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Four organisations, two from Ukraine and two from Norway, are working together with the inspiration of President Zelensky. 

First, his book "Message from Ukraine" has this inspirational text in the end:

Dedicated to the youth of Ukraine

Til ungdommen (“To the Youth”), originally written by Nordahl Grieg in 1936, has long been one of Norway’s most powerful poems about peace, courage and resistance against oppression. Its timeless words have inspired generations and continue to resonate deeply in times of conflict and change.

Now, in a unique cultural collaboration, a new English and Ukrainian version has been created to bring this message to a wider, international audience — and to honor the spirit of young people across borders who stand for peace, freedom and democracy.  

Nordahl Grieg was shot down in a plane over Berlin in 1943.

Watch the video here.

A Message for Our Time

In the face of war, displacement and challenges to democratic values, the core message of Til ungdommen feels more urgent than ever. This new rendition bridges languages and cultures, giving voice to:

• Youth in Ukraine, who are living through a struggle for freedom,

• Youth in Norway, who uphold peace and democratic participation,

• and all young people around the world who believe in solidarity, resilience and hope.  (Photo from Wikipedia: Nordahl Grieg)

By combining English and Ukrainian, this version underscores that the poem’s message — an appeal to courage, empathy and collective responsibility — transcends national boundaries.

Why This Version Matters

• It unites cultures through shared values: Peace, freedom, human dignity and democratic engagement are universal — and this performance brings them together in sound, voice and meaning.

• It amplifies youth voices: Young musicians and singers from Ukraine and Norway contribute to a collaborative expression that speaks to both history and contemporary reality.

• It honors the legacy of Til ungdommen while extending the poem’s reach from one language and tradition into many.

Watch and Listen

Below you can experience the full performance and interpretation of the English–Ukrainian version of Til ungdommen. The video combines poetic translation with heartfelt musical expression, inviting reflection and solidarity.

Read more about Nordahl Grieg here.  You may also read the English version of the text and watch the video here.

Background: Nordahl Grieg and Til ungdommen

Nordahl Grieg wrote Til ungdommen in 1936 as an appeal to youth to stand firm in the face of rising threats to freedom in Europe. The poem became closely associated with Norwegian resistance during World War II and continues to be a powerful expression of hope and resilience.

This new English–Ukrainian adaptation carries that same spirit — trusting youth as builders of peace, defenders of freedom, and advocates for democratic cooperation.

A Call to Reflection and Action

As the world confronts ongoing conflicts and democratic challenges, this performance reminds us that art and culture can be forces for:

• empathy across borders

• dialogue instead of division

• courage in dark times

• hope for a shared future

We invite you — whether you are young or young at heart — to watch, listen, and be inspired.

Slava Ukraini!

Music has a unique ability to transcend borders, languages, and generations. It speaks directly to human emotion and shared experience, creating understanding where words and politics often fail. Across cultures and nations, music has been a voice for peace, a symbol of freedom, and a tool for democratic expression, giving individuals and communities the courage to be heard.

By bringing people together in concerts, classrooms, and everyday life, music fosters dialogue, mutual respect, and solidarity. It connects the past with the present and inspires future generations to value openness, diversity, and human dignity. In this way, music is not only an art form, but a universal force that helps build peace, protect freedom, and strengthen democracy for all.