The 10th annual Kyiv Security Forum for Youth, themed Gen W: The Ukrainian Generation of War, marks a critical moment in Ukraine’s ongoing struggle and resilience, addressing the trials and missions faced by Ukrainian youth since the full-scale russian invasion. Organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation, this year’s Forum serves as a platform for Ukrainian youth to discuss pressing security issues, reflect on their contributions to the nation’s defense, and prepare for the challenges of post-war Ukraine. This event holds particular significance as it is the first Forum since the start of the full-scale invasion, uniting over 100 young leaders from across Ukraine.
Kyiv Security Forum for Youth is a leading platform for engaging young leaders in discussing issues of national security and international relations. Since 2012, 9 Kyiv Security Forums for Youth have been held. In September 2021, Kyiv Security Forum launched the West-East, North-South initiative of youth meetings.
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This year’s program is structured to offer participants both inspiration and practical insights, featuring prominent figures from the international security community, Ukrainian civil society, and government sectors. Key speakers include:
- Marie-Doha Besancenot, Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy, NATO;
- David Petraeus, Commander of the U.S Central Command (2008-2010), Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency;
- Kurt VOLKER, United States Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations (2017-19);
- Oleksandra Matviichuk, 2022 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Head of the Center for Civil Liberties;
- Natalie Jaresko, Chairperson, The Aspen Institute Kyiv, Ukraine’s Finance Minister (2014-16);
- Anton Drobovych, Head of the Institute of National Remembrance;
- Vitaly Portnikov, journalist.
These speakers bring diverse perspectives on Ukraine’s security landscape, NATO cooperation, memory preservation, and media’s role in shaping public perception and resistance.
Supported by international and national organizations, including NATO’s Representation in Ukraine, the National Democratic Institute, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, and institutional partner the Atlantic Council, the Kyiv Security Forum for Youth has solidified its place in global and local security discourse. Media partners, including Defense Express, Espreso, Censor.NET, TVA, Gordon, Gazeta.ua, Interfax-Ukraine, Glavkom, Ukraine World, Ukraine Media Center, Ukrainian Crisis Media Center, The Day Newspaper, Telegraf, INDEX will cover the Forum, broadening its impact and visibility.
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