How a historic speech to the Norwegian Parliament inspired a movement of harmony, unity, and hope among young people.
In times of conflict, music has the unique power to transcend borders, heal wounds, and unite voices that words alone cannot reach. This is the heartbeat of our project, “Youth Music for Peace, Freedom and Democracy.”
Our initiative was born out of a profound sense of solidarity, deeply rooted in an unforgettable moment of shared history. Our greatest inspiration comes from the powerful speech delivered by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to the Norwegian Storting (Parliament) on March 30, 2022.
A Powerful Connection: From Oslo to Kyiv
In his address, President Zelenskyy touched the hearts of the Norwegian people by highlighting one of Norway’s most cherished and peaceful traditions—the Children’s Constitution Day Parade on May 17th. He saw in this tradition a beautiful symbol of what the world should strive for: a society built on peace, democracy, and the innocence of children.
Reflecting on that moment, President Zelenskyy said:
“Every year on May 17, on Constitution Day, you organize an extremely sincere celebration – a parade of schoolchildren… This year, our children will go with your children – Ukrainians who came to you for protection and security. And I hope that soon, when we manage to restore peace in Ukraine together… I will be able to invite you and your children to take part in such a parade in Kyiv on one of our holidays. To celebrate our common freedom, our common right to a happy future for our children. In peace. In Ukraine. In Europe.”
(You can read the full historic speech on the Official Website of the President of Ukraine)
Turning Words into Harmony
President Zelenskyy’s vision of Ukrainian and Norwegian children walking side-by-side, and his dream of a future where all European children can celebrate freedom together in Kyiv, is exactly what “Youth Music for Peace, Freedom and Democracy” aims to achieve through the universal language of music.
As Zelenskyy reminded us, “If a rock breaks off from Europe, Europe becomes smaller.” Ukraine is an irreplaceable part of the European family. By bringing young musicians together, our project seeks to reinforce these unbreakable bonds.
What Our Project Stands For
Through workshops, collaborative performances, and cultural exchange, “Youth Music for Peace, Freedom and Democracy” provides a platform for young people to:
Celebrate Democracy: Understanding that freedom is a melody that requires every voice to be heard.
Build Bridges: Creating a safe space where young people from different backgrounds—including those displaced by war—can find community and friendship through music.
Raise Voices for Peace: Giving the next generation the tools to advocate for a peaceful, democratic Europe where no country stands alone.
We believe that the children and youth of today are the architects of tomorrow’s peace. Inspired by the hope of a future parade of freedom in a peaceful Kyiv, we tune our instruments, lift our voices, and play for a world where democracy always wins.
Speech by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Norwegian Storting
About the Project
Project Name: Youth Music for Peace, Freedom and Democracy
Objective: To unite young people through music, fostering dialogue about democratic values, freedom, and solidarity with Ukraine.
Organizers:
- Project owner: Support to the people of Ukraine
- Project members:
- Music School no. 10, Kryvyi Rih
- Hasle School Music, Oslo
- Youth Jazz Orchestra Souvenir, Kyiv
- Associated members:
- Gymnasium no. 74, Kryvyi Rih
- Bærum Youth Council, Norway
Target Group: Youth and young musicians aged 13–25 from Ukraine and Norway.
Supported by: Erasmus+, Bufdir
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