Rebuild Ukraine Ambassadors

What is the Rebuild Ukraine Ambassadors Programme?

Focusing on economic recovery issues with social and environmental considerations in the context of Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction and rapprochement with Europe, the Rebuild Ukraine Ambassadors Programme is a project organised by the EYP to give young perspectives on Ukrainian reconstruction a platform. Most prominently, it featured the Rebuild Ukraine Lab, a three-day workshop with around 20 participants from across Europe that gathered young ideas on how Ukraine should be rebuilt.

The next Rebuilt Ukraine lab will be 11th – 13th of October 2024 as a hybrid format in Berlin, as well as 2-3 digital preparatory meetings in September 2024.

Call for Applications: Become a Rebuild Ukraine Ambassador!

Do you thrive on engaging in meaningful conversations about current issues? Are you driven to foster positive and constructive discussions in support of Ukraine?

Join the Rebuild Ukraine Ambassadors Programme. After a successful first round in 2023, where 20 young participants developed ideas for Ukraine’s rebuilding, we’re now opening spots for enthusiastic new ambassadors. Participate in a both digital and in-person Rebuild Ukraine Lab with Ukrainian and international peers to brainstorm and develop ideas for Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery!

The 2024 Rebuild Ukraine Ambassadors Programme will include a total of 15-20 participants, comprising both returning and new ambassadors. Apply to become an ambassador and join us from the 11th to the 13th of October 2024 for the hybrid Rebuild Ukraine Lab event in Berlin.

Application deadline: Sunday 21st July at 23:59 CET. 

Who can apply:

• We are aiming to have approximately a 50/50 split between Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian ambassadors.
• EYP members and non-EYPers
• Individuals passionate about Ukraine’s sustainable and innovative post-war recovery
• Willing to conduct preparatory research and attend meetings
• Committed to collaborating with other ambassadors and considering local perspectives
• Available for the Rebuild Ukraine Lab and follow-up activities
• Able to dedicate around 2 hours per week to the project until November

What your responsibilities would be:

• Develop sustainable rebuilding ideas with peers
• Consult with Ukrainian and European experts in energy, economics, and public administration
• Conceptualize follow-up activities and engage with European political decision-makers
• Serve as social media ambassadors to share ideas with local and pan-European stakeholders
• (Optional) Leading or mentoring committees on this topic at further events within the EYP network such as International Sessions and National Sessions following the Rebuild Ukraine Lab.

Why are we organising this programme?

At this time, the country is facing the most serious challenge to its security, prosperity, and way of life since post-Soviet independence. Therefore, it is essential that younger voices are integrated into the discussion about the future of their country and its relationship to the European continent as whole since they will be the ones most affected by these decisions. The Rebuild Ukraine Ambassadors offer unique and valuable perspectives to often insular policy debates and, most importantly, they strive to be the agents of change for Ukraine and Europe in the years and decades to come.

The consequences of war are destructive to existing systems and infrastructures but in the midst of such difficulties they may offer the opportunity for positive change. A sustainable reconstruction process with a long-term focus can enable modernisation, innovation and less dependence on exhaustible natural resources. Such positive change is best enacted in a process that involves young civil society.

Rebuild Ukraine Lab 2023:

Towards a Sustainable Reconstruction of Ukraine: Youth Perspectives from Europe

On July 5th 2023 at the Europäisches Haus in Berlin the ambassadors of 2023 launched their policy paper, “Towards a Sustainable Reconstruction of Ukraine: Youth Perspectives from Europe” in a public event featuring a panel debate with Michael Roth and Nataliya Pryhornytska and exchanges with distinguished guests, including the Deputy Ambassador of Ukraine in Germany, Iryna Samchenko, and Nora Hesse from the Representation of the European Commission.

The ambassadors have also received training in how to advocate for this cause using the events and media platforms of the EYP network to further disseminate their work in the months to come. The paper was also presented to three Members of the European Parliament from different political groups in Brussels in October 2023. Additionally, the Ambassadors shared their vision at the Benelux Youth Forum in The Hague, the Netherlands and YOU:KO 2023 in Cologne, Germany, engaging youths from various European countries and fostering international cooperation. Furthermore, two ambassadors have given a workshop on their visions at the local Berlin European Youth Event in April 2024.

If you are interested in exchanging with them, kindly reach out to us via the contact details below.