Yaroslav Alieshchenko

My name is Yaroslav Alieshchenko, I’m 17 years old and originally from Sumy, Ukraine. I’m currently a second-year student at Pearson College UWC in Canada, where I study as part of the International Baccalaureate program. Living and learning in a diverse, international community has affected me deeply, and helped me grow both personally and academically. I’m passionate about diplomacy, global politics, and the role young people can play in building a better future. I am an active participant at Model United Nations conferences, lead my school’s MUN club, and participate in the both European and Canadian Youth Parliaments. I’ve also been involved in youth exchange programs across Croatia, Poland, and Romania through Erasmus+, which gave me the chance to meet and work with young people from all over Europe. Outside of academics, I enjoy football, Formula 1, and fishing, these activities help me stay inspired and energized. I’ve also volunteered as an English tutor for refugee children, and implemented a local project supported by UNICEF to help young Ukrainians affected by the war. My goal is to study International Relations or International Business and eventually work in the field of diplomacy, where I can represent and support Ukraine on the international stage. Education, to me, is a tool for impact — and I’m committed to using it to contribute to meaningful change.