head of the Alliance.
The issue of low youth involvement in decision-making is relevant across the country. According to a 2023 survey by the Democratic Initiatives Foundation, only 25% of young people in the regions believe they can influence local decisions, while 35% say authorities ignore their opinions. At the same time, 52% are willing to personally engage in initiatives within their communities. These figures highlight a huge but untapped potential of youth due to the lack of effective platforms for dialogue with authorities.
Research by the International Republican Institute adds another concerning note: since 2023, the share of youth optimistic about Ukraine’s future has dropped from 89% to 70%. The main obstacles include a lack of knowledge, skills, and experience to analyze problems and find solutions.
The Ukraine Recovery Alliance has identified key areas of cooperation with youth:
support for youth entrepreneurship and startups;
facilitating access to education and employment during wartime;
development of volunteer initiatives for national recovery;
promotion of inclusivity and digital skills among youth.
This comprehensive approach will maximize youth engagement in decision-making.
The Youth Council under the Odesa Regional Military Administration has the potential to become a model for other regions, demonstrating how youth participation in governance can accelerate national recovery and development. Ambitious plans and great responsibility lie ahead, as it is the young generation that will shape what Ukraine will be tomorrow.
