Ukraine is implementing a large-scale UNDP project, Civil Society and Youth Support (CSYP), funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. The project focuses on engaging young people in public administration, promoting integrity in higher education institutions, and strengthening the capacity of civil society at the local level. The programme runs until the end of 2026 and covers key areas of youth development, democratic governance and human rights.
One of the key areas is creating opportunities for young people to join the public service. In 2024, in partnership with the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service (NACS), the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the NGO TIZMY, a pilot internship programme for young people in local government was launched. The programme aims to prepare civil servants to mentor, select and engage young people interested in a career in the public sector. The programme has been successful in nine communities, and is being prepared for scaling up in 2025.
At the same time, CSYP is implementing the Transparent Universities initiative, which aims to increase transparency and accountability in Ukrainian higher education institutions. In 2025, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine approved methodological recommendations developed with the participation of the NACP Integrity Office, international partners and civil society representatives. These guidelines have become an important milestone in the implementation of the principles of transparency, academic integrity and good governance in the educational environment.
The CSYP project covers both national and local levels. It supports civil society organisations, especially those that have emerged since 2022, and provides tools for their integration into the decision-making system. Thanks to these efforts, young people in Ukraine are increasingly involved in shaping the country’s policies, recovery processes and long-term development.
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