EU4Youth organises regional exchange for youth councils from Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine

On 16-19 September, national networks of local youth councils and umbrella organisations from Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia gathered for a regional exchange dedicated to strengthening youth participation in democratic life. Participants worked in groups, discussed real-life contexts, and shared initiatives that could later be implemented in their communities. In this way, the exchange of ideas turned into an opportunity to build collaboration between local youth councils from Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine.

“Thanks to this event, young people from the three networks were able to share good practices in an interactive way, focused on promoting intercultural diversity, respect, and mutual support. As a participant, I believe that the regional exchange was a unique opportunity to connect with my peers from the Eastern Partnership countries and to lay the foundations for future collaborations,” said Adriela Bejenari, President of the Drochia District Youth Council, Moldova.

As part of the regional exchange, participants also visited the Orhei District Youth Council, where they learned how the council’s young members contribute to community life and involve peers in decision-making processes, what good practices have been implemented and the initiatives they are proud of, as well as how they motivate young people to become active and engaged actors in their communities.

“During the meetings with Ukrainian and Moldovan youth councils, we shared best practices and achievements based on Georgia’s local and national youth policy. Such dialogues carry special significance – they lay the foundation for international cooperation, joint initiatives, and the establishment of long-term partnerships. It is of utmost importance for us that the Association was given the opportunity to represent itself on the international stage, strengthening its role both in the development of youth policy and in representing Georgia with dignity in relations with partners”, mentioned Ilarion Pipia, President of Association of youth advisory councils of Georgia.

The event created a safe and open space where young people could share their experiences, learn from one another, and discover new perspectives on how to strengthen youth involvement in decision-making processes at the local level.

“This event contributed to three things for the Ukrainian delegation: expanding the vision on the development of youth councils in other countries, in particular in Moldova and Georgia; highlighting the importance of continuing to develop youth participation in decision-making processes through youth councils and creating a cool network of representatives of youth councils from all three regions for further collaboration”, highlighted Khrystyna Slovik, Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian Youth Councils Association.

Participants also had the chance to explore Orheiul Vechi, a symbol of the history and culture of the Republic of Moldova.The regional exchange in Moldova was organised by the ‘EU4Youth: Youth Engagement and Empowerment’ project, co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ in partnership with the National Network of Local Youth Councils of Moldova.

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