The Swedish Institute (SI) has granted funding that enables the Raoul Wallenberg Academy (RWA) to launch a new project in collaboration with the Ukrainian youth organisation Youth Space, with the aim of laying the foundation for a long-term partnership. The collaboration seeks to strengthen young people’s self-leadership, civic engagement, and democratic agency in Ukraine and internationally.
Youth Space is a non-profit organisation based in Uzhhorod in western Ukraine and has worked to empower young people since 2014. RWA and Youth Space share a common vision: that young people should be equipped with the knowledge, courage, and tools to shape their own lives and actively contribute to societal development. In the Ukrainian context – where youth engagement and willingness to effect change have increased significantly since the start of the war – there is both a clear need and a strong opportunity for such efforts.
“Through our collaboration with Youth Space, we at RWA aim to lay the groundwork for long-term initiatives that enable young people to develop into leaders and changemakers in their communities. Our goal is to strengthen young people over time to stand up for a humane society with civil courage and to become brave, active citizens who can positively and sustainably influence their societies,” says Anna Urombi, Secretary General of Raoul Wallenberg Academy.
“We believe that empowering young people is essential to rebuilding the country. Through our programmes and partnerships, we help young people develop skills and competencies, take on leadership responsibilities, and work closely with local communities to create sustainable solutions for Ukraine’s future,” says Liliia Ivasko, Project Coordinator at Youth Space.
The project focuses on preparation and co-creation. Through knowledge exchange, analysis of young people’s needs, and dialogue with relevant stakeholders, the partners will jointly develop a shared project concept for future collaboration. Key components include focus groups with young people in Ukraine, meetings with stakeholders and potential partners, and a study visit to Stockholm for in-depth exchange and joint idea development. Particular emphasis is placed on ensuring that future initiatives are firmly grounded in young people’s own perspectives, as well as in the Ukrainian context of reconstruction, democratic participation, and long-term societal development. The project is implemented with flexibility and sensitivity to the current circumstances in Ukraine, combining digital working methods with locally rooted, in-person activities. Through this partnership, RWA and Youth Space aim to create a stable foundation for future joint initiatives that strengthen young people as active citizens, leaders, and changemakers at a time when their voices are more important than ever. The project began in November 2025 and runs until September 2026.
“The Swedish Institute is a government agency that funds collaborations between Swedish and Ukrainian organisations and individuals. Through on-the-ground projects and educational initiatives, we contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction and EU integration, while also strengthening resilience in both Ukraine and Sweden,” says Madeleine Sjöstedt, Director General of the Swedish Institute.
About Youth Space
Youth Space is a non-governmental organization founded in 2014 in Uzhhorod, Ukraine. The organisation operates in various fields, including youth policy, tourism, culture, education, democracy, local economic development, entrepreneurship, and work with internally displaced persons (refugees), as well as the reconstruction of shelters for refugees and post-war recovery. The organization has experience working on both national and international grant projects. The NGO “Youth Space” primarily works with youth and communities in the Zakarpattia region. However, we also implement initiatives involving youth from across Ukraine, particularly from the eastern regions living near conflict zones, as well as international youth.
For more information, please contact:
Hanna Hessling, Press Officer at the Swedish Institute, hanna.hessling@si.se
Negin Azimi, Head of Communications at Raoul Wallenberg Academy, negin.azimi@rwa.se
