On June 24, the Youth2Recovery conference—"Civic Engagement, Culture, Identity, and Shaping the Future of Ukrainian Communities"—took place in Gdańsk. As an official side event of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026, it brought together representatives of youth organizations, government agencies, international partners, experts, and civil society to discuss the role of young people in Ukraine’s recovery.

During Youth2Recovery, participants discussed youth civic engagement, the development of youth policy, culture as a tool for preserving identity, and support for Ukrainian communities abroad. NUMO also presented the results of the study "Interests and Civic Engagement of the Ukrainian Youth" and the NUMO Declaration on Youth Policy Development.

Discussions during the conference reaffirmed that the challenges currently facing the youth sector are well known. At the same time, the NUMO Declaration offers practical solutions to help address them.

One of the main topics was youth participation in community life. During the presentation of the study, NUMO noted that 39% of young people had not participated in civic activities over the past year. At the same time, conference participants emphasized that the problem often lies not in a lack of willingness, but in the fact that young people simply have nowhere to put their ideas into practice. Many communities lack organizations and spaces where young people can get involved.

That is why the NUMO Declaration calls for the development of youth centers, youth spaces, and youth organizations so that young people have more opportunities to participate in the life of their communities.

Discussions also addressed the issue of youth participation in shaping national and local policy. According to a NUMO study, only 9% of young people believe they can influence local government decisions.

Conference participants emphasized that young people need not just consultations, but real mechanisms for participation. That is why the NUMO Declaration proposes shaping youth policy together with young people and strengthening the role of youth councils in decision-making.

The view was repeatedly expressed during the conference that Ukraine’s recovery cannot be limited to rebuilding infrastructure alone. It must also take into account education, culture, economic opportunities, security, and the quality of life for young people.

Participants also discussed migration, young people's future prospects, and the need to create conditions that encourage young people to build their future in Ukraine.

Conference participants also highlighted the need to support youth initiatives, develop youth infrastructure, and create safe spaces in communities. One point raised during the presentation of the study was that, for many young people today, the supermarket or a bench nearby has become a gathering place. This reflects the lack of spaces in many communities where young people can learn, socialize, and implement their own ideas.

Another important conclusion of the conference was that youth policy should be integrated into all government decisions rather than treated as a separate policy area. This is precisely the approach outlined in the NUMO Declaration. It proposes developing mechanisms for youth participation, supporting youth initiatives, and strengthening the role of communities in implementing youth policy.

The Youth2Recovery conference once again showed that the main challenges facing youth policy have long been understood. The priority now is to move from discussion to action and consistently implement solutions that will enable young people to become full participants in Ukraine’s recovery.