Young People from Vinnytsia Took Part in an International Forum in Dijon, France

The expansion of international cooperation, the exchange of experiences in the field of democracy, and the creation of joint Ukrainian-French projects were the main achievements of the Vinnytsia youth delegation’s visit to France. In May this year, representatives of Vinnytsia City and Regional Councils, the Regional State Administration, and students from our community, together with the ‘KVADRAT’ Youth Centre, joined forces to present the region’s potential at the ‘Democratic Youth Forum’. The platform for dialogue was organised by the French association Aidons l’Ukraine Dijon, led by Olha Mala.

The main objective of the trip was to revitalise international ties at the ‘youth-to-youth’ and ‘community-to-community’ levels. During the visit, the Ukrainian team worked on creating new platforms for cooperation, engaging French partners in long-term projects in the fields of education, local government and European integration.

'This trip became something much more than just participation in a forum, as we managed to establish direct horizontal links with French institutions, lycées and youth organisations. We are returning home with experience and concrete ideas for future joint initiatives. It is important that our French colleagues are ready to support Ukrainian youth, exchange best practices and work together to develop democratic values,' said Olena Voitovych, Deputy Head of the Youth Policy Department at Vinnytsia City Council.

During the Forum, participants engaged with representatives of French institutions, civil society organisations, educational establishments and international bodies. In particular, in Paris, the Ukrainian youth met with Vadym Omelchenko, Ukraine’s Ambassador to France, and representatives of the diplomatic corps.

A key event was a visit to the French Senate, where the delegation met with Senator Nadia Sollogoub, who heads the ‘France–Ukraine’ interparliamentary friendship group, and discussed issues of international solidarity and support for our country.

At the regional level, the delegation from Vinnytsia secured the support of French local authorities. The prospects for developing the partnership were discussed during a dialogue with Lydie Pfander-Meny, Vice-President for International Relations of the Dijon Metropolitan Area.

Considerable attention was paid to practical tools for European integration for students. Thanks to meetings with representatives of the organisations Info Jeunes Bourgogne–Franche-Comté and Maison de l’Europe, participants learnt about new avenues for international mobility, the Erasmus+ programme, youth exchanges and volunteering opportunities supported by the European Union. In addition, the young people put their leadership skills into practice: during an interactive workshop with Amandine Feuillet, head of the Alpha Léo organisation, delegates analysed real-life cases of civic engagement.

At the same time, direct contacts were established at the level of educational institutions. The participants from Vinnytsia had the opportunity to study French approaches to education in detail and to interact with their colleagues.

'One of the highlights of the visit was the lively discussion with young people from France and representatives of the region. We had the opportunity to speak with students from the law class at Lycée Carnot, learn more about the French education system and exchange experiences. This meeting was made possible thanks to the support of the school’s chief advisor on education and upbringing, Emmanuelle Guillon, who accompanied us during the visit,' shared Anna Stelchuk, a student at Vinnytsia Technical College and a member of the Vinnytsia delegation.

She also added that the Ukrainian youth felt tremendous support from Patrick Molinoz, Vice-President of the Bourgogne–Franche-Comté region, who actively promotes the development of Franco-Ukrainian partnership. The final event in this series of meetings was an exceptionally warm and friendly informal chat with representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora, where participants felt right at home.

Overall, this direct exchange of experiences and the openness of the French side have laid a solid foundation for future joint projects. Apart from the official meetings, the trip was memorable precisely for its lively interaction and informal diplomacy.

'It was really great to chat with Ukrainian students who are currently living and studying in France. They openly shared their experiences – how they adapted, what difficulties they faced, and how things work from the inside. We found common ground just as easily with our French peers. It was a truly sincere intercultural exchange, which helped us to understand one another better and simply make new friends,' says Daniil Hernandez Portales, a student at Vinnytsia Transport College and a member of the Ukrainian delegation.

He also added that it is precisely these simple conversations, free from any formalities, that help break down stereotypes and provide the impetus for future joint ideas.