On April 25, 2025, Anastasiia Ostrovska, Co-Founder and CEO of the Women’s Leadership and Strategic Initiatives Foundation (WLSIF), took part in the NATO Youth Summit in Montenegro as the moderator of the panel discussion “Beyond the Battlefield: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Ukraine.”
The discussion brought together representatives of NATO, the European Youth Parliament, and the Centre for Geopolitics to examine Ukraine’s role in the new architecture of European security. The focus was not only on assistance, but on Ukraine as a source of innovation, resilience, and democratic leadership. The conversation addressed the power of technology and civil society, as well as the strategic role of youth in reconstruction and in Europe’s peaceful future.
“What impressed me most was the clarity and courage of the young people in the room. Their questions about Ukraine were more honest and profound than what I often hear from world leaders. They reminded me that real change is made by those who dare to think differently and act consciously. And perhaps most importantly—they clearly understand what many still fear to say out loud: Russia is a monster that must be stopped. This generation is not waiting for the future—they are already building it,” noted Anastasiia Ostrovska.
WLSIF separately acknowledges the Ukrainian participants of the summit—Milana Solodovnyk, Mariana Hirniak, and Sofiia Diadchenko. Their sincerity, dignity, and confidence are inspiring. We are convinced that it is precisely such young women who will become leaders of the new generation—in politics, international relations, the public sector, and culture.
The Youth Summit, organized by NATO, YATA, and the Atlantic Council, brought together more than 450 young leaders from various countries. It is a powerful platform for shaping responsible leadership and engaging youth in addressing global challenges.
WLSIF sincerely thanks the organizers for the invitation to dialogue and reaffirms its commitment to advancing Ukrainian leadership, democratic values, and the just recovery of Ukraine.
