Kyiv hosted the Youth Diplomatic Forum organised by the Ukrainian Red Cross

The event took place over two days, on 18 and 19 November, and brought together more than 100 participants, including students from leading Ukrainian universities majoring in international relations. It served as a platform for the exchange of ideas among those interested in humanitarian diplomacy.

The event was opened by Maksym Dotsenko, Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross, and Iryna Vereshchuk, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. A special guest of the forum, Hugo Slim, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Oxford and Advisor to the British Red Cross, facilitated the forum throughout the two days.

The event aimed to create favourable conditions for the formation of a new generation of Ukrainian diplomats who will be able to represent Ukraine on the international stage and contribute to the resolution of humanitarian crises. The programme of the forum included panel discussions with representatives from the government, parliament, embassies, national and international organisations, experienced diplomats, and more.

A highlight of the forum was a simulation role-playing game focused on addressing humanitarian crises. These practical tasks helped to develop negotiation skills, analytical thinking, and teamwork.

The event was supported by the British, Danish, Norwegian, and German Red Crosses.