Europe Asia News

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said young Ukrainians living, studying or working abroad will play an important role in the country's future.

Sybiha said he held an online meeting with young Ukrainians from more than 50 countries and noted that this dialogue was important to him.

Sybiha said young Ukrainians living abroad gain the international experience and perspectives Ukraine needs by studying, working and building professional networks in different countries, adding that Ukraine itself is also taking on a new role in the world.

Sybiha said, “Ukraine itself is also taking on a new role in the world. Our resilience, our technologies, our defense experience and our ability to fight for our freedom are already changing how security is understood beyond our borders.”

Calling on young Ukrainians abroad to maintain their ties with Ukraine and the country's agenda, Sybiha asked them to engage with universities, media organizations, businesses and communities, make Ukraine's voice heard and create new opportunities for the country. He said Ukraine's embassies and consulates are ready to be partners in these efforts.

Sybiha also said Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has opened the diplomatic service to young people. He noted that internship opportunities at the ministry are now available from the first year of university and that programs can be completed remotely.

Sybiha said that over the past eight months, more than 400 students have interned at Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and 150 students at missions abroad, while 61 young professionals joined the diplomatic service this year.

Sybiha said their goal is to bring the knowledge, international experience and new ideas of more young Ukrainians into Ukrainian diplomacy, stressing that this should begin not in the future, but today.