As part of the ‘KONTENTA’ audiovisual studies project, the Cultural Platform recorded a series of podcasts at the Fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, each examining the safety dimensions of youth development. The locations of the podcasts were the visually represented landscapes of Ukraine’s nature reserves, which are currently suffering from the war’s impact. The guests, who engaged with the youth, included First Ladies and invited experts of the Summit.
We share the behind-the-scenes of the podcast recording in the Khlibna of the National Reserve ‘Sophia of Kyiv.’
1. Safe Environment for Children (location: ‘Askania Nova’ Biosphere Reserve)
Dr. Lucrecia Eugenia Peinado Villanueva, First Lady of the Republic of Guatemala, Vladyslav Levchuk, member of Ukraine’s UNICEF Youth Council, and Maya-Natuk Rohmann Fleischer, environmental and children’s rights activist, took part in the discussion on environmental safety. In an open dialog, the participants elaborated on the importance of connecting with nature and the role of active youth in preserving the environment. They shared their personal traditions related to nature and how environmental changes affect childhood in different countries.
2. Child Safety at School (location: Luhansk Nature Reserve)
Rossana Maria Briceño, spouse of the Prime Minister of Belize, Hanna Kudrinova, an English teacher and graduate of the ‘Teach for Ukraine’ program, and Polina Medvid, a student and ambassador of the ‘Spilno Rizdvo’ program, joined the dialogue on safety in education. The participants raised the issues of a safe, educational environment, the mental health of students and teachers, and addressing bullying and violence. They also discussed the role of parents in fostering a safe learning environment and shared their personal experiences.
3. Child Safety During the War (location: Ukrainian Steppe Nature Reserve)
Stand-up comedian Svitlana Nemonezhyna asked schoolchildren Kateryna Lopuha from Mykolaiv and Illia Zinchenko from Hlukhiv how the experience of war in Ukraine affects their mental health. The podcast explored how to cope with everyday tasks after emotional upheavals and how the war has transformed the very understanding of safety.
4. Child Safety in Cyberspace (location: Grand Meadow National Nature Park)
The participants of the podcast were Valeriya Ionan, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for European Integration, stand-up comedian and volunteer Vasyl Baidak, and Anna Vietrova, a member of Ukraine’s UNICEF Youth Council. In the episode, the participants focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on professional development, the opportunities digitalization offers young people and the state, and the skills that will be relevant in the future.
5. Child Safety in the Family (location: Crimean Nature Reserve)
In a conversation with family and сouples therapist George Faller, artist and lead singer of the ‘Tonka’ band Olena Karas, and the guardian of four siblings Viacheslav Yalov, the participants discussed how teenagers and young people can seek support from their families. They explored how family bonds help build mental resilience and create a sense of safety in uncertain times.
6. Family is the foundation of every child’s safety (Olena Zelenska Foundation Podcast)
The participants who shared their experiences in this podcast were Ivan Umanskyi, a father and caregiver of a large foster family; Kyrylo Nevdokha, who grew up in institutional care, became a patron for children in orphanages and headed the ‘DIYmo’ national office of children and youth; Timur Miroshnychenko, a TV host and father of two adopted children; and Nina Horbachova, director of the Olena Zelenska Foundation, which supports large foster families. In this conversation, the participants focused on institutional care systems and the importance of parental care and love for the full development of a child’s personality.
It is important to create platforms where the voice of youth can be heard because civil society is formed through an open and equal dialogue between all parties interested in common development. We are glad that not only Ukrainian activists and cultural figures can share their experiences with young people but also world leaders can join the discussion of key challenges for the global community.
Youth is becoming the driving force behind transformation because they are the best at sensing rapid changes in culture and society, and they are most affected by decisions that shape our future. That is why their opinions should be reflected in all possible communication channels, and the podcast format based on the KONTENTA audiovisual studio creates a safe space for sincere dialogue between young people and those who represent public opinion and implement necessary changes in society.
Photo Tetiana Shavlovska, Roman Pashkovskyi
Anastasiia Mishustina, Valeriia Isai
Stay in touch to be the first to listen to the podcasts and follow the announcements on the Cultural Platform’s social media: Instagram, Telegram channel, Facebook, Twitter (X)