You recently joined other young people at the European Parliament. What did that moment mean to you personally, and why was it important for young people’s voices to be heard in that space?
Ivan Krasnobai: Standing in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, surrounded by young leaders from across Europe, was an incredible personal moment for me. It meant representing the voices of Ukrainian youth and Ukrainians. Despite the challenges we face right now, we are the ones who continue to dream, build, and believe. Speaking on behalf not only of myself, I felt the strength of unity and the importance of dialogue. It reminded me that even one voice can inspire change when you share your thoughts with purpose. Youth participation in spaces like the European Parliament matters because young perspectives bring honesty, innovation. When young people are heard, decisions become more focused on the needs that the youth are facing these days, and the future becomes something we build together.
You grew up in Ukraine and left the country in 2022. Could you share a bit about that journey and how it shaped where you are today?
Due to the war, I had to move to Spain in 2022, and for the past three and a half years, I have been building my life here. Let's say it wasn't easy, starting the major part of your life from nothing, but right now I am studying Business Administration at UCM. During this year, I am representing Ukrainian students at the UCM institutions. Alongside my studies, I work in different roles: for example, as a Business Development Executive at LeetSoft, a company focused on creating custom IT Solutions, and as Alumni Engager Manager at the NGO Speechless Reconciliation. In Spain, I found people who support me like family. This journey has taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of community. Arriving here during a time of uncertainty made me value every opportunity and inspired me to engage actively, professionally, and socially, advocating for youth voices and international collaboration.
What role did SOS Children’s Villages play in supporting you during those challenging times in Ukraine, and what helped you adapt to life in Spain?
During the hardest moments of the war, SOS Children’s Villages in Ukraine played a huge role in my life. They helped my family find safety in Poland. Later, they supported me emotionally and gave me opportunities to grow, inviting me to the SR Camp and even helping me attend the European Parliament to represent Ukrainian youth in the EYE2025 event. All that helped me adapt to life in Spain, find my purpose, and continue giving back to others, just as SOS Children’s Villages once did for me.
You are passionate about technology and digital well-being. Why is digital well-being so important for young people, and what is needed from leaders and young people to create healthier digital spaces?
Digital well-being matters because technology these days is influential in a major part of young people’s lives. For example, from education and career development to friendships and personal growth. While digital tools offer opportunities, they also bring risks: stress, misinformation, which can affect youth mental health. Creating healthier digital spaces means everyone has a role. Leaders need to build or support the creation of platforms that are safe and supportive, while young people can use technology responsibly, support one another, and help create positive online communities. For me, digital well-being is about balance: using technology to grow while protecting mental health and focusing on the important point, which is human interactions.
Looking ahead, how do you think young people —both inside and outside Ukraine — can be part of rebuilding communities after the war?
I believe young people, both inside and outside Ukraine, play a critical role in rebuilding after the war. Through my work with Speechless Reconciliation, first as an alumni and now as Alumni Engager Manager, I focus on connecting youth across countries, creating spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning. Leadership, public speaking, and experience organizing international youth camps have shown me that rebuilding communities isn’t just about physical reconstruction, it's about restoring culture, identity, and trust. Young people can contribute by volunteering, sharing skills, creating projects, and more. If each of us uses the opportunities we have to engage, connect, and give back, we can help rebuild stronger, more resilient communities. I encourage every young person to act. As someone wise once told me, “even small contributions collectively create meaningful change”.
From your own experience, why is youth participation so important, especially for young people affected by crisis? And what message would you like to share with young people who may feel their voices are not being heard?
Youth participation is incredibly important because young people bring fresh perspectives and energy, and in my personal opinion, especially those affected by crises. From my experience as a Ukrainian youth advocate representative, I’ve seen how using your voice to stand for what you believe in can transform not only communities but also individuals. Also, I want to say to those who feel unheard: “All the time, all day long, your voice matters; you just need to speak up, engage in the spaces you can access. Every perspective counts, and together, we can shape a future that reflects our hopes and experiences”.