Viddykh at the AIESEC YouthSpeak Forum: Empowering Young Voices for Real Change

Recently, the CEO of Viddykh, Dump Harper, and the Country Director for Ukraine, Yaryna Kovalyshena, had the opportunity to participate in the AIESEC YouthSpeak Forum — a dynamic platform that brings together young leaders, government representatives, NGOs, and business innovators united by a shared purpose: empowering youth to take action on global and local challenges.

The Forum’s mission is simple yet powerful: to give young

people a voice, connect them with decision-makers, and transform important conversations into meaningful action. Through interactive workshops, panel discussions, and project pitches, participants explore ways to contribute to a more sustainable, resilient, and compassionate world — all aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For Viddykh, this event was a wonderful opportunity to share our story — a story that began with three Ukrainian university students and an American friend who recognized a growing need: to support the mental health and wellbeing of Ukrainian teenagers. From that idea, Viddykh was born — a project dedicated to helping teens reflect, express their emotions, and reconnect with themselves through journaling, creative tools, and soon, a mobile app.

During the Forum, we spoke about how meaningful change often starts small. You don’t need a big budget, a perfect plan, or expert status to create impact. Sometimes it begins with noticing a problem, caring deeply, and taking the first step — even if it’s a small one.

We left the event inspired by the incredible energy of the young people we met — leaders who are ready to listen, act, and shape a better future together. And we hope our story reminded others that opportunities for impact are already around them, waiting to be recognized.

Let’s continue creating spaces where young people can breathe, speak freely, and be heard. 💛💙