After almost a year of collaboration between Raoul Wallenberg Academy and the youth organisation Youth Space in Uzhhorod, Ukraine, the ASCEND project has now concluded. The aim has been to explore how future collaboration could strengthen young people’s leadership and civic engagement, with their own experiences, needs and ideas as a starting point.
ASCEND was implemented with funding from the Swedish Institute.
– 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.
Young People Help Shape the Project Idea
The project was launched in November 2025 and has been built around knowledge exchange between Raoul Wallenberg Academy and Youth Space. Through joint workshops, dialogues with relevant stakeholders and focus groups, different perspectives on future collaboration have been explored.
As part of ASCEND, Raoul Wallenberg Academy and Youth Space have explored ideas for what a future programme for young people in Sweden and Ukraine could look like. Through the focus groups, young people had the opportunity to contribute their perspectives and ideas on how such an initiative could be developed to better meet their needs.
In Ukraine, three focus groups were conducted with young people in Mukachevo, Irshava and Uzhhorod. In Sweden, young people participating in Raoul Wallenberg Academy’s leadership programme took part in a focus group.
Several common themes emerged. Participants highlighted the value of cultural exchange and the opportunity to gain new experiences and perspectives. In the Ukrainian focus groups, there was also a recurring interest in developing practical skills in areas such as leadership, communication and project work. Mentorship and opportunities to gain practical experience through projects and civic engagement were also highlighted as important elements.
– Co-creating this project concept together with Raoul Wallenberg Academy and with the support of the Swedish Institute was a deeply enriching experience. Listening to the participants during our focus groups was an absolute eye-opener. It was inspiring to see young people look at complex issues so maturely and express a real desire to take charge of their local communities.
Youth often lack clear pathways to unlock their leadership potential, so seeing their genuine drive to learn and act — especially among teens from rural areas with fewer resources — was truly inspiring. They aren’t just looking for theory; they want practical project experience and meaningful exchange with their Swedish peers.
This initiative proves that when given the right space, youth are ready to become true drivers of change. We are truly grateful to the Swedish Institute for this invaluable experience and for making such impactful opportunities possible, says Yulia Demchyk, Project Manager of the ASCEND Project at Youth Space.
A Foundation to Build On
ASCEND has resulted in a clearer understanding of what young people in Sweden and Ukraine are looking for, a strengthened collaboration between Raoul Wallenberg Academy and Youth Space, and a joint project proposal for the way forward.
The project proposal has already resulted in an application for funding to take the next step and implement the initiative. ASCEND has thus created strong conditions for continued collaboration, with young people’s perspectives and participation at its core.
– One of the key principles of ASCEND was not to create a programme for young people, but together with them. Through the project, we gained valuable insights into what young people in Sweden and Ukraine themselves are asking for and need. This gives us a strong foundation to build on and demonstrates the power of sharing experiences and perspectives with one another, says Anna Urombi, Secretary General of Raoul Wallenberg Academy.
ASCEND was implemented by Raoul Wallenberg Academy and Youth Space. This project is funded by 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
Ebba Bergh, Communications Officer at Raoul Wallenberg Academy, ebba.bergh@rwa.se
