In Geneva, a representative of the Ukrainian Red Cross Youth Development Sector participated in the General Assembly of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The General Assembly of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) took place in Geneva from 21 to 31 October and was attended by a delegation from the Ukrainian Red Cross, headed by Director General Maksym Dotsenko. The General Assembly focuses on adopting key resolutions to address humanitarian issues worldwide.
Among the Ukrainian Red Cross representatives was Vladyslav Sydilnykov, Senior Specialist in Volunteer and Youth Development, who participated in the election of the new IFRC Youth Commission and a panel discussion during the workshop.
The IFRC Youth Commission comprises seven members and a chairperson, with representatives from different regions: the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. This structure ensures balanced representation from all parts of the world.
One of the European region’s representatives in the previous Youth Commission was Maryna Kozhedub, a delegate from Ukraine, a volunteer with the Ukrainian Red Cross, and a specialist in international relations and advocacy. Maryna successfully represented Ukraine and Europe for five years and co-organised a special Youth Forum during the Statutory Meetings.
The Youth Forum, organised for youth delegates, introduced a new strategy for engaging young people in the Red Cross movement. Following the elections, volunteers from Spain and Luxembourg will represent the European region in the Youth Commission, chaired by Michelle Chew, a representative from Malaysia.
The newly elected commissioners held a workshop with representatives of national society delegations. During the workshop, participants discussed the challenges faced by national societies in engaging young people and the tools necessary for implementing the new strategy in each society. The workshop also included a panel discussion featuring Vladyslav Sydilnykov.
The panellists raised the issue of how Ukrainian youth leaders, while deeply affected by the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis, continue to volunteer and lead in their communities.
“This is a very difficult task because you need to influence, help, and inspire others all at once,” Vladyslav shared in his speech. “Maintaining this balance is a challenge for me, but I am inspired by the people I work with — young volunteers who constantly look up to us as role models. Realising that our actions can directly influence their motivation, we must set the bar high. This gives us the strength to continue helping those in need because we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to support those who need it most.”
Vladyslav also emphasised that next year, the Ukrainian Red Cross will place considerable focus on training and capacity-building for young leaders and volunteers. It is crucial to remember that supporting young people who wish to remain in their communities and contribute to their development is both valuable and essential.
