Kyiv/Toronto – The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) has officially announced the laureates of its “30 Under 30” award – an initiative designed to recognize young, proactive, and impactful Ukrainians living outside of Ukraine.
The project showcases young leaders who are driving positive change within their communities every day, actively supporting Ukraine on the international stage, and shaping the future of the global Ukrainian community.
“Our youth around the world are a powerful driving force. They not only preserve Ukrainian identity but also serve as the voice of Ukraine in their countries of residence, creating innovative projects and bringing our shared victory closer,” said UWC President Paul Grod.
This year’s laureates were selected by an authoritative committee chaired by the UWC President, with a special emphasis on leadership, creativity, volunteerism, and real community impact.
“This award is not just about past achievements; it is about the future. We wanted to support young Ukrainians who, day by day – and often behind the scenes – build strong communities, engage in advocacy and cultural diplomacy, and shape a positive image of Ukraine worldwide. It is from such consistent steps that leaders of global change emerge,” said Nataliya Poshyvaylo-Towler, Chair of the “30 Under 30” Awards Committee and UWC Vice President for Southern and Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Türkiye, and Lebanon.
The awards committee was composed of seven representatives of the global Ukrainian community from various countries: Nataliya Poshyvaylo-Towler (Australia), Petro Rewko (United Kingdom), Jaroszlava Hartyányi (Hungary), Miroslav Hočak (Serbia), Jorge Danylyshyn (Argentina), Marta Farion (USA), and Pavlo Sadokha (Portugal). The committee worked collegially, conducting several rounds of discussions and application reviews.
Candidates were evaluated based on their civic engagement (participation in social, cultural, or political initiatives), support for Ukrainian communities abroad and the development of diaspora networks, leadership and innovative projects promoting Ukrainian narratives, as well as principles of diversity, inclusion, and mandatory gender balance.
The award was established in 2021 to mark the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. The second selection of laureates took place in 2026, exactly five years after the inaugural awards. The winners of the first edition can be viewed on the UWC “30 Under 30” website.
UWC “30 Under 30” award laureates (2026)
- Adrian Semcesen (Australia) – Ukrainian Youth Association (CYM)
- Alina-Viktoriia Khalak (Australia) – CYM
- Anastasiia Vil (Germany) – CYM Global Executive
- Anastasiia Kozachok (Estonia) – Association of Ukrainian Organizations in Estonia/СУМ
- Andrej Has (Croatia) – Ukrainian Community of the Republic of Croatia
- Andrew Bernyk (Australia) – Plast
- Vera Berezhny (USA) – Plast / Georgetown University Ukrainian Society
- Diana Kotsyuba (Canada) – Ukrainian National Federation of Canada/Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), Edmonton Branch
- Daria Furtak (Canada) – Ukrainian Canadian Students’ Union (SUSK)
- Yevheniia Kryklyvets (United Arab Emirates) – Ukrainian Community in the UAE
- Inna Kachan (Germany) – German-Ukrainian Dialogue (Deutsch-Ukrainischer Dialog e.V.)
- Karolina Kachan (Germany) – German-Ukrainian Dialogue (Deutsch-Ukrainischer Dialog e.V.)
- Kyra Lozynskyj (USA) – CYM
- Khrystyna Kachmaryk (Sweden) – Plast
- Laryssa Luszczki (Canada) – CYM
- Maryna Horobets (Canada) – UCC
- Maria Solomia Bandriwsky (USA) – CYM
- Maksym Mahlay (USA) – Hryhory Kytasty Cleveland School of Bandura, Cincinnati School of Bandura, Ukrainian Classical Music Project
- Natalia Oksana Yuziuchuk (Argentina) – CYM
- Nicoleta Hrin (Romania) – The Union of Ukrainians in Romania
- Nikita Sydorenko (France) – “Nashe Studentstvo” Association of Ukrainian Students in France
- Olena Khanasyk (USA) – House of Ukraine in San Diego
- Alexandra Bernyk (Australia) – Plast
- Alexandra Gorodiski-Gaschler (USA) – CYM
- Alexandra Duma (Australia) – CYM
- Oksana Haliant (Germany) – German-Ukrainian Dialogue (Deutsch-Ukrainischer Dialog e.V.)
- Solomiya Sywak (Australia) – Plast
- Sofia Polishchuk (USA) – The Children of Ukraine Foundation
- Teresa Hassett (Australia) – Plast
- Fabian Popovici (Romania) – The Union of Ukrainians in Romania
- Yuriy Kmiotek (USA) – CYM
