SKILL President Serves as Independent Observer During Iraq’s Parliamentary Elections
The President of SKILL had the honour of observing the parliamentary elections in Iraq as an independent election observer. This was an exceptionally valuable experience that provided him with the opportunity to closely examine the electoral process and witness the strong civic engagement of citizens committed to shaping the future of their country.
The Iraqi society demonstrated remarkable determination and a strong sense of civic responsibility, while the electoral process itself was conducted in an orderly and transparent manner. This experience further strengthened his conviction about the crucial role that active public participation and trust in democratic institutions play in the development of a state.
He extends his sincere gratitude to Henderson International for the invitation and the opportunity to take part in this observation mission.
SKILL at the Warsaw Security Forum 2025
The Chairman of the SKILL Association, Jędrzej Chodiński, took part in the Warsaw Security Forum 2025, one of the most important international events in Central and Eastern Europe dedicated to security, defense, and transatlantic cooperation.
The Forum brought together representatives of governments, international organizations, the military, academia, and the NGO sector. SKILL’s presence highlights the association’s commitment to the debate on contemporary security challenges, including cybersecurity, social resilience, and the role of the younger generation in shaping future security policies.
Participation in the conference was also an opportunity to establish valuable contacts and exchange experiences with experts from around the world.
Young Leaders from Poland, Czechia and France Visit Ukraine — Project BRIDGE
Building bridges of understanding and cooperation!
As part of the international initiative BRIDGE, 12 young leaders from Poland 🇵🇱, Czechia 🇨🇿 and France 🇫🇷 representing NGOs, political circles, and media traveled to Lviv and Kyiv to witness the reality in Ukraine 🇺🇦 firsthand and to forge meaningful connections with politicians, civil society organizations, and journalists.
The project was organized by SKILL – Association of Krakow Local Leaders Initiatives in partnership with Czech Youth Association z.s. and Young Democrats for Europe (YDE). The aim? To go beyond the headlines, to experience Ukraine in person — and most importantly, to lay the groundwork for future cross-border cooperation.
Lviv – History, Heroes, and Civic Power
Our journey began in Lviv, where we met with City Councilor Taras Repytskyi at the Lviv City Hall to discuss the region’s current situation and the challenges faced by local authorities.
We then visited the Field of Mars, a solemn site where the heroes of the current war are laid to rest. In the evening, we had the pleasure of meeting with members of the Society Initiatives Institute, exchanging experiences on social resilience and civic action in wartime.
Kyiv – Politics, Partnerships, and Powerful Voices
In Kyiv, we were guided by Nadiya Govorun from the organization Поруч, who shared her city and her insights. Together, we explored potential areas of collaboration for the future.
We held an in-depth discussion with Pavlo Frolov, Member of the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada), who helped us understand the complex political situation in Ukraine. We also met with UDoNation and the Ukrainian Youth Foundation to explore funding opportunities for upcoming initiatives.
Later, we had a thought-provoking evening with Mykola Davydiuk, Ukraine’s most popular political vlogger, and a representative of Come Back Alive, a foundation supporting Ukraine’s defenders on the frontlines.
Women on the Frontlines and the Voice of a Generation
Our final day included a powerful meeting with Zemliachky Ukrainian Front, an organization equipping female soldiers with tailored military gear and advocating for their role in the armed forces.
We then participated in a special event hosted by Rising Leaders for the Future at the Ukrainian-Danish Youth House, where we presented the political landscape of our respective countries to nearly 100 Ukrainian youth.
The visit concluded with a networking session with members of EDYN Ukraine, deepening our shared commitment to international youth engagement and democratic values.
Thank You!
This visit was more than a trip — it was a launchpad for long-term collaboration. We extend our deepest thanks to all the organizations and individuals who made Project BRIDGE possible. We look forward to building more bridges and creating lasting impact together.
Participants:
Daniel Bieganowski, Aleksandra Pierzchała, Mateusz Smyrski, Michał Sandecki, Alice Bernard-Montini, Radek Smolka, Antonín Šámal
We Don’t Forget About Ukraine 
💪
Last week, our representative Jędrzej Chodziński had the opportunity to meet in Lviv with a representative of the Society Initiatives Institute (Інститут Суспільних Ініціатив) and Lviv City Councilor Taras Repytskyi.
Later, in Kraków, we met with representatives of the Czech Youth Association z.s. and the Georgian Youth Development Association (GYDA).
🌍 We are also pleased to announce the launch of the BRIDGE Project for Ukraine – Building Resilience, Inclusion, Democracy, Growth, and Equality. This initiative aims to support Ukraine through meaningful cooperation and impactful activities.
We look forward to many joint actions in the near future! 🚀
This past weekend, our representatives had the pleasure of participating in the “Youth in Politics – Inclusion, Cooperation, Action” workshop, organized at the invitation of the National Democratic Institute Central Europe The event provided a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences and knowledge, fostering meaningful discussions on youth engagement in politics. It was also a fantastic time spent in great company—reconnecting with old friends and building new connections!
We are grateful for the insights gained and look forward to applying them in future initiatives.
Warsaw Security Forum 2024 – A Key Event on European Security
On October 1-2, the annual Warsaw Security Forum (WSF) will take place – one of the most significant conferences dedicated to security and defense, with a strong focus on threats posed by Russia and broader transatlantic cooperation.
This prestigious event gathers high-ranking officials, policymakers, and experts from around the world. Among this year’s distinguished guests and speakers are Radosław Sikorski (Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs), Paweł Kowal (Polish MP and security expert), Salome Zourabichvili (President of Georgia), Bjørn Arild Gram (Norwegian Minister of Defence), and Maria Malmer Stenergard (Swedish Minister for Migration).
We were honored to be invited to participate in this high-level discussion on global security. Representing our organization at WSF was Jędrzej Chodziński, who actively engaged in conversations on the challenges facing Europe and the future of international cooperation.