A New Erasmus+ Initiative Connecting Youth from Ukraine and Norway

Young people from Ukraine and Norway are now joining forces in a new Erasmus+ project with a strong and important message for the future of Europe: peace, freedom and democracy must never be taken for granted.

The project, Youth Music for Peace, Freedom and Democracy, brings together youth, music organisations and democratic initiatives from Kryvyi Rih, Kyiv and Oslo in a unique international cooperation built on music, dialogue, friendship and shared democratic values.

At a time when Europe is experiencing war, uncertainty and growing pressure on democratic values, the project aims to strengthen understanding between young people across borders and cultures — while creating hope, solidarity and active civic engagement for the future.

The young participants are already showing remarkable enthusiasm, responsibility and optimism in the preparation phase, and they are highly motivated to begin the practical work together.

Inspired by Leaders Who Defend Democracy

The project is inspired by important statements and visions expressed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and President of the Norwegian Parliament Masud Gharahkhani.

In his historic address to the Norwegian Parliament on 30 March 2022, President Zelenskyy spoke emotionally about Norway’s National Day celebrations — children marching peacefully through the streets with school bands instead of military parades. His words created a powerful image of what freedom and democracy truly mean in everyday life.

That vision has become one of the central inspirations behind this youth project.

The project also reflects the strong democratic cooperation between Norway and Ukraine, where political leaders, institutions and civil society organisations continue working together to defend freedom, human dignity and international solidarity.

Three Main Activities

The Erasmus+ project will be built around three major activities in Oslo during May 2027:

1. Participation in Norway’s National Day – 17 May 2027

A joint youth marching band consisting of:

• two Ukrainian youth bands,
• and one Norwegian school band,

will participate together in the traditional Children’s Parade in Oslo on Norway’s Constitution Day.

For many Ukrainian participants, this may become their first experience of celebrating a national day in peace — with music, children and democratic traditions instead of war and military symbolism.

The activity will symbolize friendship, solidarity and a shared belief in freedom and democracy.

2. Youth Peace Conference

The project will organise an international Youth Peace Conference focusing on:

“Democracy — Now and for the Future”

The conference will be built around the perspectives and voices of young people from Norway and Ukraine.

Key themes will include:

• democracy and freedom,
• youth participation,
• peacebuilding,
• human rights,
• openness and trust in society,
• the future of Europe,
• and the role of youth in protecting democratic values.

The conference will also contribute to the development of a youth democracy report:

“Democracy Now and for the Future in Norway and Ukraine”

3. Youth Peace Concert

The project will conclude with a large Youth Peace Concert where young musicians from Ukraine and Norway perform together with a common musical repertoire created during the exchange.

Music will serve as a universal language connecting cultures, experiences and generations.

The concert will also be organised as a charity and solidarity event supporting continued youth cooperation and friendship between Ukraine and Norway.

The Importance of Political Support

The project group strongly believes that support and participation from leading political representatives in both Ukraine and Norway will be of great importance for the young participants and for the successful implementation of the project.

The youth organisers hope that representatives from:

• the Norwegian Parliament,
• the Norwegian Government,
• Ukrainian authorities,
• municipalities,
• embassies,
• and democratic institutions

will participate in and support the project activities.

For young people, seeing political leaders actively support peace, democracy and international youth cooperation sends an important message:
that youth voices matter, and that the future of democracy depends on engagement across generations and national borders.

Music, Democracy and Hope for the Future

At its heart, Youth Music for Peace, Freedom and Democracy is about much more than music.

It is about:

• learning from one another,
• building friendships,
• understanding the value of freedom,
• protecting democracy,
• and creating hope for the future together.

Young people from Ukraine and Norway are now preparing to stand side by side — not only as musicians, but as ambassadors for peace, democracy and human dignity.

And through music, dialogue and cooperation, they are helping shape a stronger and more united future for Europe.