For Bohdan Hawrylyshyn, Plast was always a fundamental space for shaping values. A renowned visionary and economist of global standing, he genuinely dreamed of seeing Plast become an institutionally strong organization capable of making a significant contribution to educating young people and building an independent Ukraine. Throughout his life, he worked in every possible way to turn this dream into reality.
It is symbolic that in 2026, the year marking the 100th anniversary of his birth, the partnership between the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation, Plast, and the state is reaching a new level.
This year, the Government supported an initiative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, developed jointly with Plast, and established the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Award for Outstanding Achievements in the Development of the Plast Movement. The establishment of this award demonstrates that civic education of young people and support for the Plast movement are becoming part of a systematic state policy.
“The development of Plast is driven first and foremost by people – the educators who devote their time and knowledge to children and young people year after year. They help shape responsible citizens, leaders, and patriots. The state values this contribution and should recognize it,” said Matvii Bidnyi, Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine.
Starting in 2027, the award will be presented annually to Plast educators in Ukraine and abroad who have made outstanding contributions to the development of the Plast movement and the implementation of Plast’s educational program.
The newly established award is another important tool for helping Plast further expand the movement’s volunteer potential and build sustainable institutional capacity, creating the conditions for Plast to grow both in Ukraine and around the world.
“If Ukraine had half a million Plast members, there would be no need to worry about its future,” Bohdan Hawrylyshyn often said. He believed that educating conscious, values-driven young people was one of the most effective investments in Ukraine’s future.
Throughout Plast’s institutional development, the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation has consistently served as a systemic advocate and reliable partner. Years of support and joint advocacy for government decisions have made it possible to reach a new level of institutional cooperation, with the state establishing formal mechanisms for supporting and recognizing the Plast movement.
The establishment of the award demonstrates that educating a new generation of leaders is a shared strategic priority. By investing today in recognizing Plast educators and volunteers, the state strengthens itself first and foremost: it helps Plast expand its educational impact on the younger generation while at the same time honoring the memory of an outstanding Ukrainian and Plast member.