YOUTH LEADERSHIP
FOR EMERGING FUTURE

I am a 29-year-old project manager and business coach. I was born in Donetsk, and I was forced to move to Mariupol in 2014. Since 2022 I've been living in Mukachevo.

With over a decade of experience in the NGO sector, I've been dedicated to developing youth programs, working in IT, and supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs). Currently, I'm leading a crucial project focused on protecting the housing rights of IDPs whose homes have been destroyed.

I'm a Vice President of the National Youth Council of Poland, which brings together 45 youth organizations (and half a million members) and is responsible for creating a coherent and modern youth policy in Poland.

I represent Poland as EU Youth Delegate in the European Youth Forum - I am in charge of the EU Youth Dialogue in Poland and the implementation of the 11 Youth Goals. Besides, I co-founded a social start-up dealing with access to grants for NGOs and CSOs.

Since 2013, I've owned a production company, and I've been active in the NGO sector since 2017. Currently I am a team leader and innovator in the organization called Smile For Others (Úsmev pre druhých). We offer innovative social services for families with members with disabilities. We are proud to be nominated for SocialMarie prize 2024.

I'm currently serving as a Cabinet Member at the Czech Ministry of Education. My passion for social transformation is backed by a diverse background in Law, Diplomacy, and International Business.  

Over my career, I've held roles at the Czech Government Office and the CEC government consulting group and led pioneering projects like Pragulic and Tutory. These experiences have given me a broad perspective on tackling social challenges. With international exposure and recognized leadership in social impact, I'm dedicated to empowering youth and driving significant social change.

I am an organizational manager, currently working as the Director of CUKR - Ukrainian Center for Culture and Development, a branch of the Foundation Ukraine, based in Wrocław, Poland. My main goal is to improve integration processes for groups at risk of social exclusion. I work with international communities, organizing and promoting cultural events, including the promotion of Ukrainian culture abroad.

Outside of work, I'm dedicated to military volunteering — raising funds and delivering essential items like cars and drones to the front lines. I'm also a musician. I play four instruments and write songs to advocate for donations. I love to travel and can't stand prunes.

I'm a positive team player with a keen eye for detail and a strong desire to continuously learn and grow as a professional. I excel in communication and troubleshooting and bring a range of skills including content planning, project management, event supervision, and effective interpersonal communication.

Currently, I coordinate the NGO "Early Birds" in Ivano-Frankivsk, manage regional office operations, develop networking, and oversee information and psychological support projects. I also handle document management, primary accounting, and communication with parents and hospitals.

I am dedicated to making a positive impact and continuously enhancing my skills to contribute to my team's success.

In the past 6 years, I've worked with various businesses, non-profit organizations and governmental agencies on projects that either helped them to address a new target group of customers/clients or improved internal alignment, processes and strategy. For the last 3 years, I've been focusing on sustainability at the organizational level both in terms of operations and business models. Apart from working with clients, I've also been overseeing skills & capability development of a team of innovation designers and providing on-request guidance to them on their projects.

I work at the GrowSPACE Foundation, coordinating the West Pomeranian Region in the Ranking of LGBTQ+ Friendly Schools and collaborating on Rainbow Friday. I co-founded a small community organization The Social Space Association (Stowarzyszenie Społeczna Przestrzeń) in Szczecin to counter loneliness and bring people together. For two terms, I served as a Councilor of the Youth Council of the City of Szczecin and was Chairman of the Committee for Education. I am a mediator and educator, deeply involved in education, social participation, and youth work.

I've been based in Wrocław for the past two years. During this time, my focus has been on supporting Ukrainian war refugees. I orchestrate and conduct free Polish and Ukrainian language courses, aiming to bridge the linguistic gap and help ease their integration process.

In my role as a project coordinator, I primarily work with the elderly, facilitating their integration with care and sensitivity. Over the past year, I've expanded my focus to include lecturing on gynecological and sexual health, addressing crucial women's issues within the Ukrainian community.

Currently, I'm furthering my expertise through a master’s program in Social Project Management. My professional journey is guided by a dedication to integration, advancing women’s health, and language education. My goal is to build resilient communities through inclusive and informed initiatives.

As the executive director and chairwoman of a non-profit organization Thanks That We Can (Díky, že můžem), I've spent 11 years organizing Korzo Národní, the largest celebration of the Velvet Revolution. Our aim isn't just to commemorate 1989 events but to address contemporary issues and envision the future. We extend celebrations to schools through educational project Velvet in Schools and honor active students with Jan Opletal Awards.

Our organization amplifies the voice of the younger generation, fostering a civil society where freedom holds true significance. This year, we're launching a year-long Díky, že můžem Academy for high school, vocational school, and apprenticeship students, motivating them for civic engagement. The Academy broadens horizons, inspires, and encourages students to share experiences. Beyond these initiatives, we work on 16 projects educating and activating society, especially the youth, on freedom, democracy, and human rights.  

My journey began while studying abroad at the University of Maastricht and Amsterdam and gaining experience at the student festival The We Festival. Now, I apply that experience in our organization and as an advisor to city councillors on innovation, education, and sports at the City of Prague.

I'm currently pursuing a degree in English and Slovak language and culture, focusing on translation and interpreting studies at Matej Bel University. For the past three years, I've been actively involved in the Erasmus Student Network, serving as Graphic Manager for the last two years.

Art has been a significant part of my life since childhood, having attended the dance department at the J. L. Bella Conservatory. I enjoy engaging in extracurricular and cultural activities, such as reading, photography, yoga, hiking, and seizing every opportunity that comes my way.

In the future, I aspire to work as a professional book translator or engage in activities closely tied to art and culture. Recently, I organized the Zimná škola prekladu (Winter Translation School) event for translation and interpreting students from across Slovakia. Currently, I'm working with my team to establish a civic association Sa zobuď! (Wake Up!) to continue our efforts in supporting translation and interpreting students.

I'm a policy analyst for education within an international organization, dedicated to assisting governments in enhancing their educational systems. My academic background includes a bachelor's degree in political science (BISLA) and a master's degree in education from Oxford University.

My expertise lies in higher education and civic education. While I'm based in Paris, I frequently travel to Slovakia and across Europe.

At 19, I founded my own organizatoin inspired by my volunteering experiences with children and young people. Today, I lead the Growing Up Zone Foundation (Fundacja Strefa Dorastania) while also serving as a Streetworker.

For me, the most crucial aspect of my work is adopting an ally approach with those I serve. Building relationships based on trust and respect is paramount, fostering a sense of belonging and long-term participation in our initiatives.

My journey here has been diverse. It began with volunteering at the Hospice of the Little Prince in Lublin, followed by impactful involvement in the Youth Council of the City of Lublin, which significantly shaped my development.

My journey began in 2020 in the Dnipro when I decided to enroll in a project education school "Flight". Every Sunday, alongside friends and with guidance from teachers, we sought answers to fundamental questions: How to achieve human integrity? What is my dream? What is friendship?

It was with my friends and teachers that I came from Ukraine to Poland in April 2022. Dissatisfaction with my reality and a desire to take charge of my future shaped who I am today.

I lead a team rooted in friendship. I volunteer at my teachers' foundation, offering physical help, repairs, and teaching teenagers about personal integrity. I'm a second-year student at Krakow University of Economics studying Modern Business Management.

I co-founded and lead an educational organization DASATO, focusing on programs like the DASATO Academy & DASATO Idea Lab for high school students, as well as DASATO initiatives in Project Based Learning or online platform for teachers in collaboration with organization LEAF called GROWNi.sk. During my time at Silkeborg Gymnasium, I noticed the differences between Slovak and Danish educational systems which inspired me to create Nexteria Lab program. Currently, I'm a student at Tallinn University, pursuing studies in Educational Innovation & Leadership. My dream and goal are to innovate education in Slovakia, foster 21st-century skills learning, and promote character education. I am a part of Forbes 30 under 30 from 2023.

Originally from Russia, I immigrated to Slovakia at the age of 7. Three months after my 18th birthday, my country commenced a devastating war in neighboring Ukraine. Together with a few like-minded individuals, I organized a charitable art project HOROVOD named after a traditional Slavic dance. The project aims to collect funds for charity, utilizing the power of art to activate social change. With support from Ukrainian and Belarusian communities, we've organized over 20 events in Bratislava, Vienna and other cities.

Currently, I am a final-year high school student and head organizer at HOROVOD. I am driven by my passion for culture, art, and a desire to see a more tolerant, peaceful, and pleasant society. Previously, I volunteered in summer camps for underprivileged children, participated in Model EU Parliament, and engaged in various European youth initiatives.

I come from Ukraine, I am civically engaged and continuously seeking ways to make a positive impact on the world. Currently, I work as a fundraiser, grant writer, and tutor for teens at Jedność (Unity) Foundation founded by seven Ukrainian refugee women in Kraków. This foundation provides educational and cultural projects for individuals from diverse national backgrounds, as well as educational, integration, and MHPSS support for refugees from Ukraine.

I also serve as a mentor for a youth initiative group FIOH that leads social projects. With a bachelor's degree in international law, I am currently pursuing studies in Management of Education and NGOs at the University of the National Education Commission in Kraków. My ultimate dream is to foster the creation of a just and morally upright society.

I'm from Dnipro, Ukraine. Since my school and college years, I've been actively involved in various activities. When I was a student, I began working with children — organizing camps, hosting events, workshops, and even arranging birthday celebrations.

When the war erupted, my journey as a volunteer commenced. I dedicated my time to visiting children of internally displaced persons (IDPs), organizing entertainment events, and conducting workshops for them. In May 2022, I joined Caritas Donetsk in Dnipro as a social educator, intending to utilize my extensive experience in working with children to assist displaced youth.

Since March 2023, I've been a part of the Rise of Ukraine Charitable Foundation as a project manager. Even in this role, my focus remains on the children. We collaborate on creating and implementing projects tailored for them, and I eagerly engage in organizing activities to bring joy to their lives.

I was born in Šala but have spent the past nine years of my life in Bratislava. I completed my PhD here and now teach urban engineering. During my engineering studies, my classmates and I won an international competition in time planning.

I've also worked as a project manager for civil engineering in a municipal company, allowing me to grow and excel in a field I'm passionate about. In my spare time, I delve into topics related to my work and utilize my knowledge to develop an educational platform for students from Ukraine in Slovakia.

When I'm not engaged in education, I enjoy travelling and immersing myself in local cultures, particularly those of the Balkans.

I'm a social activist from Gdynia, Poland, dedicated to education, diversity, and inclusivity. Currently, I am actively involved with the GrowSPACE Foundation, working on projects like anti-discrimination workshops in the Podkarpackie province, the Ranking of LGBTQ+ Friendly Schools, and the Mental Health Tram. My journey in social activism began in my teenage years, and I am committed to continuing this path in the future.

I have Vietnamese roots and I am currently studying at the Faculty of Humanities at Charles University in Prague. I lived in Italy for two years, where I actively contributed to the development of a rural area with 820 inhabitants by engaging and empowering local people during COVID-19. Upon returning home, I began leading my own Solidarity Project aimed at creating a more inclusive society. I was also involved in a 10-month participative project "Our Voice" by META o.p.s because I believe that young people have the power to co-create the future and shape the society, they want to live in.

I'm a 19-year-old social entrepreneur from the Czech Republic, currently living in Prague. After leading the Czech Secondary Student's Union for two years, I'm taking some time to explore new opportunities. My main interests remain focused on the education system and youth issues such as mental health and inequalities.

I work primarily with the Association for Entrepreneurial Czechia, where I integrate entrepreneurship competence into the education system and promote youth participation. I also teach programming at an elementary school, gaining valuable insights into the education system I aim to change. Additionally, I help organize political simulations of the American Congress.

Currently, I am studying at Prague University of Economics and Business, with plans to possibly study law at Charles University next semester. While I'm still figuring out my exact path, I know I want to create a positive impact.

I have a passion for second-hand books; although I've bought twenty since January, I've only managed to read one. I'm also interested in technology, politics, and urbanism. My biggest accomplishment is keeping my email inboxes clear and organized.

I am 19 years old, originally from the Dnipro in the east of Ukraine. My childhood experiences in school left me longing for change within the education system. I dream of a future where education fosters vibrant and fulfilled individuals, taught by passionate and contented educators. The mission of education, in my vision, is to nurture ethically mature individuals capable of generating and realizing new ideas that contribute to the greater good.

Currently, I am on a journey to cultivate my own happiness, believing that it will empower me to bring that joy to others. As a volunteer with an NGO "Jedność" in Krakow, I serve as a tutor and lecturer for teenagers. My friends and I, FIOH team, share a passion for dreaming big, and together, we organize exciting events for young people in our city —conferences, poetry evenings, performances, and more. We believe that Future Is In Our Hands, and we are eager to connect with others who share our dream to achieve great things together!

I am the CEO of a civic association DEMDIS dedicated to fostering a world of fair and open discussion. Our goal is to implement innovative methods of meaningful public deliberation and engagement to address various societal issues.

I'm a 20-year-old student of public policy at Charles University. My main fields of focus are education policy, youth participation and personal finance advisory. I am a member of the board of the Czech Secondary School Student Union, where I lead the education policy department and regional youth participation group. For the last two years, I have also led the High School Council of the City Prague, where I am currently head of the advisory board. I facilitate the creation and first steps of regional youth councils all over the Czech Republic. My current main fields of interest in education policy are the system of vocational schools, primary and secondary school management. I also help both Czech and expats with managing their personal finances as a consultant.

I'm a 19-year-old activist and feminist from Gdynia. I serve as the Chairwoman of the Young Left of the Republic of Poland and have the honor of being an Assistant to the Minister of Equality Katarzyna Kotula. I've served as a Parliamentarian in the Youth Parliament of the Republic of Poland for four terms, and in 2022, I had the privilege of being elected Chairwoman of the largest parliamentary club. In the past, I worked as a parliamentary assistant to MPs in the Sejm of the Republic of Poland. I was nominated for the Personality of the Year 2022 award.

My passion for social justice extends to actively engaging in interventions concerning tenant matters and advocating for initiatives aimed at advancing women's rights. Currently, I'm pursuing a degree in law at the University of Gdańsk.

In 2012 I represented Slovakia in the US, North Carolina through the US State Department Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship (BFTF) program. This experience inspired me to get involved in international projects concerning European and international affairs. I started my own initiative "For Tomorrow’s Europe" through which I managed international conferences for young people from all over the world.

Apart from that, I've also participated in various workshops where I acted as a mentor to youths interested in minority issues, with a main focus on immigration, as well as the fight against antisemitism and homophobia.

Between 2015-2019, I worked as the Deputy Director of the corporate relations at GLOBSEC, a think-tank that organizes large international conferences. Through these events, we aimed to provide new recommendations to shape foreign and security policy on a global scale. Its largest projects include GLOBSEC Bratislava Forum or Tatra Summit, with GLOBSEC BA Forum being one of the world’s top political-business conferences.

Thanks to my previous experience in an NGO sector, I was invited to speak at the TedxBISB 2015 conference in Slovakia. Additionally, I host various youth events, conferences, and moderate discussions. Currently, I work as a Head of operations of a social impact fund in Slovakia.

I am a social activist, currently studying psychology at SWPS University in Katowice, and proud founder of Nastoletni Azyl, a psychoeducational initiative. In 2023, I was honored to be a finalist on Forbes' "25 under 25" list in the "Positive Impact" category. My passion lies in child and adolescent psychiatry, and I actively collaborate with scientists on RESQL, a system aimed at preventing bullying.

On a daily basis, I engage with foundations, institutions, and politicians, particularly with the Parliamentary Team for Children's and Adolescents' Mental Health. I participate in debates and conferences on psychiatry, firmly believing that together, we can work towards improving the system.

I hold a Master degree in Journalism from Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland. Over the past 6 years, I've been deeply involved in social and cultural activities, primarily working with the Folkowisko group, where I lead media and communications. I initiated the Living Library project focused on community and relationship building for minorities and underserved populations, including refugees and rural residents. Additionally, I serve as the Coordinator of International Projects Youth Bridges and Beyond Borders Academy, aimed at integrating young social activists.  

In 2022, I volunteered on the Polish-Ukrainian border. My professional expertise centers on cross-border cultural diplomacy, cultivating discussions and actions for gender equality and societal activism among young people.

Outside of my professional endeavors, I enjoy traveling, attending concerts, fire dancing, and reading classical literature.

I'm 24-year-old social and health activist form Poland. I study social policy at the University of Warsaw, having previously studied physiotherapy at King’s College London. I currently serve as the President of the Board and Head of Communications & Education at the “Akcja Menstruacja” Foundation. I was recognized by Forbes Women and the SEXEDPL Foundation as one of the “100 People Supporting Sexual Education in Poland”. I am involved with various organizations including the Volunteer Center of the University of Warsaw, Student Association of Heterodox Economics, and the WSCHÓD Initiative.

Since primary school, I have been involved with young people and marginalized communities. Currently, I work for the largest youth organization Domka and serve as a board member. I coordinate volunteers to help integrate Ukrainian youth, guided by our motto: "Moments on the playground mean a lot for life." As a board member, my current challenge is to establish a social committee that responds to social events and creates conditions for the growth of future leaders. Additionally, I am involved in politics, having run as the youngest candidate for both the city council and the national parliament.

I am a Ukrainian living in Przemyśl, a small town in the southeast of Poland, close to the Ukrainian border. I work as a Volunteer Center Coordinator for The Association of the Ukrainians in Poland, where my main goal is to support Ukrainian refugees escaping the full-scale war in Ukraine.

In my role, I coordinate a team of employees and volunteers, manage the work calendar for four teams (45 employees), and ensure effective communication between the office and field teams. Additionally, I lead training sessions to improve mental health and stress management for both our employees and the local Ukrainian refugees in Przemyśl. This is how I began taking small steps to care for others in my community.

At 27 years old, I have dedicated my life to making a positive impact on the world. Since high school, I have honed my skills in video editing and filming. For three years, I led a non-profit organization that built schools in Cambodia. To support myself financially, I entered the workforce and currently serve as the Head of Digital Marketing at a film production company. In my free time, I am developing a system for the "Emotional Play" project, which enhances social and emotional intelligence in preschool children, and I am also working on a personal project involving diaries for self-reflection and mental hygiene.

My mission is to focus on corporate environments, unlocking employee potential and promoting alternative organizational structures. My background in the film industry, editing, and creativity serves as a foundation for my mission to contribute positively to the world.

I work to improve the situation not only in my city, but in the community as a whole. I have been professionally engaged in photography for several years.

I am a social activist, community organizer, and cultural advocate. I am a Vice-President of the Social-Cultural Association "Poland - Ukraine" and a co-organizer and Communications and Marketing Manager of the Ukrainian Spring festival. Additionally, I am a member of the Council for the Integration of Migrants at the City Hall of Poznań. I graduated from the first Poznań City Leaders School and I am a member of the Greater Poland Congress of Women.  

Two years ago, I initiated and since lead the Volunteer Headquarters "Angel Squad," which provides assistance for Ukraine (hospitals, soldiers, paramedics, civilians). My interests include migration policy, intercultural integration, charitable work, and cultural diplomacy.

I am a student at the University of Economics and Management in Prague, a peer-consultant of NGO ARA ART and an intern of the Canadian Embassy in Prague.