Aspen Teens: Fight for UA Dream. Aspen Institute Kyiv and Klitschko Foundation Held a Philosophical Seminar for Teenagers

From July 13 to 16, Aspen Institute Kyiv, in partnership with Klitschko Foundation, implemented the Aspen Teens: Fight for UA Dream project, which featured a two-day philosophical seminar for teenagers from across Ukraine.

Over the course of the seminar, participants aged 13–15 read and discussed works by prominent thinkers, engaged in thoughtful conversations, and explored their own vision of Ukraine’s future and their role in shaping it. Together, they reflected on national identity, society during wartime, integrity, the meaning of life and happiness, and the rapid development of artificial intelligence—its role in today’s world and the ways technology is transforming people and society.

“I’m going home with a completely different perspective on the world. Being surrounded by such motivated, thoughtful, and inspiring teenagers has been an incredible experience. This kind of community inspires change and gives me even more confidence that our generation is capable of creating positive change,” shared 15-year-old participant Olha Khrypunenko.

The project demonstrated just how deeply and courageously Ukrainian young people think. It also highlighted the importance of creating spaces where teenagers can be heard, explore their own ideas and values, and realize that Ukraine’s future is being shaped here and now—through their decisions, values, and actions.

The seminar was moderated by Olha Maslova, Associate Professor at the Department of Biotechnology at KAI and co-founder of the Nobilitet initiative, and Viktor Diachenko, host of Suspilne projects. The event was coordinated by Daryna Krupiievska, Project Coordinator at Aspen Institute Kyiv, and Yuliia Diachenko, Project Manager at Klitschko Foundation.

We sincerely thank all the participants for their openness, curiosity, and thoughtful engagement, and extend our gratitude to Klitschko Foundation for their trust, partnership, and shared commitment to helping young people unlock their potential and shape the future of Ukraine.

The project is implemented by Aspen Institute Kyiv in partnership with Klitschko Foundation.