In May 2025, Lviv became the meeting point for youth leaders and advocates of international education, hosting the Spring Assembly of Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Ukraine.
Organized with the support of the ESN Ukraine National Board and held at Lviv Polytechnic National University, the event gathered participants from ESN sections across the country, as well as international guests from Switzerland, Romania, Hungary, Italy, and Bulgaria.
The Spring Assembly aimed to facilitate strategic planning, enhance collaboration between local and national levels, and provide educational workshops for members. It also marked a major milestone: the official approval of two new full-member sections — ESN IFNUL and ESN LPNU.
Lviv’s unique blend of cultural heritage, student life, and European ambition made it the ideal setting for this gathering. The Assembly allowed participants not only to engage in fruitful dialogue and learning but also to enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of one of Ukraine’s most vibrant cities.
Daily Agenda
Day 1: Opening and international dialogue
Registration and welcome package
Participants received information materials and a detailed agenda. Organizers ensured a warm and comfortable start for everyone.
Official opening ceremony
Held at Lviv Polytechnic National University, the Assembly was opened with a welcome speech from the Cultural Center Narodnyi Dim “Prosvita” and representatives of the National Board.
Presentations and sessions
“What is Erasmus+ and ESN?” by Dariia Beliaieva and Kateryna Zhdanova
“Amplifying Youth Voices on the International Stage” by Yurii Lomikovskii
“Lviv – European Youth Capital 2025” by the Lviv Youth Capital Office
“Scholarship Opportunities for Ukrainian Students” by IROs
“Welcome to Ukraine: What to do with International Students in 2025” by Kateryna Zhdanova
“Opportunities for Youth Provided by the EU” by Young European Ambassadors
Cultural awareness workshop by ESN Kyiv
“University Alliances in Theory and Practice” by Kateryna Zhdanova
Panel discussion: “New EU Initiatives – Pathways for Ukrainian Universities to Engage” by Kateryna Zhdanova and IROs
University campus tour and icebreakers
Participants had the chance to explore the LPNU campus and take part in networking activities to get to know each other.
Day 2: Section presentations and international cooperation
Presentation of Candidate Sections
ESN IFNUL Candidate Section
ESN LPNU Candidate Section
Discussions and sessions
“How Local Volunteers Perceive International Cooperation” by Valerii Kholoimov
“Visioning Session: Bringing Mobility Back to Ukraine” by Dariia Beliaieva
Workshop: “How to Build an Advocacy Campaign” by Dariia Beliaieva
International guests presentations
Representatives from Switzerland, Romania, Hungary, Italy, and Bulgaria shared insights about their sections and upcoming projects.
Session on higher education internationalisation
A keynote presentation by Anna Melekh explored how Ukrainian universities can align with global academic standards.
Networking and icebreakers
Engaging activities helped strengthen the bond between local volunteers and international participants.
Day 3: Section development and official decisions
Parallel sessions
“ESN International 101” – for ESN Chernivtsi and ESN Kyiv
“Next Steps as a Full-right Member of ESN Ukraine” – for ESN IFNUL CS and ESN LPNU CS
“How to Level Up from a CS to a Full Section” – for ESN Odesa CS and Zhytomyr initiative group
Workshops and outcomes
“Project management for beginners” by ESN Kyiv
“Design Thinking” session by Olia Pukalska
Official voting results
During the final plenary, ESN IFNUL and ESN LPNU were officially approved as full sections of ESN Ukraine.
Closing and feedback
Participants reflected on the Assembly, shared feedback, and celebrated the outcomes of three productive days of collaboration and planning.
Event Highlights: Photo Gallery
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