We were pleased to accompany a delegation of around forty students from the Ukrainian Leadership Academy, who came to France as part of an educational expedition across Europe, with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in France.
At Paris City Hall, the young leaders were welcomed in the historic Council of Paris chamber by Audrey Pulvar, Deputy Mayor in charge of international and European relations, and Mass Yaffa, Deputy Mayor in charge of youth. The discussions focused on youth participation in local decision-making and the development of inclusive urban policies.
On the forecourt, students and elected officials joined their voices to send a strong message in support of human rights and children’s rights, through a happening organized as part of the BringKidsBack initiative. 20,000 Ukrainian children have been deliberately abducted by Russia and are being forcibly held on its territory — a documented war crime and a blatant violation of international law. In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, the Kremlin’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, precisely over these deportations.
Since the start of Russia’s aggression in 2022, Paris has never ceased to stand alongside the Ukrainian people and its sister city, Kyiv. The City of Paris demonstrates this commitment every day, offering protection, stability and prospects to a generation that Russia is trying to deprive of a future.
Congratulations to the students of the Ukrainian Leadership Academy for their commitment and determination. This is the generation that will build the Ukraine of tomorrow.
