From July 19 to 21, 2024, the 6^th Congress of the Ukrainian Student League (USL) took place in Vinnytsia — a significant event that brought together representatives of student self-government bodies of higher education institutions and youth public organizations from all over Ukraine.

Student Amieliia Khrenova became a delegate from Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy.

The Ukrainian Student League is a public union created by students for students with the aim of development and comprehensive support of the student community, as well as movements and projects uniting Ukrainian students.

The goal of the Congress is to determine the conceptual-ideological and value-resource directions for the restoration of Ukraine and youth development. The delegates also discussed strategies for the development of the USL, expanded the network of contacts among higher education institutions, and planned humanitarian, volunteer, social, scientific, and other activities aimed at improving student life in the conditions of martial law and during post-war reconstruction.

The Congress participants had engaging meetings with a range of speakers.

The panel discussion “The role of students in the renovation of Ukraine through the improvement of the quality of higher education” brought together experts who shared their opinions on ways to enhance educational services in Ukraine. The speaker of the discussion was Oleksandr Khymenko, Head of the Secretariat of the National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance.

The meeting with Mykhailo Hanchuk, General Director of “Promavtomatika Vinnytsia” and a partner of the 6^th Congress of the Union, gave the students the opportunity to learn about the experience of a successful Ukrainian company and prospects for cooperation with business.

The panel discussion “Student youth: ways to influence state policy, formation of civil society and work with the state’s challenges” became a platform for the discussion of important issues affecting Ukrainian youth. Speakers of the discussion were Andriy Chesnokov, Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports of Ukraine, Maryna Popatenko, Policy and Engagement Advisor for the USAID “Dream and Act” program, Maksym Svysenko, Head of the Staff of the Union Congress, Advisor to the Chairman of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration, Coordinator of the “State Creator” programme.

There was also a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Mykhailo Vynnytskyi. Students had the opportunity to personally ask questions about reforms in the field of education and receive answers from a representative of the authorities.

The Deputy Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine Kostiantyn Koshelenko shared his experience and knowledge on effective management during wartime.

The conclusion of the meeting of the 6^th Congress was the presentation of the report by the CO “Ukrainian Student League”, which analysed the activities of the organization during the reporting period and outlined its plans for the future.  In addition, “BUSINESS ALLEY” was organized for students, where they had the opportunity to communicate with employers and business representatives, learn about vacancies, internships, and dual education programs.

The “Social Evening” was also held as part of the event, which gave young people a wonderful atmosphere for networking and making new acquaintances.

– It’s cool to be a part of this community. We worked fruitfully. Congress participants adopted amendments to the statute, elected the Head of the Congress Apparatus, reviewed the report of the Executive Board and the charitable organization, shared cool ideas, inspired each other, and are ready to continue building a better future, Amieliia Khrenova shared her impressions.

Press Office of Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy