On June 12, 2026, a motivational session dedicated to developing communication skills, mutual understanding, and environmental responsibility among young people took place as part of the 10th International Forum «Mediation and Law».
During the event, Olha Kulinich, Head of the Intellectual Property Academy Department at UANIPIO, and Mariia Bychkovska, Coordinator of WIPO Academy projects, guided participants in exploring how the superpowers of seeing, listening, and taking action can help resolve conflicts, inspire innovative solutions to environmental challenges, and turn ideas into creative initiatives to prevent ocean pollution and mitigate the harmful effects of environmental degradation.
Through interactive activities, practical examples, and open dialogue, participants had the opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on important topics such as environmental protection, emotional intelligence, and a culture of mutual understanding.
A special highlight of the session was an interactive story featuring students from Berdychiv City Lyceum No. 15, Zlata and Yan. According to the storyline, a conflict arose between them while working on an environmental project to collect plastic bottle caps. Zlata was preparing her own creative project and had been separately collecting caps in specific colors, while Yan used them to decorate a shared classroom display board. Together with the participants, the speakers analyzed the situation, identified the interests of both sides, and explored ways to reach mutual understanding.
Students of Berdychiv City Lyceum No. 15 during the interactive part of the event.
«This is where mediation begins, not by asking who is at fault, but by listening, understanding the needs of every party, and finding solutions that reflect everyone’s interests.»
Olha Kulinich, Head of the IP Academy of UANIPIO
This example clearly demonstrated that conflicts often conceal a need to be heard and understood, and that the path to mutual understanding begins with dialogue, respect, and a willingness to listen to each other. These are the very skills that help people not only find common ground but also work together to address the challenges facing society and the environment.
«The main mission of today’s meeting is to inspire you to see opportunities, listen to each other, and not be afraid to take action. After all, great changes begin with small ideas and small steps.»
Mariia Bychkowska, Project Coordinator, WIPO Academy
We sincerely thank the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation for the opportunity to be part of this important event.
There are special thanks go to the students of Berdychiv City Lyceum No. 15 and their mentor, Olha Rehotun, for their active participation in the interactive part of the session. The students’ involvement was made possible through the initiative of Alina Harastovska, Captain of Police and Head of the Educational Safety Sector of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Zhytomyr Region, Viktoriia Pashkivska, Police Lieutenant and Senior Inspector of the Educational Safety Sector of the Berdychiv District Police Department of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Zhytomyr Region, and with the support of Vanda Ivasiuk, Director of Berdychiv City Lyceum No. 15.
We would also like to thank all participants for their enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to work together in search of solutions for a better future.