The Porto Metropolitan Area (AMP) recently welcomed a delegation from Ukraine as part of a study visit entitled “Study Visit: Ukraine to Portugal - Youth Mobility and Partnerships for European Values”. The main objectives of this initiative were to

strengthen awareness of European Values and to promote international cooperation in youth-related projects.

The Ukrainian delegation included the presence of important figures such as the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, Andriy Chesnokov, the Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office - Ukraine (ILID), Svitlana Shytikova, and the Director of the National Erasmus+ Agency, Luís Alves. Together, they explored the impact of the Erasmus+ program and the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) as crucial tools for promoting values such as Solidarity, Social Inclusion, Active Participation, Democracy, Tolerance, Peace and Human Rights.

During the visit, various topics were discussed, with an emphasis on the importance of mobility and co-operation between Ukrainian and Portuguese institutions working with young people, which can lead to the development of strategic partnerships and future projects. The activities included meetings to share good practices and plan future projects, thus consolidating ties between the two countries.

Ana Amorim, Metropolitan Executive Officer, also highlighted the work of AMP and the municipalities in the area of youth, with a particular focus on the Metropolitan Monitor for Youth Public Policy project, the design of the Metropolitan Strategy for Youth and the creation of the Metropolitan Youth Strategy Group. These projects, which reflect the strategic vision of the Porto Metropolitan Council and of the Metropolitan Council of Councillors for Youth, are the result of intense collaboration between municipalities, organisations and young people, and aim to create more effective and inclusive youth policies.

This visit is yet another example of the importance of international cooperation in creating opportunities for young people and the central role that the AMP has been playing in developing youth policies.