On March 20-21, 2026, Athens hosted the first module of the Young Changemakers Academy 2026 program, organized by the European Liberal Forum (ELF) with the support of LYMEC and the Centre for Liberal Studies – Markos Dragoumis (KEFiM).
The event brought together 10 young liberal leaders from various European countries. The Liberal Democratic League of Ukraine was represented by Hanna Tkachenko, Head of the Department of Liberal Democracy.
The first day was dedicated to the presentation of the participants' individual advocacy projects. Hanna Tkachenko presented an initiative aimed at transforming the discourse among European youth regarding the role of defense policy. Her project emphasizes the direct correlation between critical security investments and the capacity to preserve democratic institutions.
Following this, the participants met with Stefanos Kasselakis, a prominent Greek entrepreneur and leader of the Movement for Democracy party. He shared his political experience and outlined Greece's geopolitical role.
The second day consisted of practical work and thematic sessions. Key focus areas included personal brand development and public communication; effective engagement with decision-makers; strategic project planning; and leveraging social media to amplify advocacy impact.
The participation of the LDLU representative in the Young Changemakers Academy marks a significant step in strengthening the organization's international presence and cultivating a network of young liberal leaders capable of shaping the agenda in European security, democratic defense, and public policy.
