The Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has fundamentally transformed society, affecting all spheres of life, including education, employment, social connections, and civic participation. Within this changed reality, young people, who made up to a quarter of Ukraine’s pre-war population, navigate experiences of displacement and disrupted opportunities, many find ways to contribute to their communities. The number of young people with volunteering experience has steadily increased each year since pre-invasion times. This growing involvement in humanitarian activities, particularly notable against the backdrop of broader societal fatigue after two years of full-scale war, signals young people’s potential as vital partners in humanitarian action. The evolving pattern of youth engagement – from immediate crisis response towards systematic humanitarian support – creates opportunities for sustained civic activism even during prolonged crisis periods and demonstrates young people’s capacity for contributing to Ukraine’s long-term recovery.
To better understand these dynamics, the study examines patterns of youth engagement in humanitarian action, exploring motivations, approaches, and challenges. Based on the findings, the report offers recommendations for key humanitarian stakeholders – from international organisations, local NGOs and educational institutions to government bodies and donors. These recommendations focus on practical ways to support youth participation, strengthen educational pathways, enable youth-led initiatives, and develop sustainable leadership opportunities in humanitarian action.