UN and UNICEF Representatives Visit Youth Center in Zaporizhzhia

Matthias Schmale, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, together with the UNICEF team, visited the Youth Center in Zaporizhzhia. The visit aimed to explore the opportunities to support, empower, and involve young people in community life.

During the tour, the delegation learned about the Youth Center’s programs, which offer young people access to education, opportunities to engage in social initiatives, and leadership development. The team also shared their vision for expansion through establishing modern youth spaces in every district of the city.

A highlight of the visit was an open dialogue between Mr. Matthias Schmale and local youth, organized by the NGO Studentstvo. In his remarks, Schmale emphasized:

“Leadership isn’t just about individual strength — it’s about growing stronger together. I’ve felt that spirit here today, and I hope you will continue to nurture it.”

The visit also included meetings with Ms. Regina Kharchenko, Acting Mayor of Zaporizhzhia, as well as representatives from the NGOs STEP and Molod Online, and the City Development Institute of Zaporizhzhia.

Together with UNICEF, STEP and Youth Online are working to create inclusive environments where every young person has the chance to grow, participate, and fulfil their potential.