Dnipro — Youth Capital of Ukraine: Highlights from the National Forum

This year, Dnipro was named Youth Capital of Ukraine for the first time. On 23–24 October, the city hosted participants of the National Youth Capital Forum for two days of discussions, networking, youth initiatives, and ideas — some already taking shape, others just looking for an opportunity to get started.

Rise was among the participants. Polia and Nastia represented our team at the Rise booth, introducing visitors to the foundation’s projects and sharing the opportunities currently available to young people.

What was happening at the Rise booth

Visitors could stop by to learn about our educational programmes, events, and other activities, find out about upcoming enrolment opportunities, and simply get to know the team.

We also brought along metaphorical associative cards. Visitors could draw one at random and discover a small reflection or a powerful insight to take away from the day.

The activity turned out even better than we had expected: the cards often became a starting point for conversation. From there, we talked about learning, career plans, personal ideas, local initiatives, and the kinds of opportunities young people would like to see more of today.

For us, this is an important part of events like this. We can share a lot about youth programmes on social media, but meeting people in person and hearing questions directly from those these opportunities are designed for is a completely different experience.

What was discussed at the forum

The programme focused on topics directly related to the city’s development and young people’s participation in community life.

Discussions explored how local ideas can grow into recognised projects, as well as social entrepreneurship, youth-led initiatives, and opportunities to help them develop.

One of the panel discussions focused on veterans’ experiences of transitioning to civilian life — moving from military service into new roles, employment, their own projects, and active participation in community life.

The programme also featured presentations, interactive activities, and discussions, alongside many informal conversations around exhibition booths, between sessions, and during networking.

The second day continued with a cultural programme featuring Dnipro Evenings, a festival celebrating Ukrainian culture.

Youth Capital is more than just a title

For Dnipro, this status is a welcome opportunity to shine a brighter light on the young people who are already learning, launching their own initiatives, developing projects, and shaping their vision for the city’s future.

We were especially glad to see that the forum paired conversations about ideas with practical opportunities: where to learn new skills, whom to approach with an initiative, and where to find a team or support to take the next step.

These are exactly the kinds of opportunities we strive to create at Rise — through educational programmes, youth engagement, events, and projects where young people can explore their potential, connect with others, and turn ideas into reality.

On 23–24 October, we shared ideas, made new connections, listened, and talked about the work we are already doing. We were also happy that this time, it all happened in Dnipro — the city named Youth Capital of Ukraine for the first time.

We continue creating new opportunities for young people together with Rise.