Ukrainian Red Cross Youth is representing Ukraine in discussions shaping the future of the humanitarian movement
From 24–28 June, a youth delegation from the Ukrainian Red Cross took part in the Second ECAYN Leadership Meeting, which brought together the youth network of National Societies from across Europe and Central Asia as part of Solferino 2026.
Ukraine was represented at the meeting by Maksym Koval, Chair of the Ukrainian Red Cross Commission on Volunteer Development and Youth Policy and a member of the ECAYN Youth Coordination Committee; Vladyslav Sydilnikov, representative of the Youth Development Sector; and Mariia Nartseva, a member of the Ukrainian Red Cross Commission on Volunteer Development and Youth Policy.
During the meeting, young leaders from across the region discussed the challenges shaping the future of the humanitarian movement, as well as proposed amendments to IFRC statutory documents to ensure that young people’s voices are reflected in future decision-making.
For Ukraine, this participation was particularly significant. Ukrainian Red Cross Youth shared its experience of working in the context of the full-scale war, demonstrating how youth leadership helps communities overcome challenges, recover and build resilience.
A key part of the meeting was the presentation of the Ukrainian Red Cross’s experience in implementing the Youth as Agents of Behavioural Change initiative. Ukraine’s experience generated strong interest among other National Societies and became part of an international professional dialogue.
One of the most memorable moments was the Fiaccolata – the traditional torchlight procession that brought together more than 5,000 volunteers from over 60 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies. It follows the same route along which the wounded were carried after the Battle of Solferino in 1859, the event that inspired the creation of the world’s largest humanitarian movement.
Among the thousands of lights was the light of Ukraine.
More than 160 years ago, the mission to help people was born in Solferino. Today, that mission lives on in Ukraine through the work of thousands of Ukrainian Red Cross volunteers and staff who stand alongside those most in need every day.
More than a century and a half later, that mission continues through the everyday actions of people who help, support and stand alongside others.
We thank ECAYN for the opportunity to be part of this international youth dialogue.
