Investment in Education and Youth Recognized as a Priority for Ukraine’s Recovery at URC 2026
During the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2026), a high-level panel discussion titled «Investing in the Next Generation: Education, Skills and Youth Empowerment for Europe’s Shared Economic Prosperity» was held to focus on attracting international investment for the development of Ukraine’s education and youth sectors.
The event aimed to draw the attention of international partners to the needs of the education and youth sectors while highlighting the crucial role of education in Ukraine’s recovery and Europe’s future development.
«It is important for us that support for Ukrainian education and youth remains high on the international agenda, including at URC 2026. Ukraine’s recovery is only possible through the development of human capital — by ensuring quality education, advancing science and creating opportunities for young people. That is why investment in these areas must remain among the priorities of international support for Ukraine,» said Yevhen Kudriavets, First Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine. The discussion brought together representatives of international organizations, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Bank, and UNICEF, as well as government representatives from Ukraine, Poland, and Japan, and members of the business community.
A key highlight of the event was the announcement of new investment in Ukraine’s education sector by the World Bank. Bob Saum, World Bank Regional Director for Eastern Europe, announced an additional USD 286 million in financing under the LEARN programme to support education in Ukraine.
Another important outcome of the event was the launch of the joint Manifesto «Ukraine’s Recovery Begins with Investment in Education and Youth.» The Manifesto calls on governments, international organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and youth organizations to join efforts around a shared goal: supporting the next generation of Ukrainians and creating opportunities for their development.
The document emphasizes that human capital development must be recognized as one of the strategic priorities for Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction, and European integration.
The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine expresses its gratitude to all partners who continue to support Ukrainian education and youth.