A New Symbol of Hope: The Youth of Norway and Ukraine Unite
There are moments when a logo becomes much more than a graphic design. It becomes a symbol of shared values, common goals and a vision for the future.
Today, we are proud to present the official logo and banner of our Erasmus+ project “Youth Music for Peace, Freedom and Democracy.”
(Press the picture and listen to the music)
The winning design was created by the talented young musicians of Youth Brass Band Souvenir in Kyiv. Following a friendly design competition among the project partners, their proposal was selected as the common visual identity for the entire project. It will now represent young participants from Norway and Ukraine throughout our journey towards May 2027.
Alicia (13) from Gymnasium no. 74 in Kryvyi Rih says:
Where words fail, youth music speaks – uniting hearts for peace and minds for democracy.
A Symbol with a Meaning
Every element of the new logo tells a story.
The circular design combines the colours of the Norwegian and Ukrainian flags into one united symbol, illustrating that two nations can work together while preserving their own identity.
Its flowing form also resembles a musical note, expressing the universal language of music—a language that crosses borders, cultures and generations.
The circle itself symbolizes unity, equality and partnership. There is no beginning and no end; every participant is equally important in building our common future.
Lisa (14) from Gymnasium no. 74, Kryvyi Rih says:
Music is the language of peace. It crosses every border and reminds us that, despite our differences, we all share the same hope for freedom and understanding.
Lisa attends a middle school (called ‘gymnasium’ in Ukraine)
Peace. Freedom. Democracy. Music. Friendship.
Together they express the vision of a Europe where young people meet not on the battlefield, but through music, dialogue and mutual respect.
More Than a Music Project
Youth Music for Peace, Freedom and Democracy is far more than a musical exchange.
Supported by the Erasmus+ Programme, the project brings together young people from Kyiv, Kryvyi Rih, Bærum and Oslo to learn from one another and to strengthen democratic values through international cooperation.
The project will culminate in three major events in Oslo in May 2027:
- 17 May – A joint Norwegian–Ukrainian youth band participating in Norway’s Constitution Day Children’s Parade.
- 19 May – The Youth Peace Conference, where young people will present their report “Democracy Now and for the Future in Norway and Ukraine.”
- 19 May – The Youth Charity and Peace Concert, celebrating friendship, solidarity and hope through music.
A Message for Europe
This project demonstrates that today’s young people are ready to take responsibility for tomorrow.
They believe that democracy must be protected, that freedom must never be taken for granted, and that peace is built through dialogue, trust and cooperation.
At a time when Ukraine continues to defend its independence and democratic future, young people from Norway and Ukraine are choosing to build friendships instead of barriers.
Their message reaches far beyond our two countries.
It is a message to all of Europe:
Young people are not only the future of democracy—they are already helping to shape it today.
The new logo and banner will accompany them throughout this journey, reminding everyone that music can unite where politics sometimes divides, and that hope becomes stronger when it is shared.
Together for Peace. Together for Freedom. Together for Democracy.
Together for a Better Future.
More Than a Logo
The logo carries another symbolic meaning. Viewed from a different angle, it resembles a horseshoe. In both Ukrainian and Norwegian tradition, a horseshoe displayed with its open end facing upward is a symbol of good fortune, welcoming and gathering happiness into the home.
This shared tradition may reflect cultural roots that stretch back many centuries. Norway and Ukraine are also connected through the Viking Age, when Norse travellers followed the great rivers through present-day Ukraine on their journeys to Constantinople.
While the exact origins of the horseshoe tradition are uncertain, it serves as a beautiful reminder that our two nations have long shared connections across history. Today, that shared heritage is renewed through friendship, music, and a common commitment to peace, freedom, and democracy.
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