“Who Are We and What Do We Hold On To?” Essay Contest

The Ukrainian Studies of Strategic Research (USSD), a non-governmental think tank, has announced a youth essay contest titled ‘Who Are We and What Do We Hold On To? Ukrainian Identity Facing Erosion, Technology and a New Reality’. Organized within the framework of the Banderivski Readings, the initiative aims to encourage analytical reflection on Ukrainian national identity amidst war, occupation, globalization, and rapid technological transformation.

The competition offers financial awards for the top three submissions: UAH 10,000 for first place, UAH 5,000 for second place, and UAH 3,000 for third place. In addition to cash prizes, winning works will be published, and participants will receive diplomas and opportunities to take part in the Banderivski Readings.

The submission deadline for all competition entries is December 25, 2026. The contest is targeted at young Ukrainian thinkers and diaspora representatives who can articulate substantive viewpoints on contemporary societal challenges.

What is funded

The program funds monetary prizes for original, previously unpublished analytical essays. The prize structure allocates UAH 10,000 for the first place, UAH 5,000 for the second place, and UAH 3,000 for the third place.

Beyond the cash awards, non-monetary support includes publication of the best entries and diplomas for contest participants. Selected authors will also receive invitations to collaborate further and participate in the Banderivski Readings forum.

Who can apply

The call is open to individuals aged up to 35 years. Eligible candidates include high school and university students, educators, early-career researchers, scholars, artists, journalists, and civic activists.

Military personnel, veterans, volunteers, and representatives of youth organizations are explicitly encouraged to apply. The geographic scope covers all regions of Ukraine as well as members of the Ukrainian diaspora worldwide.

Conditions and requirements

Submitted texts must be original and cannot have been previously published elsewhere. Works should present the author’s own reflections, arguments, concrete examples, and forward-looking proposals addressing the stated thematic questions.

The thematic focus requires exploring what defines Ukrainian identity, what unites the nation, the significance of language, and whether factors such as religion foster unity. Works should also address how identity endures against Russian aggression, occupation, and modern digital risks such as the blurring of human consciousness by artificial intelligence.

Practical tip. Adhere strictly to the formal formatting guidelines before submitting, ensuring your essay does not exceed 15,000 characters (around 8 pages) and is typed in Times New Roman, size 14 font, with 1.5 line spacing.

How to apply

Submissions are collected through an online Google form managed by the organizer. Authors must register their personal details and attach their complete essay in accordance with the established technical formatting guidelines.

All entries must be submitted no later than December 25, 2026. The official competition regulations and results will be announced publicly on the website of the Ukrainian Studies of Strategic Research, and inquiries can be directed to their official email address.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: ussd.org.ua.