On 24 March 2026, a Youth Think Tank discussion took place at the University of Silesia in Katowice — “From Ukraine” — a mark of quality, professionalism, and resilience. Be an ambassador of change wherever you are,” as part of the project “SUCCESS | Socially innovative Ukrainian Centres in Central Europe: Empowerment and Social Support”.
The event created a space for Ukrainian youth in Poland to engage in meaningful dialogue on education, mobility, and the role of a “networked nation” in shaping Ukraine’s future.
The meeting brought together Ukrainian youth – students from across the Silesian voivodeship, offering them an opportunity to reflect on how studying and living abroad is not a “brain drain,” but rather a way to build strategic capital and contribute to their home country through knowledge, experience, and global connections.
Our participants had the opportunity to:
- Meet the distinguished delegation from Mariupol State University, where Acting Rector Tetiana Marena delivered an inspiring opening speech on how кризis can become a driver of innovation and development, emphasizing that a university is not defined by walls, but by people, values, and shared meaning.
- Discover the importance of global networking through the presentation of Iryna Sikorska, who highlighted international cooperation as a powerful springboard for future careers.
- Explore the role of education in rebuilding Ukraine with Svitlana Kalinina, who presented how academic expertise contributes to large-scale national recovery strategies.
- Gain inspiration from Iryna Gridina, who spoke about Ukrainian youth as “architects of change,” actively shaping their own future in a rapidly evolving world.
The discussion concluded with an engaging Q&A session, allowing students to directly interact with the speakers, share their perspectives, and ask important questions about their academic and professional paths.
After the formal part, participants continued conversations over coffee and refreshments, strengthening connections and building a supportive community of young Ukrainians abroad.
fot. Kacper Skalmierski
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Social Fund Agency. Neither the European Union nor the Granting Authority can be held responsible for them.