Making Democracy Report from bomb shelters
Youth in Ukraine and Norway Join Forces for Democracy: “Democracy Now and for the Future”
Young people from Ukraine and Norway are currently working together on a vital project: “Youth Music for Peace, Freedom and Democracy.” As part of this initiative, youth representatives from both nations have embarked on a joint effort to draft a comprehensive democracy report with the working title “Democracy Now and for the Future.”
This collaborative work brings together students from Gymnasium 74 in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, and representatives from Bærum Youth Council (Bærum Ungdomsråd) in Norway. Through a series of virtual meetings, these passionate young leaders are sharing perspectives, exchanging ideas, and building a shared vision for democratic resilience.
The final quality assurance and editorial review will be led by the young leaders in the group, Nikoline (16) from Oslo and Mariana (20) from Kyiv. The report is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2027 and will be formally handed over to Ukrainian and Norwegian politicians and decision-makers during The Youth Peace Conference on May 19, 2027.
Working Through Adversity and Fear
The conditions under which the Ukrainian youth are contributing to this report are extraordinarily challenging. Meetings are frequently disrupted, postponed, or cut short due to air raid sirens sounding across Kryvyi Rih, blackouts caused by damaged infrastructure, or the urgent need to seek shelter in a basement.
During S2pU’s visit to Ukraine in May this year, our delegation witnessed firsthand the brutal reality and constant terror inflicted upon the civilian population. This is deliberate terror of the worst kind, targeting fellow human beings and youth in the heart of Europe.
A Beacon of Optimism and Hope
Despite the destruction, fear, and daily hardships, the determination of these young people remains unshakeable.
This joint initiative does more than just produce a policy report—it creates a vital space for hope, international solidarity, and optimism for the future amidst a tragic everyday life. By standing shoulder to shoulder across borders, youth from Norway and Ukraine are proving that democracy, freedom, and friendship will always prevail over fear.
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