5 Years Bulgarian Youth Delegate by Niki NIki

Because youth is the solution, not the problem! UN Association of Bulgaria, 2010

The young do not know enough to be prudent, and so they attempt the impossible, and achieve it, generation after generation. Pearl Buck (1892-1973) U.S. humanitarian, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer We need you, we need your youth, your strength, and your idealism, to help us make right what is wrong.” Ronald Reagan Every youth owes it to himself and to the world to make the most possible out of the stuff that is in him. Orison Swett Marden Youth is like a stream, if it is not directed to its course it meanders and swallows its tail. Jude Ezedike No one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime. Young people must be included from birth. A society that cuts off from its youth severs its lifeline. Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General 1997-2006 Older men declare war. But it is the youth that must fight and die. Herbert Hoover Youth has no age. Pablo Picasso Don’t criticize what you can’t understand, your sons and your daughters are beyond your command. Bob Dylan This world demands the qualities of youth: not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the love of ease. Robert F. Kennedy Give young people a chance, our generation may just surprise you! Marc Kielburger Preventing the conflicts of tomorrow means changing the mind-set of youth today. Grana Machel-Mandela We live in an age when to be young and to be indifferent can be no longer synonymous. We must prepare for the coming hour. The claims of the Future are represented by suffering millions; and the Youth of a Nation are the trustees of Posterity. Benjamin Disraeli Ask the young. They know everything. Joseph Joubert Young people are fitter to invent than to judge; fitter for execution than for counsel; and more fit for new projects than for settled business. Francis Bacon Youth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old. Franz Kafka I told the young leaders that the 21st Century is theirs and they should not blow it. Try to reject war and give peace a chance. Helen Thomas Age considers; youth ventures. Rabindranath Tagore Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young. Henry Ford Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy and sustainable human development. Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General 1997-2006 If one is going to err, one should err on the side of liberty and freedom. Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General 1997-2006 If the United Nations does not attempt to chart a course for the world’s people in the first decades of the new millennium, who will? Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General 1997-2006 Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family. Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General 1997-2006 A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus. Martin Luther King, Jr. I submit to you that if a man hasn’t discovered something that he will die for, he isn’t fit to live. Martin Luther King, Jr. Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ Martin Luther King, Jr. In youth we learn; in age we understand. Marie Von Ebner-Eschenbach Youth! There is nothing like youth. The middle-aged are mortgaged to Life. The old are in Life’s lumber-room. But youth is the Lord of Life. Youth has a kingdom waiting for it. Every one is born a king, and most people die in exile. Oscar Wilde In case you’re worried about what’s going to become of the younger generation, it’s going to grow up and start worrying about the younger generation. Roger Allen We have some salt of our youth in us. William Shakespeare Invention is the talent of youth, as judgment is of age. Jonathan Swift Everyone believes in his youth that the world really began with him, and that all merely exists for his sake Johann Wolfgang von Goethe It is youth that has discovered love as a weapon Peter Ustinov Youth is the best time to be rich; and the best time to be poor Euripides Youth is the trustee of prosperity. Benjamin Disraeli My dream is Bulgaria to become a magnet for young people, including from our neighboring countries, to become a place,which everyone wishes to visit, and a place, where all will be happy to live. In my opinion, this dream is attainable. Kristalina Georgieva European Union Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response Internationally there is no generalized definition of the term “Youth.” According to the United Nations definition (1992), youth comprises young people aged between 15 and 24 years. However, countries vary considerably in their definitions of youth and childhood, which range from as low as age 7 up to age 30, depending on cultural,social, economical and political factors.

Years Bulgarian Youth Delegate

A Living Dream........................................................................................3 Prefaces...................................................................................................7 Youth Delegate in the Eyes of Our Partners . ....................................... 17 Chronology of A Dream ........................................................................ 26 Milestones & Next Steps . ............................................................. 29 Youth ﾐ夫ents in Bulgaria & the World ..........................................36 Youth Delegates in UN Headquarters in New York City ...............45 UN Youth Policies & Stragegies ...........................................................58 Messages For Youth From Youth ..........................................................68 What Do the Young People Do in Bulgaria .......................................... 80 Meet Us . ...............................................................................................96 Acknowledgments ...............................................................................112 Youth Delegates in Photos .......................................................

(BG side)

118

Our History in Photos .......................................................

(BG side)

118

ﾐ｢he Bulgarian Intepretation of WPAY in Photos ..............

(BG side)

129

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

Contents

United Nations Association of Bulgaria President: Ivan Garvalov Secretary: Petranka Fileva United Nations Association in Bulgaria is a non-for-profit organization with ideal causes. The main purpose of the Đ?ssociation is to promote the consolidation of Bulgarian society in support of the UN Charter, to strengthen the international peace and security, to foster international dialogue respect of the fundamental human rights and freedoms. United Nations Association in Bulgaria, Sofia, 2010 Collector: Boryana Atanassova Layout and Design: Joan Georgiev This book contains materials developed by Ivaylo Stoimenov, Elizabeta Petrova, Atanas Mihnev, Velislava Ivanova, Kristina Popova and others. Quotes from materials from different organizations have been included such as United Nations youth websites, World Federation of the United Nations Associations, the United Nations Development Programme, etc. ISBN 978-954-91568-5-0

Sounds like a dream… and yet true as you will get to discover hopefully in this book. In the last few months I have been asking friends and acquaintances about the top of mind 10 initiatives that Bulgaria is world famous for, I have collected the following most common replies: John Atanassov and the computer; the Bulgarian unique yoghurt and the bacteria “Lactus Bulgaricus”; the Cyrillic alphabet; the saving of the Jews during WWII; Valq Balkanska and her song in space “Izlel e Delio Haidutin”; Hristo Stoichkov and the Golden ball, several world Olympic records of Stefka Kostadinova and other sportsmen; the oldest gold in the world in Varna; the Thracian heritage; etc. Indisputably, those are achievements of major eminence and far-fetching impact, however it’s only a few of them and furthermore not so recent ones. Well, now we have yet another legitimate reason to feel proud to be Bulgarian because our country happens to be among the 15-20% of the 192 United Nations Member States to include youth representatives to relevant to the youth UN bodies. Bulgaria has since 2007 been empowering every year young representatives, selected through a rigorously competitive procedure, by entrusting them with a comparable-to-diplomat status and including them in the national delegations to serious UN discussions. The prerogatives of the official Youth Delegate include working on the concrete text of the world youth resolution, lobbying and negotiating alongside world’s top minds in diplomacy and international relations, taking the floor in the UN General Assembly and delivering an official statement highlighting the problems and aspirations of the local youth, to mention a few. Just six years ago in Bulgaria the mere idea of a young person, between 18-29 years of age, to talk seriously about serious matters and to be taken seriously by serious people at the most serious international relations body sounded like a paradox. The very existence of the Bulgarian Youth Delegate position, which every year grows in scope and scale, symbolizes a significant progress from two sides: first, the policy makers here are open to allow young people to be treated as equitable partners in decision-making; and second, the young people are trustworthy enough, not to be associated only with sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll but rather to be given the floor to speak out and act responsibly and farsightedly in matters concerning their own, their parents’ and children’s future. This is inevitably a hard fought and ever continuing battle for the Bulgarian young people, to continuously deserve the right and respect to represent our fellow Bulgarians at the UN. A battle won successfully unfortunately

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

Bulgaria: a world leader and innovator in high level youth involvement in decision making

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

only in on average annually 20-30 countries that have initiated the youth programme so far and a losing battle fought over in the rest of the member states, despite the numerous invitations of the UN ever since 1995 to give the floor to the youth. The United Nations Association in Bulgaria (the idealistic, visionary thinking and voluntary but relentless efforts of its members) backed by the support of the Ministry of Foreign affairs make this Kennedy dream of “Asking not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country” a reality today. The existence, persistence, and elevation of the Youth Delegate programme in the last 5 years mirrors the (social) entrepreneurship principle of “Think big, start small, scale fast”. Our guideing principles on this route are the 3 C-s: Creativity, Continuity, Commitment. We are now trying to get as much support as possible from the most relevant stakeholders in the process of investing in the young people in Bulgaria, so that we reach sustainably the third cycle of growth. We are openly searching for partnerships, innovative projects with real impact on youth. End of July 2010 after a competitive selection procedure, 6 finalists were interviewed by a panel discussion of representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of the education, science and youth, the UN Association, and others. The result was that all finalists and other contest participants were invited to join this year’s Youth Delegate team 2010/2011, while Velislava Ivanova and Blagovest Kirilov have been granted the official position of the Bulgarian YDs for the 65th session of UN GA (3-15 October). In order to better defend the cause of including youth in decisionmaking, we have introduced this year the concept of a whole team of several members having one voice and aiming to achieve a unified voice of Bulgarian youth under the International Youth Year’s vision of “Our year. Our voice.” The three main goals of the one-year mandate (12 Aug 2010- 12 Aug 2011) are the following: 1. One Youth Delegate team = many people =1 voice; 2. To popularize 2 priority areas (youth unemployment & education) during International Youth Year through different activities in Bulgaria; 3. Bulgarian Youth Delegate goes digital! In celebration of our 5th anniversary since the initiation of the lobbying process in Bulgaria, the Programme has dedicated several special happenings in Bulgaria and abroad. In New York City in the period 3-15 October, the team has hosted an exhibition in the General Consulate of the Republic of Bulgaria of the unique artistic competition of the Bulgarian interpretation of the priority areas from the World Programme of Action on Youth. Furthermore, the Bulgarian youth UN representatives have managed to organize a side-event in New York with representatives from the UNESCO, UN Programme on Youth, Alliance of Civilizations on the topic of IYY “Dialogue and Mutual Understanding”. In Bulgaria, we have planned on the International Day of the UN (24 October) a celebration of 65th anniversary of the United Nations, 55th anniversary of Bulgaria’s membership in the UN, 25th anniversary of

Boryana Atanassova National Advisor of Programme “Bulgarian Youth Delegate” 2010-2011 First Bulgarian Youth Delegate 2006- 2007 Bulgarian Youth Delegate Programme Because youth is the solution, not the problem! Bgyouthdelegate.org

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

first International Youth Year and 5th anniversary of the Bulgarian Youth Delegate Programme. Besides a concert with young talented performances, we would present officially this first report and introduce to the public the Good will ambassador of the Youth Delegate cause for 2010-2011. Not only has Bulgaria been steadily sending Youth Delegates to every General Assembly since 2007, but by know the Programme here is considered as a bestpractice on global level, a leader not only on the Balkans, Central and Eastern Europe, European union, but the world. For me personally, the Youth Delegate is a living dream… It’s my sincere hope that after going through this book, when next week or in a month when asked the same question about the top 10 world famous Bulgarian initiatives you will have one more reason to be proud of being Bulgarian. I believe that there are other dreamers among you. Wishing you a pleasant journey with this book!

Prefaces

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

T BAN Ki-moon Secretary-General of the United Nations

he creativity, energy and passion of young people are indispensable for tackling global challenges. Whenever I spend time with young people â&#x20AC;&#x201D; my role affords me the pleasure and honor to meet frequently with youth from around the world â&#x20AC;&#x201D; I am always impressed by the contributions they make to their communities, and inspired by the insight and devotion they bring to the issues on the United Nations agenda. The Member States of the Organization have also acknowledged the importance of youth in meeting the trials of our day, including through the decision of the General Assembly to proclaim the International Year of Youth: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding, starting on 12 August 2010. An important mechanism for the participation of young people in the work in the United Nations is the Youth Delegates Programme. By including young people in national delegations to United Nations meetings, Governments help them gain a better understanding of the intricacies of negotiations, the challenges of achieving consensus and the patience required to win diplomatic progress. These skills help young people no matter what course they choose in life. Moreover, the time spent representing the youth of their countries in the international arena can also inspire and encourage young people to participate more deeply at home, in the political life of their own societies, thereby counteracting the immense social costs of excluding young people. I attach great importance to the Youth Delegates Programme. It creates civic role models for young people around the world and brings new perspectives to discussions in the General Assembly. However, some regions continue to be underrepresented among the youth delegates; I encourage Member States to do more to bring young people aboard and achieve a more equitable geographical balance. Half of the population of the world is under 25. We need to harness the spirit of youth around the world to address the tough challenges we face. This Guide is meant to inspire more Member States to support youth participation at intergovernmental meetings and to allow the voices of young people from all over the world to be not only heard, but acted upon.

Milen Lyutskanov Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

he partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN Association of Bulgaria goes back decades ago. This excellent tradition in cooperation continued with the founding of the Youth Organization at the Association in 2003. The UN is the only universal international organization, which, however, is not always in the public eye. This is why the role of the Association in popularizing the ideas, principles and the decisions of the UN among the Bulgarian society through its campaigns and programs for informal education of young people is of prime importance. Among the initiatives of the Youth Organization, the “Youth Delegates” Campaign stands out with its ambitious character and huge potential for including young people in the decision-making processes in society. Starting in 2007, developing successfully in the following year and growing to a nationwide selection campaign with over 100 contenders and attracting financial support from the business sector testify to the great work of the organizing team at the Youth Organization. It is optimistic that so many young people from all over the country show interest in and commitment to the work of the international organization, covering almost all areas of human activity. Including youth representatives in the national delegation to the General Assembly of the United Nations is an indication of Bulgaria’s engagement with young people, an investment for the future and an example for other European countries, which still have not implemented a programme for youth delegates. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue supporting institutionally the project “Bulgarian Youth Delegates” and an ever more active involvement of young people in the international forums which Bulgaria participates in. I believe that many of the candidates for youth delegates from all over the country, who already took part or will take part in the future in the selection process, will find their place in the area of the country’s international relations as its future diplomats. I wish good luck to the campaign in 2010/2011.

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

H.E. Ambassador Garvalov President of the United Nations Association in Bulgaria

egarding the fifth anniversary of the first selection of Bulgarian Youth Delegates for participation in the regular session of the United Nations General Assembly in terms of youth matters I have the honor to greet the youth association to the United Nations Association in Bulgaria. This initiative, which has already established itself in practice in the United Nations activities in Bulgaria has its great value, bearing in mind that the Third Committee of the General Assembly to the UN has the task of reviewing human rights questions and humanitarian practices. In the agenda of the Third Committee, delegated by the United Nations, youth problems have an important place. This is not only a question of a given UN member-state. This is a question of great importance to the UN and international diplomacy. Because youth is the future of the world and mankind. It was not by chance that this year the General Secretary of the UN – his Excellency Ban Ki-Moon put the accent on this question and suggested that the member-states honor the 21st of September – the International Day of Peace, as the day of “Peace = Future”. Peace guarantees the creative development of mankind and the young people. They are the future of the world. Bulgaria has been an active UN member-state for more than 55 years now. In its activity in the United Nations Bulgaria has given and continues to do so, topmost priority to problems on youth. Back in 1979 Bulgaria became co-author of the initiative for announcing the Year of Youth. Then I had the honor to represent Bulgaria in the Third Committee of the General Assembly of the UN and to be among the most active participants and co-authors of the proposal for the year of youth. From then on, our country has been amidst the most active participants in the United Nations on the questions of youth. Bulgaria developed the initiative of sending youth delegates for participation in the work of the regular (autumn) session of the General Assembly to the United Nations, namely the Third Committee on the issues of youth. This is an unique initiative. This practice exists only in 30 member-states. Our country can be truly proud that regarding an issue of such importance in the international relations it is leading and that Bulgaria is given as an example amongst the “good practices” of the world organization. For five consecutive years the most contemporary and democratic process for selection of youth delegates to the sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations is being put into practice in Bulgaria. This practice reflects the socio-political development of the country as a member-state of the United Nations and the European Union. This puts Bulgaria on a high Pedestal in the United Nations and the other international organizations. The youth association to the United Nations Association in Bulgaria deserves to be praised for its consistency and skills in using “best practices” in the setting of a democratic society

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

We in the United Nations Association in Bulgaria are very proud that the Youth Association has achieved and achieves this great success with its diversified activity, especially the one focused on the selection of youth delegates for the regular sessions of the United Nations. This not only increases the importance of the United Nations Association in Bulgaria with its focused attempts at familiarizing and preparing the society and especially the young people in Bulgaria with the activities, goals and principles of the world organization. This hosts the fruits of the youth associations actions and proves in practice that the young people are the potential of each nation and of international relations as a whole.

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Nicola Shepherd United Nations Focal Point on Youth Department of Economic and Social Affairs

he United Nations Programme on Youth congratulates the United Nations Association in Bulgaria for their initiative and longstanding commitment to the youth delegate programme in their country. Member States of the United Nations have long recognized that the imagination, energy and ideals of young people are vital for the continuing development of society. By adopting the World Programme of Action for Youth in 1995 and numerous subsequent resolutions, the General Assembly strongly supports the involvement of youth in decision making by inviting the Member States to include youth delegates in their national delegations. We support youth participation in the work of the United Nations because it leads to more inclusive and effective policy and programmatic responses to the problems facing young people. Not only do youth delegates enrich the debate and the policy dialogue, but they also strengthen channels of communication and cooperation with Governments. The Bulgarian Youth Delegate Programme has progressed from an informal representative in 2006 and an official youth delegate in 2007 to a national programme with selection, research and publicity campaigns in 2009/2010. This process is indicative not only of the enthusiasm and dedication of the organizing team, but also of the willingness of Bulgaria to incorporate young people in decision-making processes. We fully support the institutionalization of the youth delegate programme in Bulgaria. It is our hope that the Bulgarian Youth Delegate Programme will serve as an example to other countries to include young people in their national delegations to the General Assembly and to support efforts for popularizing and implementing the World Programme of Action for Youth on the ground. We are also pleased with the effective cooperation achieved in Bulgaria among government and non-governmental organizations, educational international/local institutions, private sponsors, and committed volunteers to bring about this youth delegate programme. We are convinced that youth representatives are a valuable resource for promoting overall development. The opportunity for a young person to represent the youth of their country creates civic role models for other young people to participate more fully in their nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development as concerned citizens. The timing of institutionalizing the youth delegate programme in Bulgaria is auspicious, as the United Nations General Assembly recently proclaimed the International Year of Youth (12 August 2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11 August 2011), demonstrating its continued commitment to youth. Congratulations once again on this initiative. We hope that the current campaign to institutionalize the youth delegate programme in Bulgaria will strengthen the ground work for continuing involvement of youth delegates in the work of the United Nations in the future.

garia.

Maya Nyagolova Public Communication Director, United Nations Development Programme Bulgaria (2002-2010)

It was a result of our long-term partnership with the Youth Organization of the United Nations Association of Bulgaria, thanks to which a mutual trust and solidarity were built in the common efforts for the popularization of the UN work in Bulgaria. During the last decade UNDP lent a hand to the realization of many initiatives by young people for the young people. Among them are the campaign for stimulation of the voluntary activities, the International Year of Volunteers, the Model UN simulations, the peer-to-peer education in human rights, the traditional celebration of the International Peace Day, the projects “I want to be!” and “Join the team!” for stimulation of the tolerance between youth from different ethnos. Provided the background of all those initiatives, the Bulgarian Youth Delegate programme was special with its strategic potential to overcome the issues of the project momentum and donor financing and become a programme with significant results and benefits. This programme which is meant to be a global effort for inclusion of the youth in the decision making processes, employed in Bulgaria the powerful energy of a team of young enthusiasts who put a local trademark on it. The initial steps on the popularization of the idea coincided with the preparation of the first National Youth Report on the UN Millenium Development Goals, named by the students, who wrote it, “A Fairytale of the Young Bulgarians about the MDGs”. Some of the authors of the fairytale already showed their potential as Youth Delegates at the UN. Beyond question the future Bulgarian Youth Delegates will be better and better prepared to analyze the challenges of the new Millennium and to advocate the youth involvement in the decision making and the provision of answers for the mentioned challenges. The participation of the candidates for Youth Delegates in the final stages of the 2009 selection campaign proved the good self-confidence and the profound knowledge of many young Bulgarians about the UN global agenda. It is encouraging that in 2010 there are more participants in the YD programme and the Bulgarian approach on it is cited worldwide as a best practice. UNDP was only one of the organizations which helped the first Youth Delegates of Bulgaria to reach the UN Headquarters and to debate together with professional diplomats the world’s present and future. Now it is up to the young Bulgarians to defend their place at the United Nations forums!

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

he support of the United Nations Development Program for the popularization and institutionalization of the Youth Delegate Programme was a natural decision which found the support of all the experts in the UNDP office in Bul-

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Kamen Velichkov Head of Department “UN and Security Council”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2004-08) Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria in Thailand (2008-10) and Netherlands (1996-2001)

he idea for the Bulgarian involvement in the United Nations Youth Delegate Programme belongs to the Youth Organization of the United Nations Association of Bulgaria. The young people there who are enthusiastic supporters of the UN, raised the initiative and put all the necessary efforts to include Bulgaria in the prestigious group of states which are sending their youth delegate to the UN General Assembly annual sessions. Those young people did everything what was needed to motivate their proposal before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They proved that the youth participation in the national delegation is something more than upgrade of the Model UN simulations, which they are organizing at a national and international level, that it goes beyond training in laboratory conditions. The ambition of the youth delegates was greater – by profound involvement in the discussions and the resolutions’ drafting to convert their activity into essential part of the programme of the Bulgarian delegation at the annual sessions of UNGA. Another remarkable feature of the Bulgarian YD programme was the mobilizing effect in the framework of the educational efforts for popularization of the United Nations principles and goals among the students – the audience which has the highest sensitivity to the global problems of the modern society. It is due to be mentioned the understanding and support to the initiative by the Ministry officers specialized in the United Nations issues. Their cooperation was motivated by the fair evaluation of the great potential of that idea and accompanied by methodical and informational backing for the excellent performance of the Bulgarian youth delegates. The fact that many experienced Bulgarian diplomats recognized the idea as significant had positive influence on its materialization. The YD campaign took place together with the other forms of cooperation between MFA and UNA of Bulgaria such as the participation in the youth dimensions of the Alliance of Civilizations and the Community of Democracies Initiative, etc. Furthermore, the Bulgarian Youth Delegates participated in a specific way in the preparation work of the Bulgarian delegation even prior to their accreditation for the General Assembly. I would like to wish this youth presence to continue to develop successfully in the future as well!

Nadya Shabani, Chairpeson of the State Agency for Child Protection of Bulgaria

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

he selection campaign for Bulgarian youth delegates to the United Nations is a serious step forward in ensuring youth participation in Bulgarian society. The “youth delegate” institution is one of the representative facets of young people in Bulgaria not only before the institutions and policy-makers, but also in the world’s highest diplomatic forum – the United Nations. The efforts of the Bulgarian youth delegates related to the World Programme for Action for Youth coincide with the efforts of the State Agency for Child Protection (SACP) in providing a better environment for Bulgaria’s children and in establishing youth policies with the active participation of young people. Therefore we are delighted to note that the youth delegate of Bulgaria for 2009/2010, Mr. Atanas Mihnev, is a representative of the Children Council – a youth organ that advices the SACP in its policies and represents the institution in front of the country’s young people. To us such collaboration between state institutions, young people and the NGO sector is a proof, that civic society in Bulgaria is developing in the right direction. I congratulate Bulgaria’s youth delegates for 2009/2010 for a job well done and I hope that they continue working actively for the interests of Bulgaria’s children and young people. I wish the “youth delegates” campaign future successes on national and global level. The State Agency Agency for Child Protection will be happy to be a partner in your endeavours! Good luck!

Youth Delegate In The Eyes Of Our Partners

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

H. E. Mr. Rayko Raytchev, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Bulgaria to the United Nations, New York , USA

ulgaria is proud to be one of the pioneers, not only in the European union and on the Balkans, but also in the world, to respond to the numerous invitations of the General Assembly to include youth representatives in the national delegation. The cooperation since 2006 of the UN Association in Bulgaria with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the mission of Bulgaria in New York has enabled directly six outstanding youth delegates, and indirectly - the Bulgarian young people, to contribute to the decision making of the international body with highest global significance. The 2009/2010 campaign with all its dimensions from the art contest, through the roundtable discussion, to this publication as well as the numerous contestants in the selection and art competitions in Bulgaria, alongside with the support of its various partners such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, United Nations Development Programme, Global Leaders Programme�� organized by the Goldman Sachs foundation and the International Institute of Education, etc, is a truly amazing example of how the enthusiasm, creativity, and initiative of youth can be channeled towards beneficial causes hand in hand with the different local, national and international stakeholders. The good impressions from the work of the young motivated future diplomats contributed also to the decision to introduce a while ago an official unpaid internship programme in the Bulgarian mission in the US. We encourage more young people in Bulgaria to embrace the UN youth agenda and to proactively participate in future youth delegate campaigns.

Lily Valtchanova Third Secretary, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Bulgaria to the United Nations, New York, USA

s a person responsible for the Third Committee matters, including the youth agenda, I had the opportunity to oversee the progress of the Youth Delegate Programme from its beginning in 2006. The efforts through the years of the United Nations Association in Bulgaria to turn this position in a position of trust, responsibility and results have been fruitful, which is evident not only from the preparation and motivation of the chosen youth representatives, but also from their valuable contributions to the work of the mission. As an officer in the Third Committee, I felt on several occasions proud to receive congratulatory feedback from fellow diplomats about the proactive input of the Bulgarian youth delegates in the informal negotiations for youth resolution and their moving official statements. It is very useful to have the youth perspective during the resolution negotiations, backed by insights from meetings with youth and NGOs in the country and other conducted research of opinions of different stakeholders about current problems. Moreover, with the youth delegate on board, Bulgaria plays a proactive role in the EU group, which has the largest youth representation so far among the Member States. I hope that in the future ways of even closer and deeper cooperation will be found with youth delegate programme. I look forward to meeting the next winners from hopefully an even bigger and more competitive candidates’ pool.

Antonia Alexieva

Ambassador, Head of Political Issues Department, United Nations & Global Issues Directorate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria

Junior Expert, Department of “Political Affairs”, “United Nations & Global Issues” Directorate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria

he participation in the selection campaign for youth delegates to represent the Bulgarian youth at the sessions of the Third Committee of the General Assembly of the UN has already become a tradition for me. Only pleasant memories are evoked by the first Bulgarian youth delegates, Ms Boryana Atanassova and Mr. Ivaylo Stoimenov, who visited New York in 2007, at the time when I was temporarily in charge of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Bulgaria to the UN. They took part in the 62nd session of the Third Committee and the 45th session of the Commission for Social Development. The whole staff of the Mission of the Republic of Bulgaria welcomed them aboard and assisted their participation. In 2009 I took part again in the selection process at the final round of the campaign and was impressed by the level of knowledge and active position of the participants. Furthermore, I am very pleased to point out that each year the campaign broadens its scale and scope, which popularizes the initiative more and more among young people. It’s my hope that both this year’s representatives and the future Bulgarian youth delegates to the UN will continue working towards the cause of popularizing the UN strategies and initiatives targeting youth among the young people, in particular, and society, in general.

he initiative’s significance, to my opinion, stems from the development opportunities it provides to young people, and the stimuli for personal growth it generates. The initiative strengthens candidates’ will and nourishes their aspirations for playing an active part in the decision-making process and finding their own place among those engaged with seeking solutions of the most pressing issues concerning all young people around the world. The future, as we all know, lies in the hands of the strong, and the latter, beyond any doubt, are people well-informed, active, focused and demanding, ready to put their energy and potential into future’s building.

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

Ivan Piperkov

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Iva Dosseva Coordinator of the National network of student clubs at the United Nations Association of Bulgaria

Professor Petranka Fileva Secretary General of United Nations Association of Bulgaria

t the end of the first decade of 21st century, the United Nations Association in Bulgaria gathers three generations around the idea of peace, tolerance, protection of human rights, clean and protected environment. For more than ten years now our national UN student clubs network exists to prepare the curious, ambitious and responsible young people to take an active role in the society. We are proud of them and optimistic for the future of our country. And here we, five years have passed so quickly, since we initiated negotiations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to give the floor to the youth and entrust the youth representative with real responsibilities. It has been four years since we first sent two young delegates in New York to take part in the discussions of one of the main UN bodies-Third Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee. The Youth delegates have been working hard ever since for the promotion and implementation of the World United Nations Programme on Youth in Bulgaria, as well as for building a strong team of capable young people. The members of the team are not only ambassadors of the UNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s values, they are also able to present the UN strategies to the Bulgarian citizens, on one hand, and on the other hand committed to uphold the problems of the Bulgarian young people to the highest diplomatic forum in the halls of the UN General Assembly.

hroughout the years, as part of the UN Millennium Development Goals implementation, UNA Bulgaria gives special attention to the development of human rights culture among young people. Since 1999 the organization has built a national student and alumni network with more than 30 clubs throughout the country. The club network enables young people to partner with other organizations and develop their capacity for full inclusion in civic initiatives, supporting democratic values and standards. I am glad that the first youth delegates of Bulgaria and the current programme coordinators were precisely among the longstanding volunteers of UNA, first as members and (or) founders of the UN clubs in their schools, then in organizing model UN simulations, and various other volunteer events from the calendar of the United Nations as the International Peace Day, etc.; later as a main driving force in formation of the Youth section of UNA and as a university students-founders of UN clubs. We are proud that we have so many loyal volunteers, who grew up not only as a goodwill ambassadors of the UNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s values, inside the organization and in local projects in Bulgaria but now as official national youth delegates to the world largest forum. It is wonderful that the young people in Bulgaria have found the necessary courage, commitment to the cause, efforts and preparation to turn their passion for model UN simulations in real and

Nikolay Georgiev President of UN Youth Association of Bulgaria

s President of the Youth Organisation of the UN Association of Bulgaria, although recently elected, and as a longtime UNYA member and volunteer (since 2003) I can assure you that the passion to the UN, the values, the attitude and behaviour, dedicated to the cause of a more sustainable society with proactive young people, is very contagious. I could not be cured of this disease for many years now and I am happy that I am not alone. I am glad that Boryana Atanassova, Ivaylo Stoimenov and Elizabeta Petrova, as well as the other team members of the Bulgarian Youth Delegate initiative, continue to demonstrate their relentless dedication and commitment to the cause with so much optimism and creativity that it’s awe- inspiring. I wish success to our delegates, who joined the team this year: Velislava Ivanova, Blagovest Kirilov, Anna Dimitrova, Maria Dineva, Nadezhda Ivanova, Georg Philip and Savina Alexieva. Special thanks to all former youth delegates: Boryana, Betty, Nasko, who continue to work for the cause. I can only hope that the passion to the UN and an active civil society, full of well-prepared and ambitious young people, will not leave us and we will be able to pass it on as many young people as possible - in Bulgaria, in the General Assembly in New York and worldwide.

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

active contribution to the real world resolution on youth. The Youth delegate programme is not a simulation or game, it is a reality at the highest international scene. The Youth delegate position is not just an exercise with high difficulty for first steps in diplomacy, but mostly embodies the values of volunteerism and social entrepreneurship. Let’s hope that the youth delegates will keep their enthusiasm, even after passing the age limit for definition of youth, and to continue working long-term towards a more sustainable development of civil society in Bulgaria. The dialogue today is a prerequisite for the peace tomorrow.

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

basically the most important people in the world. Personally, I hope that these young people will be the ones governing my country several years from now. Because I trust them that they have the courage, the vision and the unconditional desire to make a change. And they know how to take Action.

Ana Izvorska Secretary General of UN Youth Association of Bulgaria (2008-2009)

believe that there are two ways of creating better world - a world more integrated, more appreciating of every person, more filled with happy people. One of these two ways is Art and the other one is Action. Those of us who cannot stay still while watching injustice and who want to take part in making a change, but who are less gifted in Art have found their way to raise their voice through Action. This book is dedicated to them. To those who try, and try over again, and again, to do something, to take action and to make a change. And then, they try to be heard. To tell the others what change they made and how this change can be made on an even larger scale so it can spread around the world and create an environment where a larger number of people can live better. In other words, this book is dedicated to the young people who take action, to those who participate in and react to what is happening around them and who want to influence. It is exactly this kind of people that the youth delegates are and they deserve your attention, your trust that they can do just as well as the current people in charge, if not better, and all your support. I congratulate the youth delegates for their infinite courage and faith in their ideals. Try to imagine what kind of courage should a young person have to speak up in front of a UN committee, full of high level establishment, experienced diplomats and

Daniela Kuneva

Good will ambassador of the campaign Bulgarian Youth Delegate 2010/2011

Journalist, Bulgarian National Television

ear friends, This is our world! And we are its future! Let’s not be indifferent and exclusively self-centered. Let’s not only pay attention to the world problems, but let’s actively fight for the most precious things in life: peace, the well-being and successful personal and professional development for everybody, environment protection of our Planet. It’s not the drugs and alcohol that will make us happy, but rather – health, love, and personal achievements – all fruits of our efforts and dedication!

007 – the 22-year old Boryana Atanassova took the floor during the General Assembly at the United Nations. She justified and demonstrated the readiness of young people to be treated as partners in decision-making of the problems of today’s world. That’s how Bulgaria – the oldest state structure on the oldest Continent, became one of the few member states with youth delegates. Now there are around 30 already. How many times does history remember us, the Bulgarians, being innovative in the world? Many, but unfortunately, not so much recently. And this is happening at times when the world is at crossroads and when the humankind is struggling to survive on the Planet. Now that the person knows much more about oneself and the conception, when the barriers between science and religion are fading, the myths become a reality and we suddenly realize that the world is only one and that the fact that we are different is our biggest blessing and boosts most our chances of surviving. Good luck to the Bulgarian youth delegates to the UN!

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

Dessy Dobreva

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Astrid van der Merwe Co-Founder of the German UN Youth Delegate Programme, National Board Member of the United Nations Association of Germany and Vice-President of the Making Commitments Matter Initiative

Christoffer Gronstad Vicepresident European Youth Forum

ne of the most meaningful experiences one can have as an NGO working towards the United Nations is to see how youth delegates grow during their weeks at the UN General Assembly in New York. Some of the national youth delegates Programmes established over the last years have content-wise and organisational-wise rapidly caught up with the more established programmes, and as the youth delegates from Bulgaria have shown expertise in development cooperation as well as policy-making, the Bulgarian authorities have shown commitment when it comes to supporting the youth delegates and their role in New York. Youth delegates have an advantage many of their governmental counterparts can only dream of - the great cooperation between youth delegates across borders, continents, regions and UN groupings. Therefore it is such a shame that so many countries are still not investing in a youth delegates programme on the national level - and that those countries who are sending youth delegates are not investing in the UN Youth Fund, which could assist in getting more youth delegates from developing countries to the United Nations. Developing countries are clearly under-represented.

hatever is not solved in the Third Committee of the General Assembly today will be dealt with by the Security Council in 20 years from now. UN Youth Delegates around the world are doing their own generation the greatest favor imaginable by tracking the root causes of global conflicts today. The Bulgarian Youth Delegate Programme has made enormous progress in 2009. In a very short time frame the organizational team of the campaign and UNA Bulgaria has managed to put the United Nations on the top of the agenda of young Bulgarians all over the country. While in New York the Bulgarian youth delegates impressed diplomats from a variety of delegations with their in-depth knowledge of UN resolutions, their excellent negotiation skills and fervent commitment to their cause. The programme has moved up to the top ranks of UN Youth Delegate Programmes globally and will provide an outstanding example to youth organizations in other countries for many years to come.”

Bulged

Sponsor of 2009 Bulgarian Youth Delegate campaign

Co-sponsor of the publication of the Bulgarian Youth Delegate Team

sit Colours is a licensed tour operator and is one of the biggest travel agencies in Bulgaria. We have more than 12 years experience in providing travel and educational exchange programs. The motto of our company and main message to the young people is “Live. Travel. Discover”. We support the project “Bulgarian youth delegate” because we see it as the epitome of our motto - ”Live Colourfully“. Young people have to believe in themselves, invest in their education, but also be aware of the problems of and engaged in the surrounding reality in Bulgaria and abroad, to be open-minded to new ideas and cultures. They need to search for opportunities, to be active and constructive instead of passive and apathetic. We are convinced that Bulgarian youth delegate program can prove that “Young people are the solution, not the problem”. That is why we urge you to to suport their cause of the inclusion of young people in the decision making process. Good luck!

s a pioneer of the digital and print technologies, Bulged is proud to contribute to this worthy youth endeavor. To include youth in decision-making of real problems is the tool enabling today’s world to achieve sustainable development. This is why, we support the initiative Bulgarian Youth Delegate. This publication, you are reading right now, is the embodiment of the energy and motivation typical only of youth. Good luck to the initiative! Let’s hope that youth will propose innovative and effective solutions to the problems of today’s world. Youth is our future!

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

USIT Colors

Chronology of a dream

28 Bulgarian Youth Delegate

5th Anniversary Of The Bulgarian Youth Delegate Project Why Who Moto Values Growth We believe Kaleidoscope Oct 2006 Feb 2007 Oct 2007 Oct 2008 Jan 2009 Oct 2009 Oct 2010 July 2010

3-15 Oct 2010

5th Anniversary of the Bulgarian Youth Delegate (YD) program 65th anniversary of the United Nations 25th Anniversary of the International Youth Year The United Nations Association in Bulgaria Because youth is the solution, not the problem! Creativity, Continuity, Commitment Think big, start small, scale fast! Be the new yoUNg generation! Be the change you want to see in the world! If you don’t reach for the sky, you will never reach the stars. Ask not what your country can for you, but what you can do for your country! Bulgarian YDs from 17 to 29 years of age; from high school to university; students in international relations, business and IT Start of negotiations by UN Association with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Bulgaria & Permanent Mission in the UN in New York City Informal Status of a youth representative at the Commission for Social Development (Feb 2007) granted to Ms Atanassova during her part-time internship in the Permanent Mission MFA selects first official youth delegates: Ms Atanassova & Mr Stoimenov MFA selects the second youth delegate: Ms Petrova Launch of the first national program for Institutionalization of the YD Program in Bulgaria with 3 strategic pillars: selection, informational and research campaigns Third official Bulgarian YDs: Ms Popova & Mr Mihnev Fourth official Bulgarian YDs: Ms Ivanova & Mr Kirilov 3 main goals: 1. One YD team = 10 people = 1 voice; 2. Popularize 2 priority areas (youth unemployment & education) during International Youth Year through different activities in Bulgaria; 3. Bulgarian Youth Delegate goes digital! 2 sideevents dedicated to youth organized for the first time by the Bulgarian youth representatives in New York City:

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

Milestones & Next Steps

•

Exhibition of awarded photos from the unique art contest on the Bulgarian interpretation of the WPAY priority areas • Panel discussion with UNESCO, UN Youth Unit, and the Alliance of Civilizations representatives 24 Oct 2010 5th Anniversary: Presentation of first YD book & Concert & Good will ambassador introduction www.bgyouthdelegate.org

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Highlights from the National Selection Youth Delegate Competition 2010â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2011 True to our desire to develop the campaign and based on our experience from the first national campaign and selection in various stages in 2009, the team decided to introduce several im-

at age 16-18 turned out to be more than 10 percent of the total number of 48 applications and the high school students impressed the jury with their outstanding motivation and preparation. The jury of the first round, consisting of members of the United Nations Association of Bulgaria and former youth delegates confirmed an overall better level of preparation of the candidates.

provements in the selection procedure. Our main objectives were: a) to place the candidates in situations as close as in New York, b) to learn more details about the applicants before the final round with the representative jury; c) to encourage more young people through the preparation for competition to learn important facts about the activities of the UN and the member states on youth. The National selection campaign for 2011 was held in four rounds: first round with documents, second - a questionnaire and a statement on the most pressing issues for young people in Bulgaria, third - Simulation Model UN on the development of resolution on youth and forth - interview of six finalists with a representative jury. To our traditional partners from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Association this year joined the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science and the State Agency for Child Protection. Another important change proposed by the latter organization was to reduce the lower limit for participation from 18 to 16 years. The candidates

The first three rounds were held and the jury by the most experienced members of the Association. The survey conducted on the finalists showed that all applicants positively evaluate all selection components and admit they learned many additional facts based on the requirements. One of the most popular components among the candidates as well as the organizers, which was an innovation this year, proved to be the one-day UN simulation on actual UN resolutions, where eleven semi-finalists were elaborating on the topic and presenting the positions of the different countries. Another major change in the rules of the contest was the creation of a team of Bulgarian youth delegates, to participate in which were invited all the finalists at the final round together with our youngest participant of 17. We believe that the process of selecting youth delegates is extremely important not only for choosing the most appropriate team, but also for bringing more youth closed to the world of diplo-

The Youth Delegate Campaign 2010-2011 in Numbers

1. Number of applicants: 48 2. Sex ratio: 76% Female / 24% Male 3. Age: from 17 to 26. Average around 22 years 4. Geographic distribution: - Bulgaria - Sofia, Varna, Burgas, Plovdiv, Lovech, Kustendil, Silistra, Goche Delchev; - Abroad - Bulgarian youth studying and living abroad – GB, Spain, USA, Ireland; 5. Academic majors - International Relations; international Economics; IR and Politics; Political Science; Law; European Studies; Business administration and management; Computer Systems and Technologies, etc. 6. Educational institutions - Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Sofia; American University in Bulgaria, Blagoevgrad; UNSS Economics University, Sofia; Technical University, Sofia; New Bulgarian University, Sofia; Economics University, Varna; Free University, Varna; University of Dundee Scotland; University of Aberdeen Scotland, University of Complutense, Madrid; Oklahoma State University, USA;

Athlone Institute of Technology, Ireland; First English Language School, various High Schools and private colleges; etc. 7. Youth NGOs Membership – B ulgarian Children and Youth Parliament, AIESEC, ROTARY Club, UNYA Bulgaria, Youth Media Network Association, Bulgarian Red Cross, Association “TukTam”, Youth Municipal Councils, Special Olympics Bulgaria, Erasmus Student Network International, Amnesty International Society, Exeter Model United Nations Society, International Association “Global Opportunities”, Youth organization of Political Parties, etc.

2009 The Pilot National Youth Delegate Platform UN Youth Association has successfully accomplished the initial three stages of the unique of its scale and scope pilot campaign “Institutionalization of the UN Youth Delegate Programme in Bulgaria” in 2009. The current publication summarizes the main highlights and findings from this pilot platform as long as other historic milestones and research findings. A). National campaign for selection, preparation, and participation of YDs in UN General Assembly: 2 official YDs (Kristina and Atanas), elected among 42 applicants from the first of its scale transparent and democratic national selection campaign in three rounds, have successfully represented Bulgaria in 64th session of UN General Assembly in October 2009; B). National publicity and educational campaign about the role of YD and UN youth strategies: YD team made a national tour with presentations among all main universities in more than 11 cities around the country; developed an informative and educational website about the YD position and UN youth agenda; C). Nationwide research campaign of most imminent national problems of youth and of the input of Bulgarians to UN youth strategy: attracted a total of 51 participants with more than 100 art works in the first of its kind artistic contest with two categories (photos and essays) on the Bulgarian interpretation of the UN youth strategy priority problems; conducted an official exhibition of the

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

macy. The Youth delegate position requires deep academic knowledge, communication skills and mastering of etiquette and protocol. Successful candidates should not only know well the structure and process of work in the United Nations, but also the specifics of UN strategies and the process of lobbying and negotiations. Delivering formal and informal presentations on specific topics, carrying out detailed studies for youth issues and for the UN, summarizing and presenting this research in the form of written and oral statements, analysis of the already studied fields and free interpretation on the spot on the same or similar areas, are just some of the situations with which the successful candidate could handle well with ease. Of course, the key to success is not quoting by heart dates or number of resolutions, but a demonstration of confidence, solid initial preparation, availability of skill set and readiness to extend the research, the ability to improvise and work under pressure, strong leadership qualities and ability to work in teams with people of various nationalities and different positions.

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

best entries and diplomatic networking mingle; organized a roundtable discussion with different stakeholders, ranging from youth, NGO and government representatives for incorporation of youth in policy-making processes and for identification of youth problems and youth-initiated solutions to most pressing local aspects of the global youth challenges. Main partner of the platform has been the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sponsors of the campaign were Goldman Sachs Global Leaders Programme in cooperation with the International Institute of Education, UN Development Programme in Bulgaria and travel agency USIT Colors.

Initial Problem

It is our firm belief that the consecutive progress of growing the YD project for the last few years from an experimental decision to an official national

selection campaign can be instrumental in addressing the following social systematic problems arising from two sides - youth and the state: 1). current youth civic disengagement largely due to lack of opportunities of constructive involvement in decision making; 2). lack of targeted youth policy from the government as a national priority and lack of effective channels of participation of youth in solving problems of direct impact to the young generation.

Initial Objectives

1. Global Awareness & Empowerment of Youth: To foster youth to become more conscious and better informed of the problems of young people both locally and globally and to empower them to take effective actions in both designing and implementing the solutions to the challenges at hand; 2. Prioritization of Investing in Youth from the State: To bring both youth problems and youth-initiated solutions on top of the social agenda in the country and to give impetus to the government to commit to a more collaborative stakeholder-oriented youth policy, which recognizes young people not only as objects of policies, but rather - as equitable partners in decision-making.

Progress in achieving objectives

UNYA evaluates the status in achieving its 4 main goals according to its initial strategies and criteria for measuring progress as follows: 1.â&#x20AC;&#x192; To increase contribution of Bulgarian youth to decision-making process => by actively participating in UN negotiations, youth resolution issuance, reviews of international and national policies during the 64th session of the General Assembly in October 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ Criterion: successful selection of 2 YDs in national competition and their participation in UN; â&#x20AC;˘ 2 official YDs (Kristina and Atanas) and 2 Vice-YDs (Guergana and Rossen) have been successfully elected from the first of its scale transparent and democratic national selection campaign in 3 rounds through a collaborative final decision-making process with diplomats, previous youth delegates, NGO, UN and government officials.

A significant increase in turnout rate of 42 applicants compared to a few nominations last year in the first round of the YD contest • The total number of young people reached out (who learned for the first time about the YD position and UN youth agenda) is much larger throughout the whole campaign • The 2 official YDs of Bulgaria to the 64th session of the UN have undergone extensive preparation with help from UNA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and previous youth delegates. • Kristina and Atanas took part from 5-18 October in the sessions of the UN Third Committee on Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Affairs in New York, where they alongside with 40 YDs from around 26 countries worked actively on the adoption of the UN youth resolution covering 2 out of 3 clusters from WPAY (“Youth in Civil Society”, “Youth in their Well-being”) • During their stay in the UN headquarters, Kristina and Atanas delivered an official statement about the position of Bulgarian youth in front of UN Third Committee (attached), met with various UN high-level agencies and diplomats, including UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon, and co-organized and participated in various side events on youth and climate change, armed conflicts, migration, unemployment, etc. 2. To raise awareness in Bulgaria of global situation of youth => through popularizing the WPAY’s 15 priority areas through national publicity campaign, educational brochures, series of lectures in the country, national essay and photo competition, etc; • Criterion: spread awareness via as many young people as possible and as many available channels of communication as the budget allows; • During the national YD tour presentations about the YD position and WPAY areas were delivered in overall 11 cities with big universities or local population of youth. • Many posters about the selection and art contests and an offiical informational brochure were professionally

printed by our sponsor the student travel agency USIT Colors. These and other materials were distributed in all main universities in the country through the internal UNA network in more than 7 universities and 30 high schools in 20 cities, the offices in the country of USIT Colors, formal and informal networks of partner organizations, etc. • Artistic competition for photos and essays on one of the 15 priority areas from WPAY attracted in total 51 participants with more than 100 art works (19 participants with 72 photos and 32 participants with 37 literature pieces). 3. To draw attention of the government and society at large to most pressing local youth issues in Bulgaria by triggering a nation-wide dialogue => through the platform of informative website, the targeted research via online survey, and overall publication of research findings; • Criterion: provide effective channels for communication and dialogue; • Created and maintains an informative website in Bulgarian describing not only the YD importance, history and achievements but also elaborating on WPAY priority areas. • Exhibition opening and award ceremony of the art contest and diplomatic networking mingle in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Sept 23) gave the opportunity for young people to mingle in informal atmosphere with diplomats and NGO representatives. • Developed an online survey for recommendations for improving the cooperation with national policy makers and among youth organizations. • This bilingual book will be distributed among relevant stakeholders from government and NGO sectors and youth organizations in the country and abroad. 4. To enhance the commitment of Bulgaria to developing national targeted strategies on youth fulfilling UN recommendations => through monitoring the implementation and progress achieved by all relevant local stakeholders through roundtable negotiations of youth, government, NGO representatives; coordination of the national position on youth issues with MFA experts,

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

•

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Permanent UN Mission of Bulgaria in New York (NY) and other relevant authorities; • Criterion: serve as a direct & effective channel of communication & collaboration between youth & government; • Organized a roundtable discussion (Sept 23) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with representatives from 15 NGO organizations with focus on youth from 10 cities around the country with official guests: the deputy minister of the Ministry of Education and Youth, the deputy head of the State Agency for Protection of Children, representatives from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UN Association. (dialogue YD - different stakeholders) . • The Yоuth Delegates not only coordinated the national position on youth issues in respect to the UN Youth resolution with MFA experts and Permanent UN Mission of Bulgaria in New York (NY) but also defended it vigorously during the negotiations in UN headquarters, which deepened the good practice of cooperation with these institutions. (dialogue YD- state institutions). • A mailing group of friends of Bulgarian YD has been created with invitations to all participants in the selection and artistic competitions, partner organizations and roundtable guests as a channel of direct communication of youth and the Youth Delegates. (dialogue YD-youth) .

nia’s first large-scale campaign roughly 68 applicants (3-times larger population of 21.5 mln people) and Germany’s- 150 applicants (11 times larger population of 82 mln people). The position proved to be more popular among females (62 %); the majority of the applicants’ majors were: International Relations, Economics, Political Science, Law, Journalism, etc from the all the main universities in the country. The average age of the candidates was 23 years of age (youngest 17, oldest 29). The campaign raised a lot of interest among youngsters ineligible to apply below 18 years of age, which is a very promising fact for the future development of the program. The impact was much larger than the ultimate number of first round applications because many young people were inquiring information throughout the campaign, visiting the web site and presentations from the national tour, etc. All young people, who felt unqualified or ineligible to apply for YD position, were invited to participate in the artistic competition and to join 2010 campaign. A representative jury from UNA, including all previous youth delegates and most experienced UNA members, selected according to a strict evaluation system 18 individuals to pass to the second round (UN questionnaire and extensive interview over

2009 Highlights from the National Selection Youth Delegate Competition 2009–2010 The design of the whole selection campaign has been developed in line with best practices in veteran YD countries such as Netherlands, Germany, Norway, etc and with the goal to establish YD program from the very beginning as a prestigious and competitive process, where only the best prepared candidates can succeed. The 2009 selection campaign took place in 3 rounds. The first stage (C.V., essay, short questionnaire) attracted eligible 42 applications from all over the country (more than 15 cites) and abroad (Bulgarian students living and studying abroad in Germany, Netherlands, Poland, etc). The turnout rate for Bulgaria (population of 7.6 mln people) was very satisfactory and within the normal range for a pilot national selection YD campaign given the benchmarks of Roma-

skype or telephone). The UN questionnaire aimed to filter the more well prepared candidates but also to stimulate all participants to do additional research about the UN and its work in the field of

The Youth Delegate Campaign 2010-2011 in Numbers

1. No of applicants: 42 2. Boys/girls: 16/26 = 38% / 62% 3. Age: 17 to 29, average age 23 4. Applicants` Geographical Distribution: - Bulgaria: Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Sliven, Vratsa, Lom, Vidin, Haskovo, Kavarna, etc; - Abroad studying/living: Germany, Poland, Netherlands, Austria, Great Britain, USA, etc. 5. University majors: - Economics; - International Relations; - Political Science; - Law; - Journalism;

- Cultural Tourism. 6. Universities: Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Sofia; American University in Bulgaria, Blagoevgrad; UNSS, Economic University, Sofia; Technical University, Sofia; Economic University, Varna; New Bulgarian University, Sofia; Free University, Varna; Universities in Germany, Poland, Netherlands, Great Britain, USA; 7. Membership in youth organizations: – AIESEC, UNYA, Youth parliaments, AEGEE, European Students Forum, UNICEF, National Scouts` Organization, Jeff, etc. 8. Top 5 topics in application essays for most relevant WPAY problem in Bulgaria - Education - Youth Participation - Employment - Leisure-time activities - Health

Artistic Contest On The Bulgarian Interpretation Of The WPAY Priority Areas (March–August, 2009)

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

youth. 11 candidates made it to the third final round (July 10, 2009): 10 finalists from the second round and 1 award recipient from the Bulgarian National Television (BNT) reality show for Young Politicians “The Big Choice”. The 7-member jury for the third round was representative of all main stakeholders in the YD platform: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mr. Piperkov, Deputy Director of Directorate “UN and Global Affairs”), UNDP office in Bulgaria (Mrs M.Nyagolova), UN Association in Bulgaria (Prof. Fileva, Secretary General of UNA), State Agency of Youth and Sport (Mrs Kostadinova), and all former youth delegates of Bulgaria and campaign directors (Boryana Atanassova, Elizabeta Petrova and Ivaylo Stoimenov). 11 applicants were interviewed – 7 women and 4 men. Every candidate had 3 tasks: a) to present a statement before the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly as an already elected YD; b) to draw one of the 15 problematic areas of the WPAY and to elaborate on it in 5 minutes; c) to answer to any case, behavioral, UN-knowledge-based questions. After the interviews the jury selected 2 Youth delegates (Kristina Popova – female, Rossen Dimov - male) and 2 deputy-vice YDs (Gergana Angelova – female, Atanas Mihnev - male). This decision was justified very soon when Rossen Dimov withdrew from the YD position due to his professional occupation as an advisor of the President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso and Atanas Mihnev stepped in as his fully-pledged deputy.

The first of its kind artistic contest on the WPAY priority areas, conducted by youth delegates and targeted at youth, took place in the period of March- August 2009 in Bulgaria, in two categories for essay and photos. Committed to our values proclaiming creativity, the program has always searched for innovative and interesting ways of popularizing the UN strategies, not only among the candidate-youth delegates, but also among the other active young people, interested and involved in youth issues. The goals of the artistic competition to motivate young people to voice and visualize the Bulgarian interpretation of WPAY priority areas in local context in a compelling, artistic, and entertaining manner and to stimulate more young people to get acquainted with the UN youth policies in an engaging way have been largely accomplished. It is our belief that now that WPAY priority areas became known to many faculty members from different universities as well as many youth organizations (dealing with litera-

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

ture, photography) these areas will be elaborated further upon in various class assignments, competitions, and even hobby activities. The sought after impact is that people conceptualize local challenges along the lines of a global framework of youth problems. The total number of the participants in the literature contest was 32 young people and 19 - for the photo contest. The total number of their works was more than 100 art pieces (72 photos and 37 essays), since every participant was allowed and even encouraged to elaborate on more than one priority area. The youngest participant is 14 years old and the oldest - 35 years old. The top 3 areas from the photo contest were: environment, leisure time and cultural environment, and intergenerational issues, whereas the majority of literature pieces elaborate on youth participation, environment and intergenerational issues. The two juries included highly-regarded experts in the

va, 19, from Goce Delchev, and the third prize went to Svetlana Nyagolova, 17, from Silistra. The jury of the photo contest consisted of the photographers Alexander Mihaylov, Jelyo Kabzamalov, Zafer Galibov, Antoan Bojinov, Boris Yanev and the director of “UN and Global Affairs” Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zahari Radukov. The first place took Lyubomir Angelushev, 15, from Varna. The second prize received Christina Georgieva, 24, from Sofia, and third – Lyubomir Ivanov, 25, from Mezdra. You can go through the first award in the essay category and some of the awarded photos in this book. The winners in the photo and literature contests were announced on a special award ceremony in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, just after the end of the roundtable discussion in September 2009. The exhibition opening took place alongside with a networking reception for both the roundtable and art contest participants with diplomats from the Ministry and the UN Association. The awarded pictures were officially presented by Velislava during the 65th General Assembly in October in an exhibition in the General consulate of Bulgaria in New York City. The aim is this exhibition to be travelling around the country in different universities, popularizing the WPAY .

YOUTH EVENTS IN BULGARIA & THE WORLD National Youth Roundtable “Youth Participation” literature and photography. The jury of the literature contest was chaired by Yassen Atanassov, prominent young writer. The other members of the commission were Petranka Fileva, professor of journalism at the Sofia University and Secretary General of UNABulgaria, and Ivaylo Stoimenov, journalist and youth delegate for 2007. The three members of the jury unanimously awarded the essay “A True Story With a Made-up (Happy) Ending” by Maria Vasileva, 23, from Burgas, who was also one of the finalists in the competition for youth delegate. Second place took Mila Bogdano-

The roundtable that took place on September 23rd in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria was the cornerstone not only in the youth delegates’ preparation for 2009/2010, but also an important moment in development of youth policies in Bulgaria. The national meeting brought together the new leaders of state structures responsible for youth with the most active Bulgarian youth organizations. The event achieved its main objectives. Not only did the YOUTH DELEGATEs gather useful information about the current state of Bulgarian youth with regards to the UN’s World Programme for Action for Youth (WPAY) but the meeting also initiated

The main objectives of the meeting were:

1. To present the newly-elected youth delegates Atanas Mihnev and Krisitina Popova among some of the most active national and regional organizations dealing with youth;

2. To analyze and present the results of the national tour of the Youth Delegates; 3. To research the opinions and best practices of youth organizations with regards to their important role in the public sector and in the main WPAY priority area for the Youth Delegates campaign - youth participation; 4. To initiate a partner network of youth activists and representatives of state administration to ensure the successful future of the implementation of the strategic recommendations from the WPAY.

Participants 15 organizations from around 10 cities took part at this forum. Among the particiants were five national youth organizations of large scale of membership and activities: “Bulgarian Children and Youth Parliament” Association, Bulgarian Youth Red Cross, AIESEC, Interact district 2482, Children Council with the State Agency for Child Protection. The ten leading regional youth NGOs represented at the meeting were: Youth City Councils in

Stara Zagora/ Pazardjik/ Pernik/ Kyustendil/ Kazanluk, Plovdiv University Student Council, student Parliament Silistra, Leo Club Sofia, City Student Council Veliko Tarnovo, Interact Club Silistra. The state administration was represented by: Mrs. Svetlana Lomeva, Deputy minister of education, science and sports; Mr. Hristo Monov, vice-chairman of the State Agency for Child Protection; and high-end officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the host organization. At the beginning of the meeting Atanas and Kristina were officially presented as the Bulgarian Youth Delegates to the United Nations for 2009-2010. They presented their goals and their vision for the role of the “Youth Delegate” institution in Bulgarian society. Their words were captured by a number of media representatives including the Bulgarian National Television, the Bulgarian National Radio and the “Alma Mater” University television. This forum’s agenda “Youth Participation and Activities within the Priority Areas of UN World Programme for Action for Youth” was influenced by a various factors, among which the results of the conducted national research of youth issues, the platforms of the candidates, etc. The Youth delegates teams’ decision to focus on the WPAY theme of “Youth participation” owes to several reasons. Our country has steadily demonstrated great strides in the field: an active national-level youth parliament with a history of over 10 years, a national children advisory council to the State Agency for Child Protection, an innovating for the region UN Youth Delegate Programme, a youth representative in the Advisory body to the chairman of the EU Commission, to mention a few. The main topic in the Bulgarian Youth Delegate speech before the 3rd Committee of the UN General Assembly was also concentration on “Youth participation.” Another main priority of the meeting was the establishment of a working network of experienced youth organizations that would work for WPAY’s implementation at the national level. The creation of a “Whole new generation – the UN young generation” and the change of priorities and way of thinking from „what society can do for us” to “what we can do for society” were important accents of both the Youth Delegate official speech and the national roundtable discussions.

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

coordinated actions on part of youth NGOs within the framework of the priorities set by the UN youth.

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

For the achievement of these priorities, the meeting began with an open dialogue between the newly elected Deputyminister of Education, Youth and Science (Mrs. Svetlana Lomeva) and representatives of local youth NGOs. It continued with a group discussion on the most important for Bulgaria (according to the conducted national research) priority areas of the WPAY. The summarized results and analysis were also taken into consideration in the creation of the National Strategy of Youth for 2010-2020. Some of the problems from the initial discussion were related to the lack of proper facilities enabling youth activities especially in the small towns, the role of the former State Agency for Youth and Sports as an inactive participant in youth policies in the period from Bulgaria’s entrance in the European Union in 2007 to 2009. Also of concern were the lack of entrepreneurship and the feeling of hopelessness among young people in Bulgaria. Later the four work-groups, two of which worked on the topic of education and the other two on leisure time and juvenile delinquency, defined the concrete problems of young people in Bulgaria in those most valid areas of UN’s WPAY and also gave proposals for resolution of those problems. The first work group created a profile of the average Bulgarian youth, according to which young people in the country, having grown up in the 1990s – a difficult period for the country, and being the first generation to have access to new technologies, have lost interest in education and have turned their back on extracurricular activities, and as a result have turned into an inactive social layer. The second working group highlighted some of the main problems of Bulgarian educational system. Among them: the lowpaid and disrespected profession teacher; the weak discipline in high-school education; the impractical curriculum; the lack of cocurricular activities, the lack of preparedness, on part of students, for the labor market. The third group also worked on the problems of education and proposed adequate measures such as: engagement of public and private sector in the education system; preparation of new curricula with included extra-curricular activities; increase of teacher responsibilities and salaries.

The last group conceptualized and discussed the problems of free time and juvenile delinquency. Their proposals included the following measures, to mention a few: imposing tough sanctions on sloppy parents and increasing the role of prevention through public events and lectures in schools, educational institutions etc. The actions proposed by the general discussion were related to more extra-curricular activities related to civic society in school, reforms in budgeting within institutions for primary and higher education. It was emphasized that all reforms require the expertise and participation of active young people and experienced youth organizations. As part of the shift of focus from “What can be done for us” from “What we can do”, the option to establish expert youth groups, made up of activists of youth organizations and divided into all priority areas of the WPAY. This idea represents one of the options for building a successful youth communication and organization on national level. Organizing expert groups on a rotational principle would ensure a dynamic exchange of best practices for the solution of national youth issues that can only be addressed by experienced players that had solved similar problems on the local level. One of the most active participants in the forum gave another useful idea: to use the experience of Bulgarian ecological NGOs in establishing a web-platform for better communication between different players and between the members of eventual future expert youth groups. Another option was discussed: to ensure the merging between youth organizations (representing non-formal education) and school and universities (representing the education system) through lectures and organized co-curricular activities. Such an undertaking would replace the highly unsuccessful attempt to organize – from the top to the bottom – student councils in all state educational institutions. According to the representatives of Veliko Tarnovo’s City Student Council attracting active young people to voluntary and youth activities should become the main priority of youth organizations. It is important to restore young people’s interest in participation in civic society. To that end, youth parliaments and university student councils ought to work together and in uni-

The future steps of the Bulgarian Youth Delegate campaign consist not only in selection of a new representative of Bulgarian youth before the world’s most authoritative diplomatic forum. The generalized results of the campaign were taken into account in the creation of a National Strategy for Youth for 2010-2020. The recommendations of the Youth Delegate institution were presented before ministries and state agencies, engaged with youth issues. Bulgarian youth delegates have taken and will take part in various national meetings, forums etc. organized by active youth organizations. They will continue to reaffirm UN directions towards youth policies, as well as the vision of the Youth Delegate institution of youth cooperation on national level. Youth issues and working directions, outlined by the National Youth Roundtable “Youth Participation and Activities in the Priority Areas of the United Nations’ World Programme for Action for Youth”, were taken into consideration by tribunes such as the XI National Session of Youth Parliaments in Bulgaria, the session of the Children Council to the State Agency for Child Protection. The ideas of all participants were presented before the responsible policy-making organs. The hope of the campaign organizers is that the roundtable established vitally important contacts between active players in youth policies, as well as initiating activities within the sphere of WPAY. The information gathered was of crucial importance for the preparation and participation of Bulgarian Youth Delegates in the 64th UNGA. Our ambition is that this event, gathering together institutions and active young people, is just the beginning of a tradition of constant cooperation and exchange of ideas.

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

son with international best practices and WPAY directions and recommendations. With relation to the future of the “Bulgarian Youth Delegates” campaign, the role of the Youth Delegate institution representing young people was discussed. Various opinions were voiced, the representatives of Bulgarian youth in the United Nations have a role that goes beyond their participation in the General Assembly of the diplomatic forum. Their chief endeavors are connected to promoting the WPAY and the United Nations among young people and upholding their rights, as defined by the Programme, before state institutions and policy-making organs. The role of this institution must incorporate policy-making on the national level. An important conclusion related to that was that a Law for Youth is necessary in Bulgaria. The future growth of the “Bulgarian Youth Delegates Campaign” and of youth activities in Bulgaria as a whole is related to understanding global problems of youth. After the participants in the National Roundtable were acquainted with the World Programme for Action for Youth, they made a commitment to promote the document describing issues and interests of young people around the globe on the local level, to consult it while establishing their programmes, goals and priorities and to take it into account in their future activities. Another main outcome of the meeting was the need for coordinated joint activities not only aimed at affirming the UN ideas for youth among Bulgarian young people but also at achieving a progress in the areas important for Bulgaria. Analysis of the results of the questionnaire focuses on the problematic of youth organizations as a non-homogenous group with varying interests. The questions in the questionnaire concerned the experience of the participants and participating organizations, with the means for financial support of youth NGOs and with their main goals, with the age limits of their membership mass etc. Using the data gathered, Atanas and Kristina took into account the versatile properties of every active youth group when creating a unitary position paper from the name of all young people in the country. Such a particular profile of Bulgarian youth organizations will be used in the preparation of the 2010/2011 Youth Delegate campaign.

Analysis of the Results and Outcomes of the Youth Questionnaire from the Roundtable

1. Part One - Summary of the General Information about the Participants:

Age Mean age: 18.12 years Median age: 17 years

Geographic Distribution Sofia Stara Zagora Silistra Plovdiv

11 4 4 3

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Veliko Turnovo Pazardjik Kyustendil Kazanlak Pernik

Financing

3 3 3 3 2

Out of the 15 organizations-participants, 8 put “municipal” or “state” funding, with all of them working at the local (city) level. The remaining seven put “project work” as their source of finances with one organization mentioning “membership fees” in addition to the projects. The results prove that the practice of “municipal” and “state” funding is successful and widely-applied in local organization with a possible recommendation to the state authorities being to create a model of budgeting and financing national youth organizations. 2. Project Experience of Youth Organizations The mean experience of the representatives of NonGovernmental Organizations is 4.8 years (9 months more than the mandate of a member of parliament.)

Are you aware of the United Nations World Programme for Action for Youth (WPAY)?

90.6 per cent or a total of 29 out of the 32 responders selected “No” as their answer, with 30 of them putting “Yes” as an answer to the question “Did you receive the necessary information about WPAY from this meeting?” The results from the questionnaire are evident of the need of larger publicity and promotion of the WPAY and its components, especially among youth organizations and youth as a whole. Nonetheless, despite the low level of information about the Programme, over 50% of the participants in the meeting indicated that their organization has carried out projects related to the WPAY.

Scale of the organizations’ activities. Your organization carried out projects at what level? Local (city) level Regional level National level International level

40% 20% 33% 6%

Follow-up Steps of the National Youth Roundtable Question Yes No Did you receive the necessary information about WPAY from the meeting? 93.75% 6.25% Did you establish relevant and useful contacts at the meeting? 87.5% 12.5% Did you exchange good practices with other active sides? 78.125% 21.875% Do you have new ideas for joint activities related to the WPAY? 43.75% 56.25% Are you planning on carrying out a large-scale project, related to WPAY? 12.5% 87.5%

Graphical representation of the positive responses to the four questions, related to the participants’ followup actions after this foum Number of positive responses Number of positive responses 30

28 14 4

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

The above visual representation exemplifies clearly the decrease of positive answers as the degree of effort asked increases from question one to question four (from “Are you informed?” through “Did you establish contacts…?” and “Did you create new ideas…?” to “Are you planning on organizing…?”). Therefore, the aim of future meetings and further communication between organizers and participants must be not so much to increase the levels of information, but to rather facilitate the transition from information to active participation.

Cooperation of “Bulgarian Youth Delegates” with relevant state actors

This last part of the questionnaire undoubtedly answers the question “Is the institution Youth Delegate needed in Bulgarian Society?” 97% of the participants in the forum responded with “Yes” to this question. 60% of the 15 represented youth organizations are

May 16, 2001 when it was first organized by the City Youth Council of Stara Zagora. Many of the participants see organizing similar campaigns and events on a joint, national level as a successful expansion of the activities, relating to the WPAY (examples of joint national campaigns would be anti-HIV concerts in all larger Bulgarian cities on December 1st, as well as street-parades in all larger cities on April 12th.) Another proposed activity was organizing Model United Nations or MUN simulations in various cities, which idea was warmly welcomed on part of the youth delegates. The creation of a communication channel between youth organizations following the example of ecological NGOs was also seen as fruitful for the future of youth participation in the country as the organizers’ goal is to turn Bulgarian into a global leader in this area.

2009 Analysis of the Online Survey The online survey was a key element in the research part of the 2009 platform with three dimensions. Unfortunately, the survey reconfirmed some of our observations: first, there is a lack of awareness about and recognition of the Youth Delegate Programme; second, just a small part of our target group has been partially or fully informed about us; third, a marketing and PR campaign in such format (incl. online survey) turned out to be not so appealing to our target, and thus did not generate enough initial or follow-up interest. On the basis of the conducted analysis of this survey results, insights from the national tour, meetings with youth, the conclusion has been reached that according to the theory of diffusion of innovation Bulgarian Youth Delegate is still in the first stage- “innovators”. The participation in first round of 42 participants in the pilot 2009 official campaign, which had secured sizable budget, is a relatively good achievement given Bulgaria’s population of 7.7 million people and compared to Romania’s 68 candidates and their three times larger population. Even though we lacked financing for marketing in 2010 we had 48 participants /approximately the same number as in 2009/. These numbers demonstrate that more or less regardless of publicity efforts, there is a very small but niche group of people, willing to take the risk to apply to something not fully

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

ready to be partners in the campaign for 2010 and 78.5% of the participants would apply for the position in future. Only 12.5% of the responders would not engage in any future activities. In the majority of cases these are organizations, whose members are under the age of eighteen, which is the minimum required for participation in the “Youth Delegates” campaign. In a question about how effective is the interaction between state institutions and young people 25% of the participants decided to not voice an opinion, whereas 50% of the responders openly state that such interaction is ineffective. In an open-answer question nearly 40% of the participants in the roundtable underline the importance of the “youth delegate” institution in facilitating a dialogue between young people and state actors. A noteworthy opinion of one part of the participants is that the ineffective state-youth communication is due to the passive policies of the former State Agency for Youth and Sports (now a division of the Ministry of Education) and the lack of resources to fund youth activities and organizations. Those of the participants who left their messages to the United Nations, the policy-makers and young people from over the world mention the need of constructive dialogue between generations, active participation on part on people under the age of 30 in civic society, openness to youth issues on part of state authorities. More detailed messages propose to the UN to spend resources for projects within the framework of the WPAY and appeal to the Bulgarian government to spend resources and subsidize youth organizations from the state budget. The analysis of the proposed future actions and the shared successful practices shows that the majority of Bulgarian youth organizations works on a campaign basis – with large and successful, one-time initiatives. Carrying out long-term projects seems more likely for national youth organizations. Local youth parliaments funded by municipalities show a larger “campaign tendency.” This is why sports tournaments, concert, anti-HIV campaigns, DJ parties, charity evenings, concerts and roundtables found their place among the enlisted “most successful activities.” The National Day Without Violence was also mentioned – it is probably the oldest youth initiative on the national level, dating back to

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

clear and proven. Our goal is for the next two years to reach out step number two from Roger’s theory of diffusion of innovation- the so-called opinion leaders, who will be able to raise the popularity easier among unfamiliar people and to attract much more candidates. This is why, we have selected a Good Will Ambassador for the 2010/2011 campaign.

63 participants (aged 15-37) completed the online enquiry in the framework of the “Bulgarian Youth Delegates 2009/10” campaign. Their average age was 24 years. 37,7% were males and 62,3% - females. 60% (38 persons) of them were informed about the campaign before they have completed the enquiry and 36% (25) – were not, which symbolizes the low level of awareness. Internet was the source of information for 34% (13). 21% (8 persons) found out about the campaign through the NGO where they are member. A good recommendation for next year will be focus our marketing efforts digitally and especially in the social networks, organizing campaigns together with other NGO’s websites. Аround half of the respondents seem to have already worked on a project devoted to WPAY, which demonstrates that there are few very active youth circles, on the one hand, and on the other hand, that there is still widespread lack of awareness about the UN strategies. 46% (29 persons) have participated before in a project related to priority areas of the UN World Program for Action with Youth (WPAY) and 54% (34) have not. Most of the people – 12 (41%) have experience with projects related to the Active citizenship. 7 (24%) answers each got all the areas of Education, Environment and Leisure time and cultural environment. (The total percentage is over 100 because most of the respondents have worked in more than one area). We received the following answers to the question “Do you consider effective the cooperation between the government institutions and youth NGOs on the forming of youth policies?”:

Effective More effective than not More ineffective than effective Ineffective Total number of responses:

4.5 7.5 58.2 29.9 67

3 5 39 20

Here are some of the recommendations for improvement of this cooperation: • Law on youth to be adopted; • Less bureaucracy, more tolerant, better informed and dynamic officers in the government institutions; • To be adopted not only a strategy but a law for the youth policies. The law must be developed with the participation of the active youth organizations nationwide; • Effective communication, mutual listening from the both sides and concrete measures; • More publicity for the projects which might be realized with joint efforts; • More effective and concrete correspondence; • Faster reaction of the government institutions and allocation of bigger budgets for stimulation of the youth activity; • It is high time to be established a National Youth Council with the participation of the youth organizations around the country; • Open channels of communication. 98,4% of the respondents (62 persons) believe that there is a need of the Youth Delegate position and only 1 does not. 40% (25) would participate in the organizers’ team and 27% (17) as candidates for the Youth Delegate position. 13% (8) would be partners of the campaign through their organization. 20% (13) do not want to be involved.

Bulgarian Participation at the Fifth World Youth Congress in Istanbul and the Istanbul Action Plan 2010 The fifth World Youth Congress took place from 31 July to 13 August 2010 under the UN auspices in the framework of the International Year of Youth that was officially launched on 12

First Award in the Artistic WPAY Contest: Essay Maria Vasileva During the last couple of years in both Bulgaria and abroad there were quite many crimes “fromyouth- to-youth” that happened. And it seems to me that the reaction after them is always the same: “Only if we knew, only if we had some signs”. The aim of my essay “A true story with a made-up happy end” is exactly this- to make people pay closer attention to all these signs and children growing up full with aggression and anger, living in isolation, children no one takes care of, no one notices till…till a moment when it’s too late. Because all of us are somehow responsible for these horrible tragedies, walking among them but not seeing them, neither the pain they hide. However, I am sure we could do more and we could do better. But not only with protests and through judgments. No. We need to provide these children with a safe environment that enhances peace, harmony and love. That’s our only hope.

A True Story With a Made-up (Happy) Ending I am going to tell you a true story with a made-up (happy) ending. And I do know that a good writer never reveals the end at the very beginning, but hey, I am everything but a writer. Think about me as a witness and a participant, but still not a victim. The latter, actually, it’s the reason for the happy ending. Not only because I don’t believe in others, but also because if there was no a happy end, there would be no me, as well. *** They met in a sunny spring afternoon. She first stretched her hand and he smiled in return. Niya, that’s what her name was, couldn’t hear his and ask him to say it once again. This time she heard it. She starts talking to him as she knew him forever. He was all silent instead, exploring every detail of the room, avoiding looking her in the eyes. Hours later Niya wrote down in her diary: “I met a smart, goodlooking boy today. Kind of weird, though.” In her childhood years she dreamt of becoming a psychologist so she starts wondering what was it that makes the talk with Velin (that’s what his name was) so difficult, with so much tension in the air. Why his

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

August 2010. The congress was co-organized by the Peace Child International NGO, UN, UNESCO, the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports and the municipal administration of the city of Istanbul (European Capital of Culture for 2010). The main document of the conference - Istanbul Action Plan 2010 includes recommendations to world governments and international organizations in the field of youth policies in the coming 20 years and will be presented at the World Youth Conference in Mexico this year and at the 65th session of the General Assembly. Among 1000 young people from over 170 countries participating in the programme, Bulgaria was represented by Atanas Mihnev, Bulgarian youth delegate to the UN for 2009/2010. He was one of the five members of the young diplomats’ team working on Istanbul Action Plan 2010. Furthermore, he was selected to present the document in front of all the official guests and over 1200 delegates and young volunteers, at the closing of the forum on 12 August (the International Youth Day and the start of the International Year of Youth). The document is essential for the global youth participation and policy and contains a number of recommendations addressing all the national governments of all member-states. The Istanbul Action Plan 2010 will be presented to the attention of the Bulgarian Ministries of Education, Economy and Foreign Affairs at a Roundtable organized by the new Bulgarian youth delegate to the UN - Velislava Ivanova. The document will be included in the work of the National Youth Forum and the National Strategy for Youth. The contribution of the Bulgarian representative to the Congress was also the hosting of a panel on the “Broadening the Youth Delegates Programme on a global level”, which resulted with five new countries which are expected to work for the establishment of their own programs. At the end of the forum the idea was born Bulgaria to host one of the next World or European Youth Congresses in the coming years.

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

voice was too low and his face too dark? She tried to made-up his pre-story in order to be able to help him, but she failed. There is no way to cure someone with past you are not aware of. She didn’t see him again or at least she didn’t remember. There are people who let impressions everywhere they go and there are others who are like walking shadows. Invisible. Velin was among them. The summer comes and Niya`s days were like “work-beachparty” with no time for sleep. She was able to enjoy every single moment of life and always repeats that she is the only one responsible for her own happiness. No excuses with events or people. With destiny, bad luck, whatever. Yet, every summer has its end, so here she is- a second year in the university. In one Sunday morning while preparing waffles for her friends, her phone rang. Unknown number. “Hi, who is it?”, she picks up with a smile. “Velin.” “Could I help you with something?” “I would like to talk to you about something…” “Ok. Time and place? ” She agrees so quickly not only because of pure curiosity. No. From the first moment they met she felt there’s something in this boy. Something she may be able to help him go through. *** “Let`s go to the Sea Garden”, Velin offers her. While walking through the darkness, she was scared if someone intercepts them, although the only one she should be scared of was Velin. “I like you… I really do. Let`s be together!” She didn`t understand a word as she did not believe in firstsight love stories. To love one you should know him first. “I am sorry but… It won`t work out…Sorry.” It`s always hard to find the right words in such a conversation. To break someone`s heart or someone to brake your own, in both cases it hurts. “Aren`t you afraid to stay alone?”, Velin asked her, with far more aggression in his voice than she expected. “Hell, no! We are young and smart and cool, we have all the life in front of us! And besides, you should know something- there are plenty other things much more important than finding your soulmate. Niya tried to sound calm and cheerful but inside something was telling her to be careful.

Intuition? A self-preservation instinct? She also knew something else- that only weak people are scared to be alone. Only the ones who have never experienced love- from family or friends, try to reach it desperately. He continues to talk, but she was lost in her thoughts about the darkness, the empty streets, the late hour. Thoughts on how to end this conversation and run home. Sometimes you just feel when a storm is coming. She said sorry, once again as there are never enough, than explain she had another meeting and left him behind her, on the bench… She was trembling and her pulse was probably twice faster than usual. Why? He just said he likes her, that was all, right? No. There was something more out there… You don`t say “I like you” to a person you have only exchanged your names with, half a year ago. You don`t bring him to a place no one will be around you. You don`t speak with aggression. You don`t look at his eyes as … as a murderer. The first thing to do when she entered home was to pray. She prays that this boy will find some love in his life, some friends, a girl may be, and he will forget the pain he has and which this time Niya easily noticed. That`s how it went… Years after they met, by coincidence, again in the Sea Garden. This time he was smiling, talking with a self-confidence, looking happy and proud of his life. There was a little boy with him too. They talk, as both pretend they don`t remember the night after which they never see again. However, at the end Niya couldn`t resist and ask him what happened? How he got this obvious change? “You know… I was a pretty mess back then. I was with no friends, no family support, nothing. I didn`t like myself, neither the world. I was admiring you for your positive attitude because I hoped you could teach me some of it. I didn`t realize that happiness is something that comes inside of you… However, I got lucky and I met a wonderful girl, dark like me in these days. And a child of divorced parents, just like me as well. So somehow we tried to cure each other pain and lack of love and attention we have experienced all our lives…And we made it.” Saying the last word, he wished her a nice day and continued walking.

BULGARIAN YOUTH DELEGATES IN NEW YORK The official statements of Bulgarian Youth Delegates through the years delivered at the General Assembly at the United Nations

2010 Statement of Velislava Ivanova Because if that was a true story with a true end, then it would Bulgarian Youth Delegate at Third Committee at the have not been a tale, but a novel. Niya would not be the same smiley girl 65th UN General Assembly with never-ending faith in people. No. Niya would be scare to walk alone October 2010, New York the streets and would have her keys in one of her hands and a self-defense spray in the other. Niya would be a walking 20-years old girl with a life threat. If that was a true story with a true end, that would be a story for parents and teachers failure. Institutions` failure. Story that disprove the belief all parents know how to help their children when they face a problem or all experts could detect the aggression before it reveals by itself. Story that says “time does not cure everything”. If that was a true story with a true end, it would have been from the movies you watch with no sound and a pillow right next to you. Movies Niya stopped watching and starts living in. That`s why the story is with a made-up happy end. Because it has not end yet and because no one know how it will some day. Because of that and because I do not believe in others but happy endings. Niya.

Honourable Chair, Distinguished Delegates, Dear Fellow Youth Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, In the International Year of Youth, I have the honour and responsibility to represent the voice of young people in Bulgaria at this unique world forum, the UN General Assembly Third Committee. I would like to highlight that 2010 is a year of great significance, symbolizing several anniversaries and special occasions, not only on global but also on local level. I am very proud that through the decades Bulgaria has continuously demonstrated commitment in its contribution to youth matters, going back to 1980 in the initial efforts of organizing the first youth year, through the year of 2007 when Bulgaria stood out as one of the pioneer countries in the Balkans and Eastern Europe sending youth representatives to the UN, and up to today’s 5th anniversary of the youth delegate program in my country. The existence, persistence, and elevation of the youth delegate program in Bulgaria in the last 5 years mirrors the social entrepreneurship principle of “Think big, start small, scale fast”. Cooperation among key actors in the process of formulation of national positions for the global level has been carefully organized. The main institutions that I would like to thank for the valuable advice are the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science, the UN Association, the UN Population Fund, and last but not least the devoted team of experts and supporters of the Initiative! Please be also sure that we will continue working further after this meeting. As soon as our delegations return home, we have planned a wide range of activities to share the achievements of this GA with a wider public. I would like to also mention the key role that leading Bulgarian media, television, radio and press have

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

Niya looked at the sea in front of her and thought for all children that grow up with no parent care, no love, no kindness. Children which hearts are full with anger and hate, full with aggression… How lucky was Velin and how many children had this luck? And the rest…what is happening with the rest? *** That`s where the story ends and I do believe you felt when the true passes into… I don`t want to say lies, so let it be imagination.

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

played during the campaign. Now let me continue with the main messages on behalf of the Bulgarian Youth. In this era of globalization, I would like to bring to your attention two interlinked issues, which we see as paramount: youth education and employment. Young people in all countries are key agents for social change, economic development and innovation. Our imagination, ideals, considerable energies and vision are essential for the continuing development of each and every society. Thus, there is special need for new impetus to be given to the design and implementation of youth policies and programmes at all levels. Education is of highest priority. It helps develop human potential and bring about most marvelous results as the youth of today are preparing to assume responsibility in the future. It turns into a high rate investment for a better world tomorrow. Realizing this huge potential, decision makers around the world have given a lot of attention to our needs and worked hard to increase the profile of our issues on the political agenda. The International Year of Youth is a superb example for this. But as we face both the advantages and challenges of our increasingly interrelated world, we are just in the beginning of a process. More efforts are required to respond to the voices of young people around the world. During the high level plenary meeting “We can end poverty: Millennium Development Goals 2015,” many high level speakers have supported the importance of know-how and capacity building for growth. Such investment in the youth promises very high results. Employment is closely linked to education. A lot of effort is put into finding the right instruments to target increasing challenges that young people face on their transition from school to work. The explanation is definitely very complex. Still, three key issues can be identified. First, there is general concern to what extent the educational system corresponds to the changing needs of the job market. Second, a key problem identified among young individuals, is the difficulties they face while searching for their first job. Work related to educational background, decent conditions

and appropriate salary are among the key criteria. It seems for the newly graduates in today’s competitive market increasingly difficult to find them. Third, once the first job is secured, a major issue is the further development of the potential and skills of young individuals. Today’s youth is tomorrow’s future. Both education and employment are the key for all young people. They provide us with the tools to unfold the potential and make the world a better place. Thus both of them should be a legitimate concern of all states as they hold the key to sustainable growth. To achieve better results, decision makers must deal with a large complexity of interconnected issues. I would like to address you with two of them: first, the quality of education, and second, youth involvement in the decision-making process. First of all, the quality of education is crucial. It must help young people become active citizens and allow them develop their potential and acquire high level knowledge according to the highest world standards. Relevance to the job market is also a key characteristic. The education should be relevant to the requirements and needs of the surrounding environment: economic, social, political and ecological. But education has to prepare also for the broader non-academic skills. The educational curriculum should be useful in the sense of being conformable not only to current economic and social situation, needs and interests of young people but also allow them to adapt to future changes. What is more, curricula should be aimed at promoting mutual respect and understanding and the ideals of peace, solidarity and tolerance among youth, educational programmes which stimulate and strengthen respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms and enhance the values of responsibility and respect for the diversity and rights of others such as responsibility in independent tasks, effective cooperation in teams, ability to adapt to a quickly changing dynamics and many others that are required in today’s complex world of globalization. Second, the youth should be more involved in the whole process beginning with decision-making to implementation of taken solutions. On /the/ international level, this is the fourth consecutive year in which Bulgaria sends its Youth Delegate to NY. This is a confident signal that my country, as many others whose delegates are here today, really appreciate the role of young people. Strengthening the involvement of young people in international forums where they can share experiences and learn from one another’s achievements and difficulties and promoting a cross-fertilization of ideas, cultural values and aspirations, enriches the individuals and contributes for the maturing of the global community, and the achievement of

2009 Statement of Kristina Popova Bulgarian Youth Delegate at Third Committee at the 64th UN General Assembly October 2009, New York Honorable members of the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee of the General Assembly of the United Nations, We, the Youth Delegates to the UN, represent before you a whole new generation – a generation of young, determined and motivated people who carry the privilege and responsibility of shaping tomorrow’s world. This is particularly relevant for Bulgaria’s young people who are the first to contribute to and develop in a democratic society that upholds the virtues of civic involvement. The youth in our country is now becoming aware of the power of youth participation. As youth delegates we represent a culture, in which young people have recognized that by engaging in the establishment of a civic society and by influencing policy-making on various levels, they ultimately determine their own future. Therefore, the Bulgarian delegation would strongly encourage a shift in the focus of the work of UN’s Youth from “What the UN can do for us” to “What we can do for ourselves”. In our preparation for this forum we devised a mechanism to promote youth participation around the world and thus achieve a significant advancement in all priority areas of the World Program of Action for Youth. This approach would foster a closer link between youth and the UN and greatly diminish the current lack of awareness about the issues the Organization deals with that is prevalent in Bulgaria and probably around the globe. First and foremost, it is of primary importance to enhance youth input in policy-making on all levels by vastly increasing the scope of youth employment and expertise through an active promotion, not enforcement, on behalf of the UN. To this end, youth delegates should be included in all UN committees and bodies that are concerned with social and developmental issues. Also, youth NGOs should be incorporated in the circle of organizations that consult the UN. Another step that could be undertaken is fostering the creation of Youth UN Associations through cooperation with the World Youth UN Association and potentially financial support for worldwide events such as the UN Youth Day.

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

international strategies such as the World Programme of Action for Youth and the Millennium Development Goals. Moreover, young people can give another unique perspective and therefore could come out with innovative ideas for improving the conditions not only as a necessary material basis, but also as an educational content of the curriculum. Taking into account the contribution of youth in designing, implementing and evaluating national policies and plans concerning education will foster the improvement of the system and the states as a whole. The ways in which the challenges and potential of young people are addressed will influence current social and economic conditions and the well-being of future generations. Present decisions determine the future of each and every country, as well as the international community as a whole. The capacity for progress of our society is based on the capacity of the youth in the building and designing the future. Making significant contribution to the intellectual progress of the youth, helping them make their way to active employment are paramount. But also recognizing us as committed and reliable partners today, is a high-rate investment for a sustainable future. Ladies and Gentlemen, Towards the end of my address, I would like to share with you the following thought. Please allow me to bring to your attention a paraphrase of the motto, written on the Bulgarian parliament. It is “Together we are stronger.” This sentence, written many years ago, but still valid today, shows impressive wisdom and forward thinking. The increasingly globalized world teaches us different lessons. It brings both challenges and opportunities. As a window of opportunity opens to bring youth’s issues to the world’s political agenda in the International Year of Youth, may the youth delegates of 2050, when they look back to the sessions of the 65th GA, remark with inspiration the wisdom of today’s decision makers! Dear Chair, Distinguished Delegates, On behalf of the young persons in Bulgaria, I thank you very much for your attention! I look forward to sharing with them the decisions taken at this highest world forum! **

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

The most crucial step in the process of stimulating active engagement and cooperation with the United Nations, however, is funding youth activities related to WPAY. This practice has proven efficient and mutually beneficial in other organizations such as the European Union. However, we do not aim at creating an unwieldy and bureaucratic projectfunding system, but instead an efficient tool that would enable participation on part of any group of active young people. Our proposal is to provide a budget for national UNDP agencies, UN Offices for Drugs and Crime or other agencies related to young people, which would on their part support proposals put forth by a person of legal age under the only condition that the envisioned activity relates to the problems set in the WPAY. This is a system that has been extremely successful at local level and increasing its scope would lead to empowerment of a huge number of young people, that would be able to plan and organize projects on a local, regional and national level while advancing the goals of the United Nations. Further development of this idea might even lead to the establishment of a permanent youth advisory body to the Organization in future. A groundbreaking innovation such as directing funding not towards experienced large NGOs but towards active informal groups of individuals will particularly kindle the interest of young people in developing countries that seek a way to express themselves and be heard around the world. It will not only promote UN amongst young people all over the world and it will not only introduce the organization as a key actor in promoting youth participation. It will contribute to a significant improvement in all 15 areas of the WPAY adopted by this very committee, but above all it will enable young people to be proactive and it will help them realize that ultimately they determine their own fate, regardless of gender, color and ethnicity. It is a popular understanding that through its diplomatic, bureaucratic and executive bodies the United Nations ultimately represents people from all ethnicities, ages and backgrounds. Therefore, by working towards our personal wellbeing and the wellbeing of our family and society, we work for the United Nations. This is especially true for us young

people, who are credited as the future of this Organization! In conclusion, we believe that united in concerted efforts and driven by commitment and passion, we can make our whole new generation the UN generation. **

2007 Statement of Boryana Atanassova, Bulgarian Youth Delegate at Third Committee at the 62nd UN General Assembly October 2007, New York men,

Mr. Chairman, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentle-

Today I have the honor and responsibility to address you as the Bulgarian Youth Delegate to the 62nd session of the GA. The year 2007 has been special for Bulgarian youth â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the accession to the European Union opened up numerous possibilities of mobility, education and job opportunities. It is also the first year when Bulgaria has sent its official youth delegates to the UN. The drive of the Bulgarian youth to express our vocal concerns in front of the present honorable forum is a manifestation of our determination to be recognized as equal partners in the decision making process for policies, regarding the well-being of society as a whole, and youth, in particular. Mr. Chairman, Let me first draw your attention to the most pressing issue at hand: how to guarantee the effective participation of youth in the global economy given all the challenges that affront us today. The World Programme of Action on Youth (WPAY) suggests the following main strategies, among others: first, attainment of educational level commensurate with youth aspirations and second, access to employment opportunities corresponding to youth abilities. Unfortunately, after more of a decade since the adoption of WPAY, todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reality is still far from reaching those goals. Unemployment has become one of the biggest challenges for global youth. As the SG report on the Follow-up on WPAY elaborates, one of every three youth in the world is either seeking but unable to find work, has given up searching for one or is working under the poverty line of US $ 2 per day. The gravity of the problem of the great influx of young people, on the one hand, and the deficit of decent work, on the other, justifies the fact

contribution to development is necessary more than ever before. It is exactly now, once the international community has moved into the implementation stages of its development agenda, that there is a pressing need for decisive mobilization of the youth to become not only the main beneficiary, but also the main contributor of the programmes. In this light, I strongly encourage the regularization of youth consultation mechanisms in regards to designing, implementing, and monitoring the progress of youth policies. An indicative example of how the youth ownership of policies contributes to enhanced sustainability of development is the creation of the Youth Consultative Group, which assists the Youth Employment Network in bringing about decent and full employment for youth under the MDG framework. We, the Bulgarian youth, have expressed on numerous occasions our determination to contribute constructively to the global policy-shaping processes. A recent example was the submission of numerous recommendations about national strategies under WPAY, triggered by the 2004 toolkit

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

that although youth constitutes only a quarter of the working age population, they still account for nearly half of the unemployed persons globally. Therefore, I call upon the member states that putting an end to the escalating juvenilization and feminization of unemployment is a matter of utmost priority. This worthy but challenging endeavor would be impossible to achieve without the full commitment of all respective stakeholders. Both the public and private sectors should undertake actions to provide for opportunities for self-employment, vocational training, poverty reduction and job creation. An alternative way of fighting poverty and joblessness is the promotion of social entrepreneurship through support mechanisms (such as trainings) and financial solutions (such as micro credit). I underline the importance that all youth, including persons with disabilities, or indigenous, displaced or refugee representatives should be guaranteed equal access to seed funding and micro entrepreneurship. Distinguished delegates, please keep in mind that the costs of microfinance are immaterial to the impact of empowerment and escape from poverty and marginalization. In order to unleash the potential of the youth in global economy, young people should be provided with the necessary resources, capacities and education. Although in recent years, there has been progress of decreasing the number of illiterate youngsters, still universal primary education is not attainable. However, in today’s knowledge-based and competitive economy, fulfillment of primary and even secondary education is not any longer a guarantee for a successful entry and development in the labor market. Therefore, it is essential for young people to have the opportunity to transition to quality tertiary education, develop relevant skills through nonformal and on-the-job training. In this respect, policy-shaping institutions should provide for effective means of matching the gap between skill-set supply and labor market demands. For example, an effective strategy is to involve employers in adjusting the educational curriculum to the needs of the competitive market or to offer practical training and internships during the course of studies. Last, but not least, youth-led organizations should be given credit for fostering unique soft skills, which cannot be developed in the classroom and which contribute immensely to the youth-to-adulthood and school-to-work transitions. Mr. Chairman, besides being the driver force of poverty reduction and modernization of education, youth should be recognized also as a reliable and committed partner in achieving international development strategies such as the WPAY and the Millennium Development Goals. Indeed, in the light of the increasingly more complicated challenges, youth

report of “Making commitments matter: a toolkit for young people to evaluate national youth policy”. Distinguished delegates, a society’s potential for progress is judged by its capacity to incorporate youth contributions in building our common future. Therefore, we, the young people, call upon all governments, to include youth representatives in their delegations to the UN. Youth delegates from the developing world are especially necessary to achieve geographical balance. Eradication of the obstacles preventing active engagement of youth should be a responsibility of the international community.

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Thus, we commend the existence of the UN Youth Fund for support of innovative ideas but we meanwhile urge the member states to minimize the current limitations for allocating resources from the Fund and join in the recommendation of WPAY the fund to receive support on permanent and predictive basis. We strongly encourage responsive businesses, for example members of Global Compact, along with nongovernmental and governmental organizations, to actively support the empowerment of youth delegates as well as to facilitate other forms of youth participation. In conclusion, I want to share with you a personal dream of mine. I have a dream that one day in the foreseeable future when my children and grandchildren ask me what I have achieved in my life, I would be able with clear conscience to reply that I have contributed to the empowerment of the life-sustaining force of the world, the Youth. Ladies and gentlemen, please be mindful of the fact that each and every decision you take in this high level forum impacts not only you today, but also your children tomorrow. Distinguished delegates, let my dream and the dream of 1.2 billion young people come true by recognizing us as an equitable partner in development today. I thank you.

Reports from the Bulgarian Youth Delegates through the years for their participation at the General Assembly at the United Nations 2010 Calendar of side events and description Date Event Short Description 7 October Meeting of the Youth Delegates on “Dialogue Initiatives - International Year on Youth” at the Permanent Representation of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations - Workshop to discuss different initiatives on what can be done to promote dialogue, mutual understanding, religious tolerance, etc. in the IYY 8 October Meeting of the Youth Delegates on “Challenges & Opportunities – Youth Employment in Times of Crisis“ at the Permanent Representation of Germany to the United Nations - A presentation over the new global employment trends for youth from a specialist from ILO combined with a panel discussion over the main challenges youth face and how to overcome them. 11 October Meeting with a Panel of Experts from UNESCO, UNPY, Alliance of Civilizations on “International Year of Youth: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding” organized by the Bulgarian Youth Delegate - A panel discussion in the framework of the International Year of Youth

on Dialogue and Mutual Understanding with guest speakers from UNESCO, the UN Alliance of Civilizations, UN Program on Youth. 12 October Working Breakfast on “Successful Environmental Policy: Youth Participation in Decision Making” at the Permanent Representation of Switzerland to the United Nations - Exhibition on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the Bulgarian Youth Delegate Programme at the Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria. Expertise sharing and a panel discussion on Youth Participation in Environmental Policy towards sustainable development and a benefit for society. Exhibition of the Bulgarian artistic interpretation of the WPAY areas with pictures from an art contest, in the framework of the International Year of Youth and commemorating the 5th anniversary of the Bulgarian Youth Delegate Program in Bulgaria. 13 October Meeting of the Youth Delegates on workshop youth resolution: “For the Youth by the Youth” at the Permanent Representation of Dominican Republic to the United Nations - Meeting of the Youth Delegates with the president of the General Assembly Mr. Joseph Deiss. A workshop for youth demands and proposed projects made at different side events hosted by the youth delegates, discussion over policy recommendations and concrete actions. A short message of the president to the Youth Delegates and a discussion on reforming of the UN, i.e. Including Youth, UN parlament, Balance between international and national policies, Role, shape and importance of the UN in the future, successes and failures, etc 14 October Working Breakfast on “Sufficiency Economy: the Role and Participation of Youth in Sustainable Development” at the Permanent Representation of Thailand to the United Nations - Briefing with the WFUNA and presentation of the “Handbook for Establishing a National Youth Delegate Programme to the UN” organized by the Bulgarian Youth Delegate A panel discussion on the topic of sufficiency economy and the application of the sufficiency philosophy in different areas. Presentation of WFUNA and its activities and announcement of the publication for establishing a youth delegate programme.

Report on the Participation of Bulgaria’s Youth Delegates to the 64th United Nations General Assembly 2009 Atanas Mihnev and Kristina Popova New York City, USA In the period 5-17 October 2009 Atanas Mihnev and Kristina Popova represented Bulgaria’s young people at the high-

•

Participation in designing a bulletin of the youth delegates at the UN, which sought to popularize the youth delegate position and present the participants in the world forum for 2009.

Meeting the Youth Delegates

There are no weekends for a Youth Delegate’s work. On the Sunday before the official opening of the Third Committee’s session, the Youth Delegates organized the first “get to know each other” meeting, which allowed us to introduce ourselves, the selection process in our country and the priority issues our mandate aims to address. The Youth Delegate Programme in Bulgaria, though in existence for only four years, ranks among the most transparent and comprehensive practices, which includes representatives of the non-governmental sector, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and national UN bodies throughout all steps of the selection mechanism. The Bulgarian programme aims to constantly enrich and develop itself by implementing valuable advice from the more experienced „veteran” Youth Delegates countries with longstanding traditions such as Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands. The representatives of these member states shared their extensive experience in organizing national tours of their countries and consulting with numerous young people of diverse backgrounds and interests. Despite the inevitable differences in the key national positions of the Member states, owing to the disparate levels of economic and political development, most of the youth delegates by an overall consensus emphasized the crucial importance of youth participation, education, health and gender equality. These areas of common interest enabled effective dialogue between the Youth Delegates and significantly boosted our collective bargaining power. Moreover, after we had the opportunity to share our initial observations on the youth resolution, we crafted together the youth strategic priorities and negotiated a synchronized bargaining strategy identifying the member states, most likely to agree to lobby for this youth position during the formal consultations.

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

est international forum– the UN General Assembly in New York. Alongside their 40 colleagues from 25 countries ranging from Thailand and Botswana to Australia and Norway, they took active part in the sessions of the Third Committee on Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Affairs as rightful members of Bulgaria’s permanent diplomatic mission to the UN. The main strategic policy document that the Bulgarian youth delegates participated actively in its formal and informal negotiations was the world “youth resolution”. The youth delegates from Bulgaria and Romania represented the Balkans and Eastern Europe, and together with the delegates from Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, Finland and Belgium advocated European positions. Snapshot of the main input of the Bulgarian Youth Delegates at the UN in NYC: The mandate of the youth delegates began in July 2009 when after a rigorous selection process, which culminated with a personal interview of 12 finalists, Kristina Popova and Atanas Mihnev, were chosen for Bulgaria’s Youth Delegates to the UN for 2009. The key tasks and responsibilities of Bulgarian youth delegates at the UN headquarters included: • Participation in informal and formal consultations on various resolutions concerning youth and their wellbeing; • Official statement in the Third Committee of the General Assembly of the UN, which presented the position of Bulgarian youth on key problems from the World Program of Action for Youth (WPAY) and particularly on the issues of youth participation; • Official meeting and discussion with the Secretary General of the Organization Ban Ki-Moon; • Participation in coordination meetings of the European Union, which were aimed at harmonizing national positions on issues and documents under discussion; • Participation in informal events, which included round table discussions and working breakfasts on the following topics: climate change, youth and armed conflict, youth participation in the life of society, unemployment among the young generation and migration. These were entirely organized and led by Youth Delegates.

Youth resolutions

The Bulgarian Youth Delegates, Miss Popova and Mr Mihnev, alongside 40 youth delegates from around 26 countries worked actively on the adoption of the UN youth resolution 2009, which covers two of the three clusters from WPAY “Youth in Civil

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Society” and “Youth and their Well-being”. The co-sponsors of the resolution had invited for the first time the UN Programme on Youth to facilitate the prior coordination of the draft with youth representatives via online dialogue months before the negotiation on the text in New Your City. The outcome was a much enriched and consensual zero draft of the resolution. The draft resolution submitted by Portugal, Moldova and Senegal takes into consideration the report of the Secretary General on “Application of the WPAY: Progress and challenges with youth well-being and their role in civil society” and promotes policies connected with providing employment for youth in the context of the global economic recession, reducing crime among young people, HIV/AIDS prevention and anti-discrimination. The document places a special emphasis on two milestone youth events, dedicated to the International Youth Year: first, the Fifth World Youth Congress in Istanbul, which will take place between 31 July – 13 August 2010, where Bulgaria will be represented by Atanas Mihnev, and second, the World Youth Congress in Mexico City between 24-27 August. Another interesting policy document, adopted by the Third Committee, was a resolution presented by Sudan, Tunisia and Singapore, proclaiming the year commencing on 12 August 2010 as the International Year of Youth: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding. The Bulgarian Youth Delegates played a leading role in the informal discussions on the document’s preparation, which was later adopted by consensus. The idea behind the document revolves around the concept that the International Year of Youth would generate not only much needed global and local attention for youth participation and development, but also will enhance the incentive to foster partnerships among youth organizations around the world.

Informal Discussions on Resolutions

Following the plenary sessions at the Third Committee, the youth delegates continued the working day with informal discussions and idea generation workshops in the building of the UN Program on Youth. The draft resolution, co-sponsored by Portugal, Senegal and Moldova, focused on 11 priority areas and established the member states’ commitments in ameliorating these problems in order to improve the welfare of youth. Due to the sensitivity of the topic, HIV/AIDS and youth in armed conflict led to intense

debates, which necessitated compromise-making and rephrasing that satisfied all parties involved. The proposals on youth participation in the process of decision-making and leisure time, including the position of the Bulgarian youth delegate, sought to minimize the ambiguity of the text and achieve clarity in the objectives to be attained by the member states. Bulgaria was among the countries which supported the Youth Year Resolution from the very beginning, with the decisive participation of the youth representatives. Apart from fervent discussions on the resolutions, the delegates exchanged opinions on the content and distributed tasks on the design and dissemination of a bulletin, which drew attention to our work at the international diplomatic forum. The informal meetings provided the impetus to facilitate communication channels between the youth delegates after their participation in the General Assembly and allow for a more efficient coordination of geographically dispersed activities.

Formal Consultations

The consultations on the resolution on youth attracted an enormous amount of interest and the room barely fit the number of people attending. The suggestions put forward by the youth delegates in view of expanding the involvement of national governments met with the disapproval of some of the more conservative members such as Egypt and Pakistan, whose consent was eventually reached through compromise-building. Nevertheless, the active participation of youth delegates in the process of revising and discussing the draft resolution proved instrumental in the creation of a concrete text, which clearly and unambiguously outlines the commitments and responsibilities of the signatory states to address the problems of youth and enhance their physical and mental wellbeing.

The Speech of the Bulgarian Youth Delegate

The Bulgarian Youth Delegate Kristina Popova delivered a speech at the Third Committee on Social, Humanitarian and Cultural affairs, which focused on the topic of youth participation as one of the priority areas of the World Program of Action for Youth (WPAY). One of the crucial ideas the statement conveyed was the need to enhance the involvement of young people with the work of the UN and raise awareness among the young generations on the issues the Organization deals with. The envisioned means to achieve

Meeting the Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon

ployment of persons under 30 years of age, even during the times of crisis, in both the government and private sector.

UNESCO and youth participation

A second side event, staged by UNICEF with the help of international NGOs, met the youth delegates and other UN officials with young activists from six countries around the world as diverse as Nigeria and Norway; Honduras and the United States of America. The panel speakers emphasized the importance of coordinated youth participation on national and local level. The overall outcome of the meeting reconfirmed the need of National Youth Councils and outlined Bulgaria as a leader in the area with similar structures already functioning under the umbrellas of the Ministry for Education and Youth and the State Agency for Child Protection.

Youth and Migration and Youth in Armed Conflict

One of the highlights of the “youth weeks” at the UN was the delegates’ meeting with the General Secretary Ban Ki-Moon on October 7th, who commended our efforts and commitment in the youth sector and encouraged us to retain and further nurture our motivation and creativity. We were given the opportunity to individually meet the General Secretary and communicate a previously discussed and agreed upon message, which had two focal points: our generation’s concern with climate change and the urgent need to promote the institutionalization of the position ”youth delegate to the UN” in more countries in Africa, Asia and the Balkans. Inspiring and thought-provoking, the meeting with the Secretary General reaffirmed our conviction that youth should vocalize their concerns and get involved in the process of finding and implementing solutions for the most pressing problems.

The Swiss Permanent Mission organized a working breakfast on October 8th on the topic of Youth and Migration. Following a presentation by the representative of the World Migration Organization, the youth delegates shared the migration problems characteristic of their country and then held a discussion on the underlying reasons influencing young people’s decision to seek professional realization outside their national borders. Bulgaria’s youth delegate Kristina stressed the importance of the problem of “braindrain” of ambitious and well-educated in Western European and American universities young people. The UN Program of Youth hosted a round table discussion on Youth in Armed Conflict, which enabled a free exchange of ideas and experience among the youth delegates and representatives of non-governmental organizations on peace-keeping and peace-building operations predominantly in Africa.

Youth Side Events in NYC

Personal memories:

Youth Unemployment and Participation

Atanas

A working breakfast on youth unemployment with the participation of the International Labor Organization (ILO) was organized by our colleagues from the Romanian youth delegation. The event was honored by all youth delegates as well as the Romanian ambassador to the United Nations. Fruitful discussion led to a common conviction that young people should be active participants on the labor market, aided by government actions to promote em-

The idea that we are an yoUNg generation (young UN generation) was predominant in this year’s youth delegates’ work. I am glad to state that I contributed to this notion with my article in the youth bulletin entitled “A Whole New Generation.” It has been my ongoing belief that the main job of youth delegates to the UN is

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

that is through the inclusion of youth delegates in UN committees on development and social affairs, allowing NGOs access to the circle of organizations consulting the UN and, last but not least, providing UN funding for youth projects related to the World Program of Action for Youth. The Bulgarian youth delegate also proposed a significant change in the way of thinking of young people around the world and their problem solving approach from “What the UN can do for us” to “What we can do for the UN and our future”, promoting the values of active citizenship and global awareness. Furthermore, the speech incorporated proposals for addressing the most pressing and urgent problems from the standpoint of Bulgarian youth, which were discussed during roundtable discussions, presentations and meetings with young people, the artistic and selection nation-wide contests.

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

not in New York but in their own countries before and afterwards. It is our responsibility to work for influencing local policymaking into compliance with the United Nations standards and to continue the legacy of the youth ambassadors’ campaign. It’s not by chance that one of the main values of the campaign in Bulgaria is exactly continuity and loyalty among all generations of youth delegates. The mere documents from UNGA64 are not an end by themselves – they are the instruments we have created to make a change. Citing the king of pop Michael Jackson: “Make that change…”.

Kristina

It is hard to imagine the stimulating feeling of anticipation that overwhelmed me before I switched on the microphone prior to delivering my official statement at the Third Committee and explain the sense of inner satisfaction and accomplishment once I reached to switch it off afterwards! The duration was merely 6 minutes and yet so much efforts, thought and commitment were encapsulated in it! During our work with the other youth delegates the quote of Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” served continuously as our inspiration! Though we do not aim at changing the world, we will try out utmost to shape an environment concerned with addressing the challenges young people face and open to their contributions as catalysts of social and economic progress! Calendar of events Date Event 5 October Official opening of the work of the Third Committee First Consultation on the Resolution of Youth Youth Delegate Coordination Meeting at the UN Youth Unit for exchange of initial positions and brainstorming 6 October EU Coordination Meeting Official Statement of the Bulgarian Youth Delegate at the Third Committee 7 October EU Coordination Meeting Official Meeting with Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon followed by a discussion on the Youth Delegates’ priorities for 2009/2010

8 October 9 October 12 October 13 October 14 October 15 October

16 October

Informal Consultation on the Resolution of Youth Youth Delegates Coordination Meeting at the UN Youth Unit and a discussion on suggestions for amendments Working Breakfast on Youth and Migration at the Permanent Representation of Switzerland Plenary Session of the Third Committee Consultation on the Youth Resolution and final proposals for changes Working lunch with the Youth Delegates Plenary Session on “Women and Progress” and consultations on declaring 2010 the Year of Youth Working Lunch with the Youth Delegates Formal Meeting of Youth Delegates from EU Member States Consultation of the EU Member States Plenary Session of the Third Committee and a speech by the Bulgarian Ambassador Mr. Raychev Consultations on the Youth Resolution Consultation of the EU Member States Plenary Session of the Third Committee Consultations on the Youth Resolution Working Breakfast the Romanian Mission on Youth and Employment and a discussion with a Representative of the International Labor Organization Plenary Session of the Third Committee Meeting of the Youth Delegates on “Expanding the Youth Delegates Campaign in the Future” Meeting with a Panel of Experts from UNICEF on “Youth Participation and Children’s Rights” World Day on “Fight Poverty”

Report on the Participation of the Bulgarian Youth Delegate to the 63th United Nations General Assembly, 2008 Elizabeta Petrova In October 2008 the Bulgarian Youth delegate spent a week in NY working together with 24 youth representatives from

9 October

10 October

13 October

orking breakfast on the topic: “The role of youth W for achieving the Millennium Development Goals, “by organized by the Mission of Switzerland to the UN, with the participation of youth delegates, representatives of UNDP and the Swiss representative of the World Organization of Scouting. Third Committee, Informal meetings: • Amendment to 4th World Conference on Women and the full implementation of the Declaration of Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome of the 23th Special session of the UN General Assembly. • Resolution on the United Nations Literacy Decade: Education for all, Agenda item 55. • Resolution on “Strengthening the efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women”, Belgium and the Netherlands. EU Coordination Meeting Consultation meeting for Agenda 19. Third Committee would vote on the Charter of Human Rights (Schedule 19) for the proposed strategic framework for UN activities for the period 2010 – 2011. Resolution on informal, redundant and arbitrary executions. Third Committee: Informal consultations on draft resolution on “Improving the coordination of efforts against human trafficking”. Agenda 97, by Belarus. Third Committee: • Resolution to strengthen international cooperation in combating the world drug problem (Mexico).

14 October 15 October

16 October

• Informal consultations on the resolution “Step up efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women”. • Meeting with representatives of the UN Office of Sport and development initiative. Third Committee: • Resolution on the UN Literacy Decade: “Education for all”, last informal meeting. •The contribution of the youth delegates was a written a proposal for a new paragraph, focusing on youth and informal education. Side event on “Why youth participation is important for achieving the Millennium Development Goals and how to engage young people”, organized by the Youth delegates with the support of the Missions of the Netherlands, Thailand and Jamaica. With the special participation of: • Ms. Sally Shetty, Director of the Millennium Campaign • Ms. Laura Laski, Coordinator of adolescents and youth sector, fund UN population; • Ms. Francisco Steele, director of Global Youth Action Group; Permanent Mission of Bulgaria to the UN: Meeting with the Permanent Representative to the UN, Mr. Raiko Raichev. Elizabeta Petrova briefed Mr. Raichev on her work so far and the goals and ideas for future development of the Bulgarian Youth Delegate program. Mr. Raichev expressed support and willingness for future cooperation.

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

16 countries around the globe. Central place of the youth delegates’ work was their participation in the Third Committee. In the framework of the GA session, the youth delegates hosted several special events (side-events) as their main focus was the Millennium Development Goals and the role of youth for their achievement. Calendar of events Date Event

Personal memories The participation of youth in all areas of the social and economic life is a key factor for development. Actively engaging young people as equal partners in the decision-making processes can ensure that programs and policies are more responsive to young people’s needs and expectations. At the same time, a further deepening gap between fast-developing countries and others that are left behind as well as the diversity of issues and specific circumstances in each country makes it very difficult to establish common guide-

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

lines for empowerment of youth at the global level. In that sense, it is imperative that action on each country’s national level is taken to deal with the root causes of the problems facing today’s youth. Тhe Youth Delegates that I met in NY were so motivated and urgent to change the world that one cannot help but get overwhelmed with their energy and enthusiasm. My wish upon leaving was to manage to keep the energy so it could reach out to more young people back home.

Boryana Atanassova and Ivailo Stoimenov’s participation as Bulgaria’s Youth Delegates at the United Nation’s 62nd General Assembly from the 8th to the 17th of October 2007 The major event during the “Youth Week” at the 62nd session United Nations General Assembly agenda was the youth delegates’ participation at the Third Committee, dedicated to social, humanitarian and cultural issues. 27 Youth Delegates from 19 member-states took part in the Third Committee session. During the discussions the importance of youth’s active participation in the process of decision-making was taken into account, on issues such as Millennium Development Goals and the World Programme of Action. Because contemporary global reality provides new possibilities for young people, the Committee gave focus to 5 priority issues: globalization, computer and communication technology, HIV/AIDS and armed conflicts. The young people’s active participation in drafting, discussing and adopting a resolution, showed their engagement to the process. This gives young people, especially the less fortunate ones, the opportunity to inhance their participation in processes that effect their future, such as education and employment. The Draft resolution submitted by Great Britain’s and Senegal’s youth delegates urged governments to become more involved in the Millennium Development Goals and to include young people more actively in the preparation of their national development strategies.

The Bulgarian youth delegates contributed in the process of negotiating and finalizing the draft resolution. Here are more detailed information on the UN Youth agenda and Borian and Ivailo’s involvement in the events during their stay in New York. October the 8th Breakfast Briefing for the Youth Delegate Organized by the UN Programme on Youth Empowering Youth in Global Economy Seminar organized by the Youth Delegates to the 62nd session of the General Assembly, with the support from the Permanent mission of Germany to the UN, organized a seminar on “Empowering Youth in the Global Economy-the Opportinities of Microfinance, with speaker Audrey Codera, founder of the UN –Habitat. A special film “The Voices of Youth” was shown, there all delegates send their messages in their own language as well as English to the General Assembly. 9th of October, Tuesday: “Youth Participation for the Developmeny Assessing Experience of Youth Participation in Policy Making.-Organized by the Youth Exchange Network Joining forces with the young people “The Practical Guide to Collaboration for Youth Employment” is designed to facilitate young people’s participation in youth employment policy- making. 10th of October, Wednesday Third Committee. Our Bulgarian delegate Borian Atanassova made her speech before the member-state delegates. The main focal point was that young people must be accepted undeniably as partners in the development process. Her speech was applauded. The United Kingdom delegate submitted a resolution Youth in the Global Economy, which was later supported by Sinegal. ‘’Youth participation in the fight against HIV and AIDSThe event was organized by the Global Youth Coalition on AIDS/ GYCA/, NGO Committee on Youth, UN Programme on Youth, UNFPA. A film was shown ‘’Youth’s Strength- Sending a Message Concerning HIV/AIDS’’, the film commemorated the XVI AIDS international conference in 2006. After the film a report was pre-

Workshop with the YD evaluating and debriefing their activities. The meeting was organised by Boryana Atanassova, their the YD shared their opinions and practices at the Third Committee and Draft resolution 15 October, Monday Consultations with the countries from the European Union Discussions over the Draft Resolution “Youth in the Global Economy” Third Committee- Non-formal talks on youth draft resolutions Meeting with the Mrs. Pera Wells, Secretary General of the World Fedaration of the WFUNA- Initiative taken by Ivailo Stoimenov 16 October, Tuesday Consultations with European Union on The Rights of the Child Issues Meeting with the H.E. Srgjan Kerim, President of the 63rd session of the General Assembly Meeting with the UNICEF and UN Sports for Development and Peace Representatives - Ivailo Stoimenov’s initiative 17 October, Wednesday Third Committee- Non-formal Talks on the Draft Resolutions on Youth and Opening Discussion on “ Child Support and Protection” International Day for Eradication of Povery, is traced back to 1987, it honours the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger. The Global Campaign “Stand Up and Strike Out Against Poverty” was supported by 43 million peope as compared to the year before when they were 23,5 million. The YD insisted that the world leaders take urgent political actions against increasing poverty and to commit to keeping their obligations in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

sented, which was to prepare for the upcoming 2008 conference in Mexico 11th of October, Thursday Breakfast briefing “Empowering Vulnerable and Marginalized Youth in Employment and Education”. The event was organised by the Permanent Mission of Swizerland to the UN. The discussions were about what YD can do in order to improve the situation of disadvantaged youth; what can each country do to improve the situation of vulnerable and mirginalized youth in employment and education; what is the role of the private sector, NGO’s and other agents. Four Projects were presented “Tackling Poverty Together” by Julie Larsen of the National Youth Council of Sweden.”Empowering of Young Romas” by Jonathan Mak, a YD Germany, “Empower Youth in Non-formal Education in Sweden and Africa” by Gabriel Eurling, a YD from Sweden. “Erase Discrimination and to Empower Migrants” by Adina Rom, YD from Switzerland. Meeting with Ban Ki -moon- UN Secretary General. The youth delegates had the opportunity to speak with the UN Secretary General. He shared his support and experience and stated that in order for young people to become leaders tomorrow they must take action now. The event with the youth delegates was recorder and broadcasted on TV- B.Atanasova took the initiative. 12th of October, Friday Breakfast briefing with NGO representatives –members of the NGO Youth Committee. The meeting was organised by the German Youth National Council. Representatives from the European Youth Forum, Global Network of Youth Activities /GYAN/, “Packs Romana” and the National Scouts Organisation. Our Bulgarian delegates met with Ambassador Raiko Raichev, Permanent UN Representative of Bulgaria at the UN. The YD shared their intensive agenda at the UN and experience, as well as ongoing activities at the UNA Youth Association in Bulgaria. Ambassador Raichev supported the idea of further developing the UN Delegate Project and their suggestion of institushionalizing the youth delegate programme.

UN Youth Policies & Stragegies

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

The International Year of Youth is being celebrated from 12 August 2010 to 11 August 2011 and everyone has a role to play!

Why an International Year of Youth? The definition of youth varies from country to country. Nevertheless, a consensus among all UN member states can be reached about the crucial significance of this demographic group for the sustainable, social economic and cultural development of every nation. Youth , according to the UN definition, are all those in the age range of 15 to 24. They represent 18% of the world population or 1.2 billion people- the biggest so far population of youth on the Globe. 87% of the youth unfortunately is experiencing different challenges and limitations, be it limited access to resources, education, employment, healthcare, etc in developing countries. The stakes are too high not to invest in addressing together these challenges- the future of tomorrow depends on the success of our efforts today. Let’s join efforts across borders during the International Youth Year under the motto of : “Our Year. Our Voice. “ As Christopher Derige Malano from Pax Romana explains, “Imagine a year when everyone from all sectors of society can engage in dialogue about issue affecting young people- a year we all listen with respect and speak with dignity. The International Year of Youth is this opportunity. This is our year to find, define, and make our voice heard- let’s not waste it!”. In December 2009 the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 64/134 proclaiming the “Youth year”, signifying the importance the international community places on integrating youth-related issues into global, regional, and national devel-

opment agendas. Under the theme “Dialogue and Mutual Understanding” this year aims to promote the ideals of peace, respect for human rights and solidarity across generations, cultures, religions and continents. Twenty-five years ago, in 1985, we celebrated the first International Youth Year. It was back at the beginning of the 80-ies that Bulgaria, despite being a small geographically and populationwise member state, played a significant role in crafting the concept of “Youth Year” and its subsequent pilot organization. Therefore, the active participation of the Bulgarian youth delegates team in the recent five years should not surprise anybody, it’s simply the next logical and subsequent step. Unfortunately in 21st century the topics of peace and understanding are still high on the diplomatic agenda. The existence of several ongoing conflicts around the world highlights the importance of cultivating dialogue and intercultural understanding. It is exactly youth through their open-mindedness, mobility and affinity to information and communication technologies that can serve as a bridge between cultures and geographical boundaries. Youth best fits in the role of an ambassador of peace and dialogue.

What is your role in celebrating the year? Everyone is invited to promote the ideals of peace, freedom, progress and solidarity towards the promotion of youth development and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Member States of the United Nations are encouraged to hold national events in celebration of the Year and to raise public awareness about the important contributions of youth to their country’s development. Member States are also encouraged to review their national youth development policies and programmes to fully and more timely implement the World Programme of Action on Youth. Youth and youth-focused organizations, across the globe, are encouraged to initiate and participate in activities in celebration of the Year. Here are the some of the suggested ways of joining now the global efforts of the Year: 1. Organize a special event and post it on the Youth calendar: http://social.un.org/iyyevents 2. Spread awareness of the IYY

History of IYY and the role of youth On the 10th anniversary of the IYY in 1995, the General Assembly adopted the World Programme of Action for Youth, setting a policy framework and guidelines for national actions and international support. In 2007, the General Assembly updated the WPAY by adopting additional 5 priority areas, bringing the total to fifteen areas of priority focus: education; employment; hunger and poverty; health; environment; drug abuse; juvenile delinquency; leisure-time activities; girls and young women; participation; globalization; information and communications technologies; HIV/AIDS; youth and conflict; and intergenerational relations. How the world addresses the WPAY challenges and how effectively the member states manage to harness youth’s potential directly impact both the current and future social, economic and development conditions. Indisputably, youth contributions to community, national, regional and global development must be recognized and encouraged. Often young people’s efforts have contributed to combating poverty and hunger in their communities, preventing the HIV/AIDS pandemic through peer education and championing the protection of the environment.

2010 UN Inter-Agency Network on Youth Development Recently various country groupings have declared and carried out youth campaigns on national levels. Likewise, on global level efforts have been synchronized and the United Nations created the Inter-agency Network for Youth Development, which has grown rapidly from 24 UN entities members in 2007 to 32 organizations in 2010. The network has identified three main priorities for the IYY 2010/2011 in the cooperation of the various UN bodies with governments, NGOs, and the private sector.

The first objective is to raise awareness about the beneficial impact of investment in youth by carrying out various initiatives from PR campaigns, through roundtable discussions between youth and the government and private sectors, to research of the youth problems. The second priority streamlines is to empower more youth organizations to cooperate with relevant stakeholders (local governments, NGOs, media, private and academic sectors) and to strengthen partnerships across all levels. Тhe last but not least objective is to promote the intercultural understanding, high tolerance for differences and various viewpoints, and open-mindedness and ingenuity in exploring the world at its full variety. A very effective tool is organizing or participating in international forums. “Youth should be given a chance to take an active part in the decision-making of local, national and global levels.” United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. *** Source materials: Official International Youth Year website: http://social.un.org/youthyear/index.html ***

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

ownload and upload the banner of the initiative on D your websites. 3. Join the IYY discussion in the social media: facebook.com/UNyouthyear 4. Subscribe to the monthly electronic newsletter from UN Programme on Youth

World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY) Young people represent agents, beneficiaries and victims of major societal changes and are generally confronted by a paradox: to seek to be integrated into an existing order or to serve as a force to transform that order. Young people in all parts of the world, living in countries at different stages of development and in different socio-economic settings, aspire to full participation in the life of society. The World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY) was adopted by the General Assembly in 1995 and expanded upon in 2007, providing a policy framework and practical guidelines for na-

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

tional action and international support to improve the situation of young people worldwide. Five years before the adoption of the Millennium Development agenda, the WPAY outlines the main strategic goals for youth. It’s therefore not by chance they are referred to as the “Youth MDGs”. The WPAY covers fifteen priority areas: 1) education, 2) employment, 3) poverty and hunger, 4) the environment, 5) drug abuse, 6) juvenile delinquency, 7) leisure-time activities, 8) health, 9) girls and young women, 10) HIV/AIDS, 11) information and communications technology, 12) inter-generational issues, 13) armed conflict, 14) the mixed impact of globalization, and the full and 15) effective participation of youth in society and in decision-making. In each of these areas, the Programme looks in depth at the nature of the complex challenges and presents proposals for action. The WPAY thus seeks to assist governments in responding to the aspirations and demands of youth for a better future for all. These priority areas are interrelated and intrinsically linked. For example, juvenile delinquency and drug abuse are often direct consequences of insufficient opportunities for education, employment and participation. Education for girls and young women can delay the age of marriage and first birth, thus decreasing maternal mortality. Investing in one area affects other areas of the programme of action as well thereby creating a multiplier effect in the lives of young people. United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has urged Governments to take the World Programme’s recommendations seriously, and to work together with young people for its implementation. The WPAY’s 15 priority areas are grouped into three clusters of issues in which young people grow up and become active members of their societies. Taken together, the clusters form a comprehensive environment for young people, despite differences in cultures, societies and communities. The three clusters are described as: (a) youth in the global economy, including the issues of hunger and poverty, education, employment, and globalization; (b) youth and their well-being, encompassing the priority areas of health, drug abuse, girls and young women, delinquency, conflict and HIV/AIDS;

(c) youth in civil society, related to concerns of information and communication technologies, environment, leisure, participation in decision-making and inter-generational relations.

Youth in the Global Economy Poverty and hunger: Over 200 million young people, or 18 per cent of all youth, live on less than one dollar a day, and 515 million on less than two dollars a day. Data on income poverty do not accurately capture the situation of youth. Youth experience poverty not only through financial limitations, but also through limitations in access to public services and non-fulfillment of, and a lack of protection of fundamental human rights. Poverty is inextricably linked to a lack of access to or control over resources, including land, skills, knowledge, capital and social connections. Without these resources, people have limited access to institutions, markets, employment and public services. Hunger and malnutrition remain among the most serious and intractable threats to humanity, often preventing youth and children from taking part in society. Education: Though progress has been achieved in enrolment in primary, secondary and tertiary education, challenges still remain. Many parents in developing countries are till unable to send their children to school because of local social and economic conditions. A paucity of educational opportunities persists for girls and young women, migrants and refugees, displaced persons, street children, indigenous youth, young people in rural areas and young people with disabilities. Though the current generation of youth is the best-educated so far, the quality of education and its capacity to prepare young people for the labor market are major concerns. Employment: Despite the fact that youth are receiving more years of education, youth unemployment has increased to record levels and youth are two to three times as likely as adults to be unemployed. The youth unemployment rates are highest in subSaharan Africa and in the Middle East and North Africa regions. The difficulties young people face in finding suitable employment with a decent income are compounded by other problems including illiteracy, insufficient training and the difficult transition from school to the job market. Globalization: Youth are perhaps best able to adapt to and make use of new opportunities offered by globalization.

Inter-generational relations: In the context of global ageing, the share of youth in the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total population is gradually shrinking while the share of those over 60 grows. Youth development today should increasingly be viewed as integral to the welfare of older generations as, by 2050, 8 in every 10 older persons will be living in a developing country (compared with 6 in every 10 in 2005).

Youth in Civil Society

Youth and Their Well-Being

Participation in decision-making: The past decade has seen a growing recognition of the importance of youth participation in decision-making. Greater involvement of youth in the home, school and the community not only benefits their socio-economic environment but also builds their own capacity and contributes to their personal growth. The voices and participation of youth are vital to the implementation of the WPAY as a whole. Information and communication technology: The proliferation of ICT that has accompanied the process of globalization has presented both opportunities, particularly in the areas of participation, employment and education, as well as challenges for young people. Though youth in many countries make up the majority of users of internet technology, there are still disparities in access between urban and rural youth, between young women and men, as well as within and between countries. Leisure: The last decade has seen a growing recognition of the role of leisure time in the promotion of social inclusion, in defining young peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identities, and in exploring their culture. Leisure time should not just be an element in the lives of privileged youth as this time enhances personal growth and the well-being of communities. Many youth devote their time to volunteering, educating their peers, and making a difference in their societies. Environment: Young people have demonstrated a consistent concern and often have proved to be leaders advocating for the environmental integrity of their communities. Knowing that the quality of their environment is vital to their health and opportunity, youth have highlighted sustainable development at the local, national, and international levels and have initiated the adoption of sound environmental practices.

Health: Health problems of young people include the lack of safe and sanitary living environments, malnutrition, risk of infectious, parasitic and water-borne diseases, the consumption of tobacco, and unwarranted risk-taking and destructive activity resulting in injury. In many countries, there is a lack of information and services available to help youth understand their sexuality and prevent the spread of HIV. Although early pregnancy has declined in many countries, its dangers and potential complications are still of concern. HIV/AIDS: Ten million young people currently live with HIV/AIDS, mostly in Africa and Asia. Poverty, the lack of essential information to protect themselves, stigma, access to education and gender inequality are just a few of the elements that fuel the vulnerability of youth. Young women and girls are particularly at risk and disproportionately serve as caregivers when families and communities are devastated by HIV/AIDS. Youth in armed conflict: Despite the international legal framework to protect minors and prevent their engagement in conflict situations, youth are still recruited as combatants, or forced labor, and young women and girls are vulnerable to being targeted for sexual violence or exploitation. While most youth avoid engaging in violence (even in conflict prone areas), young people are both the victims and perpetrators in times of insecurity and instability. Whatever their role, exposure to conflict can deprive young people of educational, social, economic, and socialization opportunities. Drug abuse: There has been an unprecedented increase in drug abuse and addiction among youth worldwide, mostly in recreational settings. The consequences of drug abuse are widespread and range from violence to accidents and injury. Intravenous

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

Though some parts of the world have seen unprecedented growth as a result of the integration of economies and societies, the benefits of globalization are unbalanced. Negative and positive trends characterize globalizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impact on youth employment opportunities and on migration patterns. Globalization has also led to deep changes in youth culture and consumerism, and in new manifestations of global youth citizenship and activism.

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

substance abuse raises the risk of communicable diseases, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. Juvenile delinquency: Delinquency committed by youth continues to be perceived as a threat to society. However, most young offenders do not commit violent crime but participate in less serious offences such as graffiti, petty theft, or nuisance behavior. There are myriad elements that may fuel youth delinquency ranging from economic downturns and high unemployment to early exposure to violence in their communities or in the family. Girls and young women: Equal access to higher education and labor markets continues to be a concern in some countries, while negative stereotypes of women continue to be perpetuated. With limited access to justice, social services or law enforcement to address the issue, gender based violence continues to invade every economic level and social strata; its persistence threatens the ability of women and girls to live without fear and pursue their dreams in a safe and secure environment. For more detailed information on the priority areas, please visit: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/global.htm “Youth deserve our full commitment — full access to education, adequate healthcare, employment opportunities, financial services and full participation in public life,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. **

Youth and the Millennium Development Goals “This is a sacred cause. The fight against global poverty and human suffering is a moral imperative!” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Under the theme ‘Dialogue and Mutual Understanding’, the International Year of Youth aims to encourage dialogue and understanding across generations and promote the ideals of peace, respect for human rights and freedoms, and solidarity.

It also encourages young people to dedicate themselves to fostering progress, including the attainment of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which seek to slash a host of social ills, ranging from extreme poverty and hunger to maternal and infant mortality to lack of access to education and health care, all by 2015. In September 2000 the world’s leaders of 189 UN member states adopted the Millennium Declaration, committing their nations to stronger global efforts to reduce poverty, improve health and promote peace, human rights and sustainable environment. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that emerged from the Declaration are eight specific, measurable, time-bound targets which bind countries to do more in attack on inadequate incomes, widespread hunger, gender inequality, environmental deterioration and lack of education, healthcare and clean water. All UN nations engaged to work together to achieve the MDGs by 2015 adapting the goals to country specific development level. In September 2005 heads of states and governments convened The 2005 World Summit, a high level meeting at the United Nations in New York to reiterate their unambiguous commitment to achieving the MDGs by 2015. The Summit’s Outcome Document noted that each country must take primary responsibility for its own development, and for the establishment of appropriate national policies and development strategies. In July 2007 halfway to the 2015 deadline, a progress report by the United Nations has found that although there has been clear progress towards implementing the Millennium Development Goals, their overall success is still far from assured. There is a clear need for political leaders to take urgent and concerted action, stressed the UN Report.

Bulgarian Millennium Development Goals Goal 1: Halve extreme poverty and malnutrition • Reduce poverty • Reduce the unemployment rate

oal 3: Promote gender equality and empowerment of G women • Eliminate the income disproportion between men and women • Ensure the participation of women in governance Goal 4: Reduce child mortality • Reduce child mortality • Immunize all children up to the age of one year Goal 5: Improve maternal health • Reduce maternal mortality • Improve healthcare services for pregnant women oal 6: Limit the spread of HIV/AIDS, syphilis and tuG berculosis • Prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS • Reduce twofold tuberculosis cases Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability • Integrate the principles of sustainable development into national policies and programmes; reverse environmental resources loss • Reduce the proportion of people without access to drinking water and proper sewerage infrastructure Goal 8: Develop a Partnership for Development • Create an environment conducive to foreign direct investment • Maintain sustainable levels of foreign debt service

Statement of Mr Boyko Borisov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria High level plenary meeting “We can end poverty: Millennium Development Goals 2015”, 2-22 Sept 2010, New York City Distinguished Presidents of the Meeting, Mr. Secretary - General, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen. This year we enter a crucial stage of the challenge of achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This is the reason why I would like to express special appreciation to the Secretary-General for organizing this gathering at the present decisive moment. I would also like to congratulate the two Presidents of our meeting for the excellent stewardship of our deliberations. We all are gathered here to debate the global issues facing mankind, for we all recognize that our modern world is the unity both of remarkable accomplishments improving the livelihood of people all over the world, and of deficiencies in our development tending to downgrade it. It cannot be denied that much has been achieved over the past two decades, like, for instance, - more than 1,6 billion people have gained access to safe drinking water; - over 400 million people have been lifted out of poverty; - the advances in science and medicine have made possible the vaccination against incurable diseases while other diseases have been eradicated. At the same time, however, a trillion and a half US dollars are being spent annually by mankind in order to guarantee peace and security and eleven times less is invested in development assistance. We cannot deny the fact that there are millions of people in the developing world who have to survive on a total consumption of 10 liters of water per day. Against this background there are pieces of equipment in the developed world spending

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

Goal 2: Improve primary and secondary education • Improve the net enrolment rate of the initial stage of primary education • Improve the net enrolment rate of the junior stage of primary education • Improve secondary education

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

tens of times more water per hour. Such a world is, indeed, “a world upside down” and one that is in dire need of change. From this high rostrum I would like to state categorically that Bulgaria is fully aware of this global need for development. We shall contribute, within our capacity, to the achievement of the MDGs, since we fully perceive the paramount importance of solidarity as a fundamental principle of policy. Bulgaria’s policy of participation in international development cooperation clearly mirrors our resolve to live up to the commitments undertaken at the major UN conferences on international development issues, as well as the decision of the European Council of June 2005 on the new targets for the volume of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) provided by the EU member states. The additional challenges imposed on all of us by the economic and financial crisis, notwithstanding, my country is sustaining its effort to build up a capacity of a donor of international assistance. We, in Bulgaria, are confronted by many challenges, including problems pertaining to our own development and living standard. Nevertheless, we fulfill gradually the commitments we have made in the field of international development assistance. Bulgaria fully realizes how important international solidarity is for the solution of vital problems affecting the wellbeing of people around the world. My country relies heavily on European solidarity and the opportunities it provides for developing our economy and improving the livelihood of the Bulgarian people. We are conscious of the sense and significance of solidarity and stand ready to provide it to other regions of the world that are in need. All our efforts for a prompt reinvigoration of the dynamics and economic prosperity of Bulgaria’s economy as part of the overall European economic recovery process are the most effective way of generating additional resources for development, as well. The geographic focus of Bulgaria’s development assistance is directed, for the moment, to the countries of our neighboring Balkan and Black Sea regions. However, through our financial contribution to the 10th European Development Fund we will support as well - although indirectly - the development efforts of countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. The eradication of poverty in all its dimensions and manifestations is the main objective of Bulgaria’s development cooperation policy. Education, implementation of socio-economic transition and healthcare re-

forms, infrastructure projects, environmental protection and preservation of cultural diversity count among the sectoral priorities of our development assistance effort. Development in these areas requires more than funding. No less important is the availability of specialists, expert assistance and knowhow. In fact, it is by way of these forms of assistance that countries with moderate financial resources like Bulgaria could generate maximum added value operating in the framework of better coordinated international mechanisms. I would like to express my conviction that improving the quality of aid is no less important for achieving the MDGs than increasing its volume. Thus, our development policy embraces the principles of aid effectiveness laid down in the Paris Declaration and reaffirmed in the Accra Agenda for Action. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen. We hold in our hand the world we live in and it is within our grasp to change it. Hence, I am convinced that with a collective effort we can end poverty, indeed. In fact, through the achievement of the MDGs we can do more: we can right the wrong, turn the world upright and keep it as it should stand. Let’s not deprive ourselves of this priceless opportunity! Thank you. ***

Imagine you are a NGO volunteer, organizing a conference and doing research about the most recent environmental protection agreements of the UN. In the cluttered and chaotic online environment you get confused and feel lost…Sounds familiar ? The goal of the Making Commitments Matter (MCM) initiative is to provide both the state and nongovernmental stakeholders with reliable and user-friendly access the UN strategies. MCM’s ultimate goal is to find optimal ways of improving the implementation of United Nations resolutions and conventions on national level. To this end, more than 100 university students and young professionals (mostly members of UN Associations) from eighteen countries are involved in three dimensions of research regarding: a) UN agreements; b) civil society, and c) state actors. More and more research demonstrates signs that there is already enough potential on global level for stricter and more timely implementation of UN policies locally, especially driven by civil society activists, state or NGO experts, etc. A very fluent and analytical understanding of the UN agenda is, however, a prerequisite for transforming the Organization’s recommendations in national legislature or in administrative projects or volunteer grassroots initiatives. That’s why the MCM appearance has been very timely and one can only hope that the 192 member states once empowered through this online informational search engine will be more committed to delivering upon their taken upon commitments in the UN. Through developing the online database project of Resolution Finder, an online information filtering tool for UN Agreements, at this initial stage MCM has covered four themes: 1) clean drinking water; 2) women and education; 3) malaria; 4) small arms and light weapons. These priorities directly correspond to the Mil-

lennium Development Agenda. The first three issues are directly in relation with Goal 3 (Promote gender equality and empower women), Goal 6 (Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases) and Goal 7 (Ensure environmental sustainability). The long-term vision of MCM is to ultimately cover all thematic areas of the UN and contain information on several tens of thousands of different documents, thus extending the wider information availability for each and every MDG and WPAY related field. Up to now the first two stages of the initiative have successfully been accomplished through the launch of the online platform http://resolutionfinder.org/. As a result of MCM many valuable contacts and new forms of cooperation have been established among state and NGO sector, the academia and international organization representatives. Since 2010 the initiative will be continued by a new leading organization “Jungle Drum” – a supplier of informational technologies. Let’s wish them good luck! We, the UN Association of Bulgaria, strongly support this cause and we are proud that we are among those 18 pioneer countries that organized the campaign, on the one hand, and on the other, that the Bulgarian youth delegate team has played a leading role steadily throughout the duration. Ms Elizabeta Petrova (Youth delegate for 2008) was the official Bulgarian Representative for MCM (2008 -2010), while Velislava Ivanova (Youth delegate for 2010) was the National coordinator (2009 - 2010). You can find more information about MCM and its successor initiative at: http://resolutionfinder.org/ http://www.jngldrm.org/

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

The international initiative “Making Commitments Matter” – A digital platform for a faster, easier and constant access to United Nations agreements.

Messages for youth from youth

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Messages from the Bulgarian Youth Delegate Contest 2010 Anna Dimitrova

On the behalf of Bulgaria, I would like to urge you, honorable delegates, to start thinking on how to enlarge our army of people ready to work for the global peace and prosperity. With nearly seven billion people living on our planet, we need at least two who act and think like we do, in order to reach out to the other five and successfully complete our goals. Bulgarian youth believes that this could happen through improving education worldwide and is looking forward to discussing that with all other nations and finding the means to this end.

Marya Dineva

Dear ladies and gentlemen, I believe that a lot of the problems of the youth can be eradicated with their involvement and active participation in the society, because youth is not the problem, but it is a part of the solution. I have seen how ideas travel the world through international youth organizations and how they change the lives of many... I believe that the promotion of the involvement of the young people in the society can help us achieve the goals of the World Programme of Action on Youth (WPAY). The better world we are all dreaming of is not just a dream. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s give the chance to youth to express itself and change the situation. Let it try. Let it be.

Elitsa Jugleva

Dear young people all around the Globe, Be positive! Accept every difficulty as a way to create united global society. We all do need to fight for it, to fight for our childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future. Be inventive and creative! Be active! Be the voice, not the echo! As Mahatma Gandhi said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be the change you want to see in the world.

Messages from the Bulgarian Youth Delegate Contest 2009 Rossen Dimov

The Youth Delegate to the UN is aerobatics in youth politics. While in all other forums of participation, the decisions taken by young people only apply within the boundaries set by a restricted community (national, regional and supranational), in the UN, the organization of all sovereign states, the effect of the achievements will be literally worldwide.

Maria Vasileva

One example equals 1000 theories, which is why my recommendation is – show the successful examples to the young people in Bulgaria, so they can challenge other people after them. Show examples of campaigns, led by youth and targeted at youth, so that young people in Bulgaria will start helping, so that they will feel personally involved in a particular cause and develop a greater sense of civic conscience.

Maria Vasileva

I will not propose just a small voluntary campaign for limited number of students who accidently see the advertisement for the event in the local university newspaper. No. Cleaning and planting of forests, mountains and protected areas should be made obligatory for young people. Something like the green schools that used to run before. It could be only 5 days a year, but it will make a huge difference!…. All young people should be acquainted with terms like sustainable consumption, recycling, energy saving, etc. I think that only one additional obligatory hour a week in Sustainable development to be added in all schools, will make a huge difference to our planet!

Mariya Georgieva

Once Martin Luther King, Jr., “had a dream“ , to see his people free , today I have a dream - to see young people in Bulgaria realized , with good jobs and expressed civil opinion. Opinion, which they could defend, thanks to someone who believed in them and had given chance to prove themselves and their brave point of views. Bulgaria is a small country, but with very brave, smart and far-sighted future, which waits to be given chance to develop. Give chance to young people, provoke them, establish conditions and they will show you the potential that they possess.

Elena Kireva

Every new generation faces particular challenges, which are often not heard or understood by older people. This is why it is important to make the contemporary problems of Bulgarian youth known and simultaneously show them that they matter and they are not alone. Young people should also be lifted from apathy and indifference and should be encouraged to take active part in building tomorrow’s world, because this world belongs to them.

Lilyana Angelova

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

I recently read the international bestseller book “The World Is Flat” by Thomas L. Friedman and I really like one idea of his: “In the future, how we educate our children may prove to be more important than how much we educate them.”. I do hope that we will find the right balance, the right techniques, the right people to educate the children of Bulgaria, so that all of us will enjoy the benefits afterwards.

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Lilyana Angelova

Only the combination between reform in school education and strengthening of family ties can lead to building up well-informed/clever and socially-competent young people who are ready to take their lives in their own hands. And such capable and responsible individuals is what our country and the world badly need.

Dimitar Ivanov

What I find as particularly worrisome when it comes to youth is the increasing civil apathy. The alienation of young people from the political life as well as their lack of interest in influencing the fate of their country is more and more evident. This is a strange and perhaps unnatural situation, bearing in mind that in the past youth was perceived as the conscience in a society.

Dimitar Stanev

The participation of a Bulgarian youth delegate needs to set an example of civic initiative among young people and enhance their participation in the life of society. This will strengthen the civic society in our country, which is still struggling. We need to have more initiatives of this kind.

Dimitar Stanev

Many Roma parents send their kids to school because of the free meal under the programme “a cup of warm milk”. Yet more parents force their children to work or to beg on the streets. Roma teens generally attend school only to get a certificate for primary education which makes them eligible for driver’s license. Students should be kept in school and we need adequate governmental policies for that…..Our society must not treat Roma education with neglect. Bulgaria is proud with its ethnic model. Different ethnic communities may live in peace but that is not enough. The government should take serious measures to assure there is an equal start for all which means a general right to good education.

Ioanna Mikova

Being Bulgaria’s youth delegate is both a challenge and a privilege. It is a privilege, because you have the opportunity to see the image of Bulgaria as reflected in the mirror of the world on the one hand, and let the world see the problems of Bulgarian youth through you on the other… Personally I see the role of Bulgaria’s youth delegate in the image of Prometheus – to kindle the fragile sense of civic citizenship and trust of the country and its youth requires that you really have the “fire” in yourself …… It is vital that we have a Bulgarian youth delegate, because young people need to be active, because they are important, because the political and the judicial systems are accountable to them as well and they need to be acquainted with them, because the future of Bulgaria is in the hands of the young people and the more responsible we are, the brighter it will be.

Messages from the Bulgarian Art Contest on the WPAY 2009 Young people should have an important role in the public life. Their voice should be heard and taken into consideration, because they have innovative ideas that can be usefully globally. The problem with the Bulgarian youth is the lack of active citizenship. Strong tools against this apathy are campaigns like the Bulgarian Youth Delegates to the UN, as they can awake the youth and encourage their potential, motivating them to develop and be creative in searching and finding ways to make their visions come true. We are citizens of the world and must act responsible as such. I believe that the role of the youth delegate is extremely important, as in this way the voice of the young people will reach the relevant institutions. The youth delegates should play the role of youth ambassadors and at the same time work for the protection of the rights of the young people. The Bulgarian Youth Delegates to the UN campaign is an excellent opportunity for encouraging the youth participation in decision-making on national and international level, regarding issues relevant to them, which directly affect their future. It not only helps us keep out national identity, but also makes us united, giving us the confidence of equal European citizens. In my opinion the role of the Bulgarian youth delegate to the UN is an exceptional opportunity for the young people to express their views and ideas. This is a chance the position of the young people to be introduced in public and respectively considered. I hope that the selection of youth delegates to the UN, who will present the young people ideas for action towards the existing problems, both locally and globally, will lead to the resolution of these issues.

Ioanna Mikova

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

It is really urgent in Bulgaria that a Law on Youth is enacted and voted, as it will allow a long-term strategy on youth development… The state should ratify the Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life. It doesn’t point out all the measures necessary, but facilitates youths’ political participation. …And of course, the shortest way to participation – lowering the voting barrier to 16 years and establishing of Youth Ombudsman. And why not going further by introduction of “Volunteer passport” and preferences for it, of civil lessons in school; rebirth of the former summer schools and youth centres network; improvement of the social status of minorities and orphanages ….preferences in residence acquisition for young families, such as lower credits for public residences.

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Message from Youth Delegate meetings with youth 2009 Svetlana Lomeva

I wish the 2009 Bulgarian delegates to find new friends from around the world, to get acquainted with new and different working models for young people and to manage to apply them in Bulgaria afterwards.

Hristo Monov

Young fellows and associates, the future belongs to you but your efforts will decide what it will be.

Bilyana Sekulovska

Make efforts, work hard, make impression and when you are about to come back make sure that everyone has learned how GREAT Bulgaria is!

Borislav Sandov

Think about future! Think about us, next generation! Make a policy for future. We need a healthy future.

Anonymous

Only constructive dialogue between generations will lead the world to sustainable development! New technologies are the future of UN and the world – make future! In a small town like our town a large portion of young people are unemployed. Unemployed young people cannot contribute to the society they live in. Measures related to youth employment will solve many local and global problems. Problems of today’s youth will be world’s problems tomorrow. Only we can solve them! High-quality higher education must be a global priority. I hope the youth delegates to the UN will defend this opinion of Bulgaria’s youth with their work. This is the way to change. Come along! Young people around the world deserve equal chance – give it to them! The young people from Shumen wish the “Youth delegates” campaign best of luck! We hope it will turn into a tradition in Bulgarian society and that problems of young people will be taken into account by the UN. Let the future of our youth delegates be one endless summer!

Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science until 2009

Deputy President of the State Agency for Child Protection until 2009

The MDG Summit has concluded with member states re-committing their political will. Now this political will must be realised. As nations, you have spoken; it is now time to honour your commitments not with words but with more action.

Australia, Samah Hadid

The life of young people is full of fear about their future. Will I be able to get a job, to make a living, to support my family? These questions jeopardize in many ways social progress creating egoism, destructive competition and disinterest in the common welfare.

Germany, Clara Leiva Burger and Jens Christoph Parker

How much do young people in your country know about developing countries? How many know about MDGs? Certainly there is a specific group paying attention to the mentioned issues - those are usually the international relations students or young people active in NGOs. The smaller the country is – and Slovakia is a good example with its 5 million citizens – the earlier one notices that those involved are always the same young people.

Slovak Republic, Dana Vyzinkarova

Young people are on the frontlines of many of the world’s human rights crises, but too rarely you get to hear their point of view. It is estimated that in 40 years as many as 2 billion people won’t have sufficient access to clean water. These water shortages will affect the youth in the direct future. Now is the time to act upon these resolutions because tomorrow is too late! We, the youth are not waiting for new resolutions; we are waiting for actions to be taken. It is not sufficient anymore to urge States to comply with their human rights obligations. Governments’ action is needed towards their own citizens to move progressively and as quickly as possible towards the full realization of the right to water and sanitation for everyone. This with special attention to individuals and groups who have traditionally faced difficulties.

The Netherlands, Elsa Van de Loo

A brighter future for youth and the world cannot be achieved only by drafting resolutions and creating well-researched policies. It must also depend on how each and every individual must “think” and “motivate” positivity into action. What needs to be done, therefore, is the implantation of social consciousness into young people’s minds and enhance their global perspectives on issues of common concern to humanity.

Thailand, Pacharaporn Panomwon and Ploypailin Rupavijetra

Youth Delegate to the 65th UN General Assembly Session, October 2010

Youth Delegates to the 65th UN General Assembly Session, October 2010

Youth Delegate to the 65th UN General Assembly Session, October 2010

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

Youth Delegates to the 65th (2010) and 64th (2009) UN General Assembly Sessions

Youth Delegates to the 65th UN General Assembly Session, October 2010

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Austria, Rodaina El Batnigi

Education means empowerment, especially for girls and young women. Equal possibilities for all children to access education are crucial for their social and economical development as well as for the development of the societies they live in. Genuine participation for us means not only listening to young people but involve them as equal partners and to let them be on the par with decision makers in political processes and decision making. From our point of view the core principles of participation are co-decision, self-determination and self-government of young people.

Korea, Yoon Jeong Kang

â&#x20AC;Ś more frequent and varied ways to promote youth participation should be suggested. Both nationally and internationally, global organizations such as the UN could continue to provide opportunities to youth for exchanging opinions on decision-making and social integration with a view towards the future.

Youth Delegate to the 65th UN General Assembly Session, October 2010

Sweden, Felix Koenig

Youth Delegate to the 65th UN General Assembly Session, October 2010

Young people are participants, leaders, initiators, and actors for change, today. Young people struggle to be part of the solution but are left being a part of the problem. We need you to keep your promises and make them true. And we need you to do this now.

Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz TarabzĐ°ouni

The youth of today are the leaders of the future and we will work hard to insure that the MDG goals remain a matter of national precedence in our countries.

Australia, Samah Hadid

Developed countries must also set an example of development within their own backyards by prioritising empowerment of their Indigenous peoples. Equality must be a reality â&#x20AC;Ś . Indigenous youth are no exception and their needs cannot be forgotten. But there are children and young people in the world who live without these opportunities and destinies. And these barriers will not be rectified without the meaningful participation and voice of young people at an international level. The achievement of all member states embracing the youth delegate programme at the United Nations would be a start.

Youth Delegate to the 65th UN General Assembly Session, October 2010

Switzerland, Laura Crivelli

… young people want to be accepted as partners for development. Youth must be involved addressing current global crisis including climate change. We are ready to help shape a brighter tomorrow. It is crucial that children and adolescents understand the influence of choices in society, so that it becomes a natural part of individuals’ growth to eventually lead a responsible and active life in this world. This way, future generations can together build a world of peace and development, where human rights are respected.

Finland, Hanna Grekula

Walking through the corridors of the United Nations, meeting with people from countries which I have never heard of before, and discussing challenging topics with other Youth Delegates were unique experiences for me. As the single Youth Delegate from a Muslim country, it was a “consciousness expanding” experiment for me to observe that people around the world are facing similar problems independent from their origin and religion. Problems such as global warming, youth unemployment, youth justice transcend cultures. All of us Youth Delegates from very different countries were able to discuss these topics and offer the United Nations the youth version of possible solutions.” It is such an amazing experience! To carry the weight of the voice of youth of an entire nation on your shoulders. It is such pride. The Youth Delegate Programme affords youth the opportunity for open-minded dialogue on issues affecting youth on a global level and the experience allows one to make strategic inputs into local action and initiatives. This experience built my confidence and bolstered my aspirations towards contributing to the voice of young people at the global level. I am so grateful for this initiative.”

Turkey, Seyithan Ahmet

Youth Delegate to the 65th UN General Assembly Session, October 2010

Youth Delegate to the 64th UN General Assembly Session, October 2009

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

Youth delegates want young people to be recognised as indispensible to the search for solutions to the social and economic problems of today. The theme of the International Year of Youth, “dialogue and mutual understanding” aims not only to promote harmony among young people of different origins and social strata, but also between the generations. Intergenerational cooperation must be strengthened with the creation of synergies, the sharing of knowledge and an alliance of the particular strengths of each age group.

Ghana, Simeone Saint Azoska

Youth Delegate to the 64th UN General Assembly Session, October 2009

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Korea, Hyunju Sim

The beauty of being a youth delegate, in my opinion lies not just in representing your country, but also in interacting with other talented youth delegates from around the world. You will come to realize there is so much to see and learn just by being in the United Nations. I бпорstrongly urge those countries without youth delegates to consider the benefits of engaging young people within their own delegations to the United Nations. As we, the youth, are the future representative who will one day come to voice the concerns of each nation, I believe having a Youth Delegate is a crucial indicator of country’s future effectiveness at the United Nations.”

Bonian Golmohammadi

The World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) is a global non-profit organization working for a stronger and more effective United Nations. Established in 1946, we represent and coordinate a membership of over 100 United Nations Associations and their thousands of members. ….At the heart of our mission is the belief that a strong and effective United Nations can be a powerful force in meeting our common global challenges and opportunities. We believe that peoples’ involvement in all levels of local, national and global decision-making is essential in order to achieve the goals of the United Nations. ...The World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) joins the international community in commemorating the International Year of Youth. WFUNA is committed to engaging people of all ages, from all walks of life with the United Nations. In particular, WFUNA has regularly emphasized the importance of empowering young people to be active global citizens. We are inspired by our strong and vibrant youth network, by the unwavering dedication of our young volunteers and members, and by the creative ideas and projects being implemented by them around the world…I would like to invite all young people … to join your local United Nations Association or UN Youth Association. Being a part of the UNA movement provides opportunities for engagement with United Nations issues in your home countries and internationally. If you do not have a UNA in your country, we hope you will reach out to us and explore the possibility of establishing one!

Ms. Evgenia Peeva

At Teach For Bulgaria (Zaedno v chas) we believe that one of the toughest challenges before our society today is the unequal access to quality education for every child. We work to address this challenge by attracting and preparing outstanding graduates to become inspiring teachers and socially engaged leaders. We believe that the solutions of our society’s and our world’s gravest problems today lie in the hands of motivated, thoughtful, responsible young people. These are young people who recognize that in order to be successful as an individual it is not sufficient to be talented and driven – one also needs to constantly work to develop one’s leadership skills, to learn from others and to share with them capabilities and resources that will help everyone’s wellbeing in the long term.

Youth Delegate to the 64th UN General Assembly Session, October 2009

Secretary-General of the World Federation of United Nations Associations

Executive Director, Teach For Bulgara (Zaedno v chas)

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

The role of the youth delegates is therefore challenging, yet crucial for our global society and extremely rewarding for the individual. Being an active part of shaping the global agenda of international dialogue and common priorities requires a great degree of matury, motivation, thoughtfulness and humility as well as an excellent ability to find the right way to communicate oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s messages to the world. At Teach For Bulgaria, we know how difficult it is to develop and practice these qualities, so we congratulate Bulgariaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth delegates with their successes so far and wish them lots of strength and perseverance in the future as they continue building on their past achievements.

What Do Active Young People Do In Bulgaria

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

by various non-formal methods the education which the young people get. Among our priorities is also the lobbying for inclusion in the curriculum of disciplines such as Active citizenship and Human rights.

United Nations Youth Association of Bulgaria Brief Introduction UNA-Bulgaria is established back in 1948. It is a member of the World Federation of the United Nations Associations (WFUNA). The mission of UNA is to popularize and apply the ideas, principles and decisions of the United Nations on a national level. The Youth Organization of UNA was established in 2003 to coordinate the Association’s youth related projects and develop active citizenship among the young people of Bulgaria by interactive educational methods in the spirit of the UN. Our organization conducts many Model UN simulations, public campaigns and special events in the main fields of activity of the United Nations, such as human rights, sustainable development, peace and security. UNYA also regularly participates in various international projects, exchange programs and forums. In 2007 we initiated the “Bulgarian Youth Delegates at the UN” campaign and we are implementing it every year.

Views and recommendations on some of the WPAY priority areas for Bulgaria Active citizenship In order young people to be active, they must be very well informed about their rights. The way to the active citizehsip is the good education. Therefore the UN Association aims to upgrade

Description of Your successful project on a WPAY priority area “I also live in this city!” – campaign for stimulation of the voting activity of the students at the local elections in Sofia in 2003, part of the national campaign “You choose!”, funded by the National Democratic Institute of USA, was the first project of the new UNYA. We conducted the following activities in the framework of this project: 1. Volunteers recruitment and training; 2. Door-to-door campaign in the students’ dormitories in Sofia; 3. Integrated advertising campaign; 4. Meetings with the main candidates for a mayor of Sofia and publication of a common booklet with their views regarding the youth policy and the education; 5. Work with the media As a result we achieved 40-percent increase of the voting activity in the Students’ town in Sofia compared to the previous elections.

Best practices and strengths of Your organization • • • • •

Perfect reputation; Unity in the name of the mission of the organization; Non-formal approach and friendly atmosphere; Broad field of activity – all the spheres where UN is active; Large network of contacts and partnerships at national and international level, due to the members of UNA-Bulgaria who are mostly current or retired diplomats and university professors.

There is a lot be improved in the youth participation in the decision making processes. A key step is the establishing of a National Youth Council, because Bulgaria is one of the few EU members without such a body. The inclusion of youth in the policy formation is only a part of the bigger issue which is the lack of legal mechanisms of citizens’ control on the institutions. By the introduction of more direct democracy practices instead of the representative ones could be guaranteed the transparency in the decision making processes, the effectiveness of the resources used and efforts put and the responsibility for the actions taken. The problem has two sides – on the one hand, the current situation is comfortable for the politicians, on the other hand, the citizens themselves do not exercise the necessary pressure for changes. Again the key term is “education” and that is why there is a need of coordinated efforts from the civil society to bring this change through the means of democracy.

Brief Introduction AEGEE is one of the largest youth organizations in Europe. It exists in the name of democratic values, cultural exchanges, peace and understanding of the continent, thus the national level is absent from its structure. The international initiatives of AEGEE foster cooperation between students and help for building a tolerant civil society. There are local organizations which are part of the organization in 232 university cities in 43 countries in Europe, its members are over 15 000. AEGEE stands for Association des Etats

Generaux des Etudiants de l’Europe (Association of the United European students).

Views and recommendations on some of the priority areas of the WPAY for Bulgaria Leisure time and cultural environment In the hectic lifestyle service Internet is increasingly becoming an honorary place in the spare time of young people. With ever faster pace, growing virtual world will replace the real one and in the near future, there is a danger of this becoming an increasingly common practice. The problem is formed even in school age - children rarely spend time outdoors with their peers, preferring virtual friends. The long stay at the computer has harmful consequences for physical and intellectual health of children. Instead of doing sports and meeting new people аnd tradition, young people stand in closed rooms, being exposed to any harmful radiation from PC’s. To solve this problem must be taken measures. We must make the time spent with friends to be more desired than the new technologies. Particular attention should be focused on the cultural environment, in which young people live and develop. We should develop the cultural environment within the country, but also there should be given a special attention to cultural differences between young people in different countries. Organizing and participating in international cultural activities and seminars can help for for the cultural enriching of young people. The participation of people of different nationalities in common actions and discussions can stimulate an intercultural dialogue and creation of tolerant society.

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

Views on the interaction between state institutions and youth organizations in youth policy making

Description of Your successful project on a WPAY priority area „Eco spirit- the responsible way of living”- Five-day long event with participants from Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Greece, Italy and Turkey. It included discussions and workshops connected with global warming, climate change and useful activities for ecologically orientated way of life. In our event lecturers talked about consumer society, ecological farming and the connection between ecology and business. Through some workshops we showed what a

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

person can do with unwanted belongings and how to recycle some of them instead of making trash.

Best practices and strengths of Your organization There is a general principle for selecting members in our organization – it is the interdisciplinary method. AEGEE-Sofia is looking for students of all kind of fields of study which enables its members and its structures and activities. In AEGEE-Sofia we mainly organize international cultural events on which students from different European counties participate. These events show Bulgarian culture to other international students but they also help us all to learn more about different European cultures during our communication.

Views on the interaction between state institutions and youth organizations in youth policy making The interaction between public institutions and youth organizations is still relatively weak. It is necessary that public institutions start to provide more instruments and financing for youth activities. This would help the work of non-government organizations and also it can create a better public image of public institutions. Youth policies of public institutions are not well-formulated and their impact is not big enough. There are different possible solutions for improving the state of Youth policies and gaining a higher trust of young people in the government and the institutions. One of them is to create a mechanism for approving laws and handbooks about youth policies in an atmosphere of public debates between politicians and young people. Non-government organizations should be introduced and gotten involved in the process of decision-making.

Brief Introduction AIESEC is a global, non-political, independent, not-forprofit organization run by students and recent graduates of institutions of higher education. Our members are interested in world issues, leadership and management. AIESEC does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, creed, religion, national, ethnic or social origin.

Our Vision Peace and fulfilment of humankind’s potential.

Our Impact Our international platform enables young people to explore and develop their leadership potential for them to have a positive impact in society.

The Way We Do It AIESEC provides its members with an integrated development experience (The AIESEC Experience) comprised of leadership opportunities, international internships and participation in a global learning environment. Our Values • Activating Leadership - We lead by example and inspire leadership through our activities. We take full responsibility for developing the leadership potential of our members. • Demonstrating Integrity - We are consistent and transparent in our decisions and actions. We fulfil our commitments and conduct ourselves in a way that is true to our ideals. • Living Diversity - We seek to learn from the different ways of life and opinions represented in our multicultural environment. We respect and actively encourage the contribution of every individual.

Description of Your successful project on a WPAY priority area Problem (why): The issue of effectiveness of the curriculums and the lack of a good link between the education and the external environment. Purpose (how): Students from elementary and high school to get different skills not covered by the educational program. Short description (where, what, when): Giving different opportunities to the students, by giving them skills and knowledge that is not covered by the educational program. The trainings are given by international students and they’re covering topics like carrier orientation, skills development and cultural understanding. Participants and target group (who): Students from elementary school and high school. Partners (NGO’s, municipality, public institutions, international organizations): Municipalities in each local committee where our organization has offices, as well as the schools that takes part in the project.

Financing: EU “Youth in Action” program Results: The project gave the opportunity to students from different countries to come and experience the practical side of their studies – teaching, communication with different groups, cultural understanding and non-formal education. As well the school students that took part in the project had the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills, not covered by their studies plan, to

meet different cultures and get to know them and make a network of contacts abroad.

Best practices and strengths of Your organization Something specific about AIESEC as organization is the fact that it`s executive positions are for one year. The reason behind this is that it is not only about the intensity of the experience but also about giving the opportunity to more people to live it. It is not about the power the position gives but more about the learning and the development it provides. Each year there are elections on every level of the organization (local, national or global) when there are new executives selected. After that they pass through a transition period when their predecessors provide them the needed knowledge and documentations for previous periods, which help them in the planning and preparation of the new term. This ensures the stability and continuity of the organization.

Bulgarian Children and Youth Parliament Association

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

• Enjoying Participation - We create a dynamic environment created by active and enthusiastic participation of individuals. We enjoy being involved in AIESEC. • Striving for Excellence - We aim to deliver the highest quality performance in everything we do. Through creativity and innovation we seek to continuously improve. • Acting Sustainably - We act in a way that is sustainable for our organisation and society. Our decisions take into account the needs of future generations.

Brief Introduction The Bulgarian Children and Youth Parliament is established in 1998 and it proved to be one of the largest and most active national youth non-governmental organizations, promoting initiatives and decisions from young people for the young people. Our association obtained a vast international experience from its participation in various exchange programs, seminars and trainings, which increased our qualifications, tolerance and motivation to work for the European image of Bulgaria.

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Our mission To be the place where the talented, ambitious and energetic young people find their natural environment

Our vision To be a prestigious and attractive organization, which is open for the young people and is an equal partner of the institutions

Views and recommendations on some of the priority areas of the WPAY for Bulgaria Active citizenship Our organization works in that sphere for many years. We recommend to the universities’ and schools’ executives to pay the due attention to the organized forms of youth activity because exactly in such an environment the young people develop their active citizen’s potential. Since 2000 we organize visits at the National Parliament, meetings with leaders in different walks of life. We reckon that the Bulgarian youth do not have enough information for their opportunities to be active citizens. We also support the dialogue between the young people and the institutions by organizing specialized reception-rooms for youth.

Description of Your successful project on a WPAY priority area International youth training on human resources management, leadership and internal and external communication. The training took place in 2008 with the participation of youth non-governmental organizations from 19 countries. It was sponsored by the “Youth in Action” European program.

Best practices and strengths of Your organization The annual national session of the youth parliaments and councils is one of the largest youth forums in Bulgaria. There the young people from all around the country have the opportunity to exchange best practices with their peers, to share their ideas with

representatives of the different institutions and to form the youth position on the relevant problems. However, we do not close the area of our activity only in the local issues but we regularly broaden our scope and exchange experience and knowledge with our peers from the European countries.

Views on the interaction between state institutions and youth organizations in youth policy making We, in BCYP, firmly believe that the dialogue between the young people and the state institutions could be more active. In order this to become a reality all the forms of communication such as national conferences, common seminars, youth receptionrooms, open meetings, etc., must be stimulated and supported.

Brief Introduction Bulgarian Memory Foundation was established for public benefit in December 2007 the Foundation’s priorities are focused around the implementation of the modern idea of national identity and sustainable development of Bulgarian civil society by making full use of cultural and historic resources of Bulgaria in the perspective of Euro-Atlantic integration and intercultural dialogue. Among the main priorities of the Bulgarian Memory Foundation is the economic and cultural inclusion of students from communities from historical Bulgarian Diaspora.

•

• • •

•

to encourage and promote the education of young people in love and respect for the Bulgarian history, culture and national values to support and fund initiatives that create educational and training opportunities for the Bulgarians in the Diaspora to achieve their cultural and economic integration in Bulgarian society to initiate and implement projects to restore the monuments of cultural heritage of Bulgaria, to interact with organizations and institutions supporting initiatives to combat the demographic crisis in Bulgaria to develop and implement international projects for research and development under the EU’s policies for building a knowledge based economy and UN World Programme for Youth as well.

Description of Your successful project on a WPAY priority area Cultural and educational seminar “Bulgaria in my heart” for pupils of the Bulgarian origin in South-Western Ukraine, Moldova and Serbia For the past three years more than 1000 students have participated in the workshop and learned more about their roots and homeland. The participants in the seminar were introduced with the various options for continuing their education in Bulgaria.

Views on the interaction between state institutions and youth organizations in youth policy making We need to build tradition of communication between state institutions and NGOs, direct consultation with workers on the field and adopting a law on youth. Development and support of informal network and emotional connection for better communication and successful initiatives in the communities.

European Youth Movement – Bulgaria Brief Introduction “European Youth Movement – Bulgaria” /EYM/ was founded in march 1997. The EYM follows the model of the international European Movement, which set itself the goal of creating a European Union back in the 1940s. Since November 1999 the organisation is part of the international organisation of Young European Federalists – JEF Europe with their central office in Brussels. Members are young people between 18 and 35 years of age.

Activities: • •

•

Informing Bulgarian youth with federalist and European values Organisation of education seminars, trainings, conferences, lectures, discussions, simulation games and national selection processes in the areas of European Integration, human rights, preserving rights of minorities, inter-cultural understanding, solving of conflicts, environment preservation and others. Publicising information about current European processes, international youth activities, language courses, short- and longterm specialised trainings abroad and others.

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

Program priorities of the Foundation are in the following directions:

Views and recommendations on one of five WPAY priority areas for Bulgaria Young people today constitute an important group in our consummator societies and the habits which they form now will play a key role in the future consumer models. Their decisions as consumers have a huge influence on the market and way of life. This is why they need special attention

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

on the struggle to change the now prodigal models into such in line with the steady development. It is urgently necessary to change the consumer models and the attitude of the young people. The role of education in forming the behaviour and values, as well as developing skills, capacity and motivation for change of the wasteful consumer models.

Description of Your successful project on a WPAY priority area The educational course “Improving social activity and encouraging youth participation in the European elections”, which took place in Sofia between 1 and 8 May 2009 focused on the necessity to inform the new European generation how the European Parliament works as well as the rights and obligations, which EU citizenship brings with it, in order to improve their participation in the European elections and achieve a higher voting activity. 45 young leaders received practical skills on how to transfer knowledge on the EU onto the young people and they build up the capacity to organise informational meetings during the election campaign.

Best practices and strengths of Your organization “Coffee Europe” – in an informal setting actual European questions are being discussed, which helps the better activity and freedom in the exchange of opinions

Views on the interaction between state institutions and youth organizations in youth policy making With Bulgarians integration into the European Union our country was also incorporated into the criteria, values and ways of work of modern politics in favour of the young people. In the European countries its conceptual basics can be resumed in the following points: youth is a resource, not a problem; giving importance to each young person; encouraging youth potential; investing in youth; creating opportunities and access to the forming and integration of governmental youth policies.

An European value is to regards young people not as a subject or beneficiary of governmental youth politics, but as a active participant in it. The established forms of a constant political dialogue rightfully are set on the collective approach – participation trough youth organisations and their unions. On a national level the youth delegates are united in a National Youth Councils, and on the European one – in a European Youth Forum (which is officially a constant partner organisation to the European institutions!). It is necessary to create a new specialised Law for development of youth, which should regularize clearly the youth participation on municipal, regional and national level. After this a full cycle of elections of the given youth delegates should follow, which leads to the creation of a new legitimate National youth council. When we regards the question of active participation of youth in performing national youth politics, we have to take into account the fact that not more than 15% of young people declare their bond with one of the youth organisations. This means that the governments have to set the use of information and communication technologies as a high priority (blogs, specialised portals, polls and discussions as well as others) in order to get the opinion and ideas of a maximum number of young people.

Association “Francophone Club for Development” Brief Introduction The Association “Francophone Club for Development” was established in 2006. The main mission of the Francophone Club for development is to work actively for youth representation in Bulgaria and in particular the establishment of a National Youth Council and sustainable youth policies. By 2010, FCD has made over 20 own and partner projects in the following areas: youth, culture, exchange, education, media.

• • •

To create a successful European and international projects; To create successful partnerships; Exchange experience and best practices in youth policies.

Views and recommendations on one of five WPAY priority areas for Bulgaria Francophone Club for Development is active in four of the five areas, priority for Bulgaria: Education, active citizenship, Environment, Leisure and cultural Eenvironment. We believe that successful projects in the following areas need much stronger partnership between NGOs and public administration. We should create large, national projects that are sustainable in time, well planned and designed to achieve concrete results. NGO sector should make an effort to meet and understand the organizations working on related issues and develop a strong partnership network.

Description of Your successful project on a WPAY priority area Problem (why): Isolation of young people from border regions in Bulgaria. Topic: Regional Forum: “Educational and cultural policy in the border regions of Bulgaria» Purpose (how): Create a Forum - a process taking place in the border regions of Bulgaria. Brings together local community and allows an open discussion and debate, the people of the region to determine for themselves the development priorities of their community. Thus the aim of defining priorities and purposeful work towards creating jobs locally. Short description (where, what, when): The pilot initiative was held in the village Smilyan (10-12 September 2010). Representatives of schools, community centers, municipalities, youth NGOs participated. Participants and target group (who): Attended by representatives of schools, community centers, municipalities, youth NGOs

Partners (NGO’s, municipality, public institutions, international organizations): • • •

National Culture Fund, Ministry of Culture City Hall Smilyan village, Smolyan International Council of Francophone youth (CIJEF)

Results: Participants agreed on the drafting and signing of the Declaration on the establishment of an open civil platform “European perspective for local, interregional and cross-border cultural - educational cooperation in Bulgaria 2014 - 2020.

Views on the interaction between state institutions and youth organizations in youth policy making To constitute permanent dialogue between youth NGOs and government institutions. Establishment of youth representation, to advise young people on specific topics and to work as a mediator between them and the state administration. Bulgaria needs of elaboration and adoption of a law on youth.

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

The main goals of FCD are:

Brief Introduction Established in 1997, Junior Achievement Bulgaria is a member nation of Junior Achievement Worldwide (JAW) and its regional entity Junior Achievement – Young Enterprise Europe (JAYE). Junior Achievement Bulgaria is the first and foremost organization in Bulgaria offering top-notch programs and courses in business, economics and the development of the entrepreneurial spirit through educational and hands-on activities in economics, financial literacy, business skills, leadership and strategies for success. JA-YE enterprise and economic education programmes are designed for young people ages 6-25 and are implemented through a partnership between local businesses and schools.

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Views and recommendations on one of five WPAY priority areas for Bulgaria In its specific area of activity – entrepreneurship education – JA Bulgaria has focused on working on the following specific problems that are a consequence of the general problems described above: • The need to modernize the curricula with introducing more practical methods of teaching, use of more information technologies, and early career orientation; • There is a lack of quality practical business education, which is a result of the gap between the educational institutions and the business community and is demonstrated by a discrepancy between the skills provided by the educational system and the skills needed by businesses; • There is a lack of an overall strategy on the development of the necessary skills and competences in young people.

Description of Your successful project on a WPAY priority area “Student Company” is an education program, developed by Junior Achievement, that gives the high-school students the opportunity to develop their own enterprise for the duration of one school year and go through the whole real company cycle – starting by the generating of a business idea, developing business plan, company registration, production and sales, account keeping, company liquidation and eventually profit distribution. In this process they work with real money (starting capital is limited to certain point), real contractors and produce and sell real product/ service. Student companies use the advices and experience of business consultants, who create the link between the learning process and the real business environment.

Best practices and strengths of Your organization One of the strengths of Junior Achievement Bulgaria is the ability to seek and work with partners from different nature and to combine their interests, vision and expectations towards the improvement of the education quality in Bulgaria. Among them are

the state institutions, with which Junior Achievement works on a political level, but also for the practical organization of a mutual initiatives and programs. JAB tries to provide as much as possible direct contact between the young people and business representatives – they participate as volunteers for the entrepreneurship programs teaching at schools or as consultants during competitions and initiatives. JAB also tries to meet the business with the state institutions that are responsible for the forming of the education politics, in order to go forward towards overcoming the gap between the skills and knowledge which the school provides and the skills and knowledge that are being demanded at the labor marketplace. The organization has a strong team with young spirit and energy that is able to turn any initiative and event not only into educational experience, but also into entertaining party for all the participants. JAB works in a network with large number of international organizations, which gives opportunity for sharing of good practices and organization of mutual international initiatives, adding and enriching the experience of the students with the JAB programs.

Views on the interaction between state institutions and youth organizations in youth policy making It is necessary that the state institutions seek more dialogue with youth organizations and also more practically compatible activities, which go beyond talking during forums, round tables and conferences and are pointer towards action Wherever there is such attitude it will be possible to form and implement concrete measures or otherwise even if accepted, they will stay on paper only.

Brief Introduction Step for Bulgaria Foundation is a non-government organization, founded in 2007 after the successful Summer Academy „Step for Bulgaria“, initiated by Bulgarian students from Harvard University. Our focus is to bring together Bulgarian and foreign volunteers and to implement innovative programs for professional development for children living without parental care. Our goal is to provide to the youth the necessary knowledge and practical abilities needed for independent life, to integrate in the society and to succeed on the job market. We work to support underprivileged children to acquire concrete, meaningful and sustainable life skills that they usually wouldn’t have access to, through trainings for children and professionals working with youth living without parental care. More specifically, we are focused on encouraging regional-level and national-level partnerships in this field as well as on inspiring volunteer work and corporate social responsibility towards our target group.

Views and recommendations on one of five WPAY priority areas for Bulgaria The activity of the foundation in Bulgaria refers to the following WPAY areas of: Education, Leisure-time activities, Juvenile delinquency. The Bulgarian educational system is constantly undergoing significant changes. The expectations it faces it have never been higher while its structural and organizational difficulties have never been so diverse and dynamic. In addition, the professional and

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

„Step for Bulgaria” Foundation

social skills required by young people have gone up significantly and are rarely achievable by children, living without parental care. Bulgaria is one of the European countries with the highest number of institutionalized youth, about 5000. The lack of official strategy to provide equal opportunities for personal and professional development for children, living without parental care creates various issues. The absence of adequate parental or institutional support frequently condemns them to take an inappropriate path: to become victims of prostitution, to engage in criminal activities and to lead an unhealthy life. We believe that the only way to develop the full potential of children, living without parental care, as well as to create an adequate environment for them, is to provide them with the appropriate preparations and with enough attention by others who give them enough confidence and motivate them to find their own way and to better integrate themselves in the society. The major step that allows for their successful integration in the work force and to prevent them from engaging in criminal activities are educational programs where discussions about their potential and spare time go along with providing them with new abilities. After surveying the current practices in the sector of educational and social services for underprivileged children, we found that in Bulgaria there are many great initiatives on the local level. Unfortunately, they don’t have any visibility at the national level. Hence our current focus is on: • Creating different various programs for people working with children living without parental care (social workers, NGO professionals). The focus is on teaching applicable life skills, developing training materials, creating a guide for teaching life skills to underprivileged youth. • Helping other NGOs, orphaneges (institutions) and local organizations recruit and retain volunteers to help children living without parental care with their school load.

Description of Your successful project on a WPAY priority area Project “Steps in the future” Problem (why): Currently there is no training for independent life for children who leave the social care institutions. The

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

current legal framework does not provide any clear way to encourage the youth to set career goals, to look for a job, and to prepare themselves to integrate successfully in society once they become 18 years old. The absence of adequate parental or institutional support frequently condemns them to take a bad turn: to become victims of prostitution, to engage in criminal activities and an unhealthy life. Goal of the project (how): „Step in the future!“ is a year-long educational program that teaches life skills children, living without parental care. It teaches different skills for independent and successful life and focuses on the following core modules: • Psychological awareness and knowledge, emotional maturity and analyzing interactions between people; • Knowledge and use of civil and personal rights; • Knowledge and care of one’s own health; • Communication skills: teamwork, creating a work schedule, management of personal resources and time management, presentation. Short project description (where, what, when): Since October 2009 the program is being implemented in 4 institutions for children in Sofia, Plovdiv and Berkovica under the form of series of discussion on the different modules. The participants are 35 children from the four institutions. 15 volunteers, professionals and students manage the different modules.The program funding is possible thanks to the support of many donors of the Foundation. In 2010, the module on human rights, included in Step in the future, is financed through a CEE Trust grant. Results: Significant improvement of the motivation of children participating in the project. They acquire new skills that allow them to feel much more confident in their own abilities, to improve their interaction with others, to take better care of themselves and to work more effectively with other people. We will continue working with the participants, as the most motivated ones will have the opportunity to participate in courses in professional skills and a summer internship.

Thanks to the development of this program, we have created the Trainer’s pact «Step in the future!» as we would like to share our experience with teaching independent life skills to youth living without parental care to other people and organizations who work with the same target group in Bulgaria. We gathered a group of 10 trainers, volunteers at Step for Bulgaria Foundation and representatives of other organizations, who go together through a series of trainings to become effective teachers and to implement similar programs on the ground.

Best practices and strengths of Your organization Step for Bulgaria Foundation has been working on projects that encourage volunteer work in Bulgaria and the social engagmenet of young Bulgarians. Our best practices are linked with our ability to attract volunteers from different ages, social environment, professional and academic background or nationality, and to provide adequate conditions for their teamwork and their preparation contribute to the development of underprivileged children in Bulgaria. We take pride in our experience in organizing workshops for indepentent life skills training to youth living without parental care. The education sessions are taught by young volunteers (students and professionals) who manage to feel the interests of the children and to share with them precious knowledge, to provoke new ideas and ways of thinking about numerous issues that are important for their personal development. We have already started to spread our knowledge in similar training programs using our newest program, this time to train the trainers of kids, the Trainer’s pact «Step into the future». We firmly believe that the exchange of knowledge between different organizations allows more people to learn from each other and to build upon each other’s learnings and epxeriences. We have already organized a Roundtable for children in need with our partners from ReachOut. The initiative was extremely successful, because it gave the opportunity to different organizations that share similar goals yet possess different practices to discuss the common goals, needs and difficulties as well as useful lessons. We

Views on the interaction between state institutions and youth organizations in youth policy making There are various opportunities to deepen the partnerships between youth organization and official institutions. The young people with whom we work, as well as our partner NGOs, implement successful initiatives and achieve measurable results. At the same time, youth and volunteer organizations frequently encounter difficulties when communicating and coordinating projects with the orphanages, the agencies and the state institutions responsible for our target group. It will be useful to organize round tables with predetermined themes and with clear expected goals on which youth organizations could discuss with state representatives on mutually important issues, ideas and results. The product of these conferences could be collaborative decisions and directives that could become a part of the daily work and practices of the institutions and their partner organizations from the non-profit sector.

Brief Introduction Tuk Tam We are “Tuk-Tam” - an NGO uniting Bulgarians, who studied and worked abroad, and who have returned or want to return to Bulgaria. We are just like you - active, smiling, ambitious and positive. We believe in Bulgaria and want to help with what we have seen and experienced abroad. Our goal is to create an active social and informational network for our members, so that we can share experiences, devel-

op common interests, as well as accomplish various social projects. We aim to create contacts among the young Bulgarian professionals, who have studied or worked abroad. “Tuk-Tam” wants to be socially active by supporting and initiating different projects.

Views and recommendations on one of five WPAY priority areas for Bulgaria Education and citizens’ activity: One of the main problems of the Bulgarian educational system is that it is not interactive and practical enough, and the main problem for any civil society is that there are no concrete practices for creating such a society All of us have studied, worked and lived in different countries, cultures and professional spheres and we have gathered a lot of impressions from the different educational systems abroad. For example, it is clear that in the USA there is a strong interaction between the education and the citizens’ activity, and this interaction has a very positive effect on people. We believe that it is very important that school education includes elements of civic education, in order to create a better intercultural and interpersonal understanding, to include young people in active discussions of civil society problems and to lay the foundations of the citizens’ activity. If this is accomplished, when students become legally qualified citizens they will have a developed civil consciousness, as well as their own “causes” to fight for and to change Bulgaria for better. At the same time, the civil society will improve the education system by introducing a more practical dimension to it, will make the system more interesting and interactive and at the same time will develop students’ different social skills.

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

believe that similar meetings with clear results and clear decisions will help achieve better results on a larger scale.

Description of Your successful project on a WPAY priority area One of the main problems of young people in Bulgaria is the lack of good career opportunities. That is why many young professionals, especially the ones with foreign education, choose to follow a career path abroad. The result is lack of well qualified young professionals in different business spheres in Bulgaria, as well as lack of motivated and educated young people in the society.

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

The “Career in Bulgaria. Why not?” fair brings together Bulgarians with education and experience abroad and leading Bulgarian companies. The aim of the event is to introduce the young professionals to the actual career opportunities in Bulgaria. On one hand, with the project we expect to provide more information to the Bulgarians abroad about the opportunities for career development in Bulgaria. On the other hand, we expect to help the Bulgarian business to value the potential of the Bulgarians abroad, as well as to increase the interest of the employers towards these candidates. We expect that the fair will narrow the gap between the expectations of the employers and the candidates and will help more and more young Bulgarians to take a well-informed decision to come back to Bulgaria and to pursue a career here.

when concerning the areas of youth politics. At the same time, we believe an anonymous evaluation system for the administration should be introduced. This system should be used both for promoting and “punishing” personnel and in this way it will ensure that the best person is being chosen for each job. The evaluation system will also give a chance to youth organizations to evaluate and decide which government institutions work in the best interest of the youth organizations. Finally, the evaluation system will help increase the efficiency of the administration, while simultaneously decrease unnecessary bureaucracy.

Best practices and strengths of Your organization From the very beginning, the main strength of “TukTam” is the enthusiasm of its members. The activity of “Tuk-Tam” depends on voluntary work and will of its members and founders. Most of its activities and projects are specially planned so that they do not require financial support. The biggest resources of “Tuk-Tam” are its members with their experience and knowledge and their will to spend some of their free time. At the same time, “Tuk-Tam” builds its projects around the specific knowledge and abilities of its members. We do not limit or restrict our projects to specific spheres or formats, but we rather constantly look for new forms and ideas for our initiatives and events.

Views on the interaction between state institutions and youth organizations in youth policy making

The main obstacles for the successful interaction between the governmental organizations and the youth organizations are the bureaucracy, inertness, and sometimes the lack of initiative and will of the institutions to change. We believe that the decisions for these problems should include appointing the best representatives of the youth organizations as advisors to the government organizations, as well as demanding from the government organizations to cooperate and enter into partnerships with youth organizations

Brief Introduction The moto of the Eco Club at the Sofia University is”Ecology for the education, education about the ecology”. The main goal of UNECO is to build among the youth respect to the nature and intolerance to the violations on it. The non-formal ecology education is the main instrument used by the club. Since its establishment in 2006 UNECO managed to became a students’ tribune on issues such as territory planning policy and the application of models of sustainable development in Bulgaria. In pursuing its goals the club organizes public discussions, enquiries and campaigns. The main issues we have worked so far are the European eco-network Natura 2000, the separation of the waste and the renewable energy sources. UNECO is a member of the largest environmental NGO coalition in Bulgaria “For the Nature”.

Views and recommendations on one of five WPAY priority areas for Bulgaria Environment The growing urgency of the environmental issue leads to the growing number of the initiatives in that field. There is a

Description of Your successful project on a WPAY priority area Self-made by recycled materials litter bins for batteries were put around the building of the Sofia University in March 2009. There was organized an information desk on the issue for the students and professors. In the course of one year we collected about 50 kilograms batteries.

Best practices and strengths of Your organization

•

• • •

• •

Increased communication – not only between the youth organizations and the institutions, but also between the youth organizations themselves as well as between the institutions themselves; Register of the organizations, cataloguing them according to their field of activity; Establishment of youth centers in the bigger towns; Increasing the number of the competitive and creative contests for youth and also provision of the opportunity the best ideas to be put in practice; Prevention through education on risk issues; Participation of youth in the process of decision making, especially in the youth policy development

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

need of a strong political will and activity from all the stakeholders in order to be achieved a sustainable result. There is a need of a strengthening of the links and communication in the process. The environmental topic must be a priority and more and more resources and efforts to be allocated in order to be achieved harmony in the processes in the society and preservation of the natural balance. The young people are supposed to be key actors in this process since the dynamic of changes threatens exactly their destinies. There is a need of increasing the percentage of the environmental related courses in the curriculums and simultaneously to be tolerated and encouraged the youth initiatives in that sphere.

Non-formality and lack of bureacracy; Preservation of the working principles despite the fluidity of the member mass; Horisontal structure without a leader; The members are students studying various disciplines; Head office in the biggest university of Bulgaria; Participation in NGO coalitions; Freedom of decision making and financial independence

Views on the interaction between state institutions and youth organizations in youth policy making The interaction between the youth organizations and the legislative, executive and local institutions in Bulgaria is still at a very low level. To be improved those processes it is necessary to be implemented the following measures:

Meet us

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

She has graduated from the Performing Arts High School “Dobri Hristov” in Varna, with major Classical Piano; followed by the State Musical Academy “Pancho Vladigerov”, Sofia, Bulgaria, with Masters Degree in two faculties – the Faculty of Pop and Jazz Studies and the Faculty of Music Theory, Composition and Conductorship. She then graduated from the Berklee College of Music – Boston, USA, as a Bachelor in Voice Performance; as an excellent student her name was entered in the annual almanac of the USA: The National Dean’s List 2006 – 2007. As a student Dessy has become extremely popular with her participation in the daily TV show: “The Slavi`s Show”. She participates in 3 albums with “Ku-Ku Band”, the show band, and during 2008 she has issued her own album “It’s HER!” As a singer she has received many awards both at Bulgarian and international contests, among which are:

Name

Dessy Dobreva Youth Delegate’s Role

Good will ambassador Bulgarian Youth Delegate 2010/2011 Dessy Dobreva was born in 1981 in the city of Varna, Bulgaria.

For piano playing: • First award at the 3th National contest for accompanists, 1997 • Grand-Prize at a National Contest for performance of Czech music, 1999 For singing: • The special award of FIDOF – Vilnius, Lithuania, 1999 • Award from The Billboard World Song Contest, 2006 • Grand-Prize at the “Kemervision” – Antalya, Turkey, 2009 • First award at “Golden Voices” – Kishinev, Moldova, 2010 • Second award at the 11th Asia New Singer Competition – Beijing, China, 2010 • Performer Of The Year 2008 for Fan TV • Singer Of The Year 2010 for BG Radio In May 2010 she received “Varna” award in the field of Music. As a representative of the Bulgarian Cultural Center in the U.S. and throughout her career as a musician, Dessy has been actively promoting Bulgarian culture across Europe and USA. She has performed in front of audiences exceeding 60,000 people, including such events as the Easter Concert (2003), and the New Years Concerts (2002 and 2003) at the National Palace of Culture in Sofia, as well as the highprofile concerts at the legendary Royal Albert Hall (London, 2004), at the Astoria Hall (London, 2004) and at the so-famous jazz club The Blue Note in New York (2007). As a socially committed person, Dessy is proud to be one of UNICEF’s friends, taking part voluntarily in campaigns for raising millions of dollars for children in need, such as The Magnificent Six; fundraising campaigns; supporting charity campaigns such as The Avon Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer and Tomorrow for everyone; in humanitarian causes and events of organizations like the International Art of Living Foundation, active in 150 countries, working in special consul-

Interview I agreed to become a Good will ambassador of the “Bulgarian Youth Delegate” campaign, because I am convinced that everything can happen only with mutual efforts; active participation of all or at least of many people is needed in order for the good ideas to come true! ”Who if not me and when if not now!” The young people carry the energy and enthusiasm of their youth; they will carry out the development and reformation of this world. Some of them are active participants in the society, others not; our task is to motivate them and draw their attention, to show them that there are not small and big problems, but the resolution of all the problems depends on everyone`s participation and efforts. The culture is my path in life. I deeply believe that the music, the dance, gift in speech, the painting don`t have boundaries and that they speak one and the same language that everyone can understand. The culture breaks the ice, easily brings people closer and can be of help to any good cause! On the other hand, from any stage, even from the highest, I can announce with pride and dignity that the unique Bulgarian folklore is invaluable contribution to the treasury of the world culture. Finally I would like to quote the famous Bulgarian painter Vladimir Dimitrov – “the Master”, who in 1949 said: “There is no other salvation for the person, brothers, except for retreat from the personal egoism to self-sacrifice for the common good. Every person comes into the world, lives and dies and what remains from him are only the good deeds, which stimulate the generations towards progress!”

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

tative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), supporting the work of numerous organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO); also in youth programs such as YES! We Can – a program dedicated to the promotion of a new generation of young leaders, guided by human values and aimed at sustainable development. Created by the Art of Living Foundation and the International Association for Human Values this program introduces young leaders in community-based social projects and is committed to creating a society without stress and without violence; Dessy has also taken part in every edition of The Bulgarian Christmas – an initiative of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, George Parvanov, aiming at fundraising for the treatment of children; as well as in the global charity campaign, Pampers & UNICEF “1 pack = 1 vaccine” - humanitarian CSR initiative to collect funds for vaccines for immunization against tetanus of newborn children and pregnant women in 47 developing countries. In 2009 Dessy competes in the EU parliament elections. Currently, Dessy Dobreva is an author and a TV host of a three-hour long night show on the Bulgarian National Television (BNT) “Night Flight”, which promotes the many achievements of modern Bulgarian Society. It is broadcast via satellite to more than fifty countries worldwide, including U.S. and Canada. October 2010

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Education Double bachelor’s degree from the American university in Bulgaria in Business Administration (Finance & Marketing) and European Union studies Fellowship from Open society institute in New York University, USA, 2006-2007

Professional Aspirations My professional interests are currently focused in management consulting, restructuring and marketing. Longterm I believe in the stronger and more effective partnership between the business and nongovernmental sectors in their support of valuable causes and sustainable development.

Name

Boryana Atanassova (Boby) Youth Delegate’s Role National Advisor of the campaign Bulgarian Youth Delegate 2010–2011 National Coordinator of the campaign Bulgarian Youth Delegate 2008–2009 First Bulgarian Youth Delegate to 62nd UN General Assembly, 2007 and youth representative at the 45th Commission for Social Development, 2007 Coordinator of the Youth organization of the United Nations Association of Bulgaria Age 24

100

Interests & Hobbies I am intrigued by social entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, innovative marketing solutions, UN and civil society activism. I prefer to keep my free time dynamic and busy- traveling, discovering new places and meeting cosmopolitan people- citizens of the world. I admire modern art and live music performances. I totally adore dancing salsa and museum hopping for long hours of my favorite artists.

Message to the youth in Bulgaria and worldwide It is my sincere hope that all current, ex- and future youth delegates, оn the one hand, and on the other, all active young people, will strive to prove to the world that youth is worth being treated as an equitable partner in decision-making. For me youth delegate is a unique initiative, not a bureaucratic and formalized position for one or two people, but that is an embodiment of the constructive enthusiasm, creativity and engagement of youth to global problems. I strongly believe that the approach of addressing all life issues from the perspective of “not what can the rest and society do for me, but rather what I can do for the them, myself, today and the future” brings about longstanding results. My personal motto and take-on leadership is „То inspire, empower, impact”.

Contacts boryana.atanassova@bgyouthdelegate.org

B.A. of Public Relations, M.A. of Cultural Anthropology of South-Eastern Europe, Ph.D. student of Public Relations at the “St. Kliment Ohridski” Sofia University

Professional Aspirations Ivaylo is currently working as an editor of the Webcafe.bg and Sportcafe. bg websites . He is the founding President of the Youth Organization of the UN Association of Bulgaria (2003-10). Ivaylo is a founding member of the “Greens” party in Bulgaria.

Interests & Hobbies His hobbies include football, rock music, motorcycles. Message to the youth in Bulgaria and worldwide “The world depends on you. Yes, on you. Every great change firstly starts from a single human being, “

Contacts ivaylo.stoimenov@bgyouthdelegate.org

Name

Ivaylo Stoimenov (Ivo)

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

Education

Youth Delegate’s Role National Coordinator of the campaign Bulgarian Youth Delegate 2008–2009 First Bulgarian Youth Delegate 2006–2007 United Nations Association of Bulgaria, President (2004–2010) Age 30

101

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Education Bachelor in “Regional development and politics”, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 2006 – 2010. Currently, a Master’s degree student of “Business Administration – Strategic Management”.

Professional Aspirations She is convinced that every experience is valuable with the knowledge and skills it creates it you. That is why she manages to combine work, education and volunteer projects such as the “Bulgarian Youth Delegates”. Currently she is working as a Project Manager at a software company; she likes her job, however thinks that it is too early for long-term plans.

Interests & Hobbies Tourism, environment protection, youth participation, internet, rock-nroll.

Name

Elizabeta Petrova (Bety) Youth Delegate’s Role National Coordinator of the campaign Bulgarian Youth Delegate 2009–2010 Bulgarian Youth Delegate 62nd UN General Assembly, 2006–2007 Coordinator of the Youth organization of the United Nations Association of Bulgaria Age 23

Message to the youth in Bulgaria and worldwide Youth people possess the ability to look at the world through a different angle, seeing clearly the problems and finding innovative ideas for resolving them. Here comes the role of the Youth delegate, who should reach out to as many young people as possible, to gather their views and to present them to the people with influence (diplomats, politicians, etc.), reminding them about the real issues directly affecting youth as well as the commitments made. Youth delegate`s role is also to give feedback, informing young people on the youth priority issue areas and the commitments being made on a national as well as international scale. Every young person has a personal cause, mission and goals to make a difference, however they often give up lacking enough influence and resources. What is your personal cause? Don`t give it up, share it with the youth delegates team. Be active! Get involved!

Contacts: elizabeta.petrova@bgyouthdelegate.org

102

Stanford University, Master’s degree in International Policy Studies, concentration in International Security and Cooperation /2010 – 2012/ American University in Bulgaria, BA in European Studies and Business Administration /2006 – 2010/

Professional Aspirations I started my master’s degree a month ago and look forward to the next two years, during which I will examine the process of designing and implementing policies and focusing specifically in the realm of international security and cooperation, a field whose crucial importance for the welfare of society has become apparent in an age of looming political, technological and environmental challenges. Upon completion of my degree, I would seek a career path as an analyst in the nongovernmental sector.

Interests & Hobbies International security, alternative energy resources, climate change, Spanish and Russian languages, Asian cultures.

Message to the youth in Bulgaria and worldwide Drawing inspiration from the words of Antigone Aesculus “If I am young and wrong, then you are right to look down on my youthful ignorance. But if I am young and right, what does my age matter?”, I believe Bulgarian society should open itself up to hearing the right as seen by its youth.

Contacts кristina.popova@bgyouthdelegate.org

Name

Kristina Popova (Krissy)

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

Education

Youth Delegate’s Role Bulgarian Youth Delegate to 64th General Assembly of the UN, 2009 Age 23

103

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Education American University in Bulgaria, Economics major, journalism and international relations minors, freshman

Interests & Hobbies UN Youth Delegate; AUBG Student Government Senator; Associated columnist for Junior Observatory on Sustainability; Member of the Establishment committee for National Youth Forum; Fervent golf player.

Professional Aspirations Interested in diplomacy, international cooperation, youth participation.

Message to the youth in Bulgaria and worldwide If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change.

Name

Atanas Mihnev (Nasko) Youth Delegateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Role National Coordinator of the campaign Bulgarian Youth Delegate 2010 Bulgarian Youth Delegate 64th UN General Assembly, 2009 Age 19

104

Contacts atanas.mihnev@bgyouthdelegate.org

International Economic Relations at the University for National and World Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria

Professional Aspirations Given the opportunity to help Bulgarian youthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice to be heard, I would be glad to give my humble contribution now as a youth delegate and to long-term join the efforts to help Bulgaria play its role of a responsible member of the international community and a stable partner for cooperation.

Interests & Hobbies Despite the busy schedule full with exams in three languages (Bulgarian, English and German) and a wide range of extracurricular activities, enriching my experience and personality, ,I like to take the time and learn more about different cultures. I like drawing on the wisdom enshrined in their unique traditions, interesting languages and rich history.

Message to the youth in Bulgaria and worldwide Inspired by the messages that my colleges and friends from the Bulgarian team, but also those coming from different parts of the world, I would like to join them in our common endeavour to make the youthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice be heard and appeal to each and every young person to be active part of their societies, be it on the local, national or international level. Be responsible individuals, open to work together and devoted to helping others!

Contacts velislava.ivanova@bgyouthdelegate.org

Name

Velislava Ivanova (Veli)

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

Education

Youth Delegateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Role Bulgarian Youth Delegate to 65th UN General Assembly, 2010 Coordinator of the Youth organization of the United Nations Association of Bulgaria Age 22

105

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Education Master Business Administration, Master Informatics in German - Technical University Sofia

Professional Occupation Informatics, Communication, Customer Relations & Data Quality. Currently working at IBM GDC SOFIA - GERMAN LANGUAGE GROUP.

Interests & Hobbies Political activity, NGOs, UN Youth Delegate to the 65th GA. My personal motto is “Victory is the result, intelligence is the key.” Photography, reading, sports, drawing, web design, travelling to exotic places, collecting clocks.

Message to the youth in Bulgaria and worldwide Name

Blagovest Kirilov Youth Delegate’s Role Bulgarian Youth Delegate to 65th UN General Assembly, 2010 Age 23

106

We should not forget the paths of history, but also bear in mind the fact that today we live in a new world. In the new global World the home we live in should no longer be an impregnable fortress, but instead a place always open to shelter friends. Everyone should find the meaning in his way trough life so as to preserve the heritage and give it on to the future generations. Be tolerant, communicative, think globally and act locally - this is the way! Be active.

Contacts blagovest.kirilov@bgyouthdelegate.org

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

Education (Masters Hons) Politics and International Relations (3rd year student, direct entry) at the University of Dundee, Scotland

Professional Interests I see myself investing all my energy, enthusiasm and skills into the structures of the European Union, the United Nations and a few other international nongovernmental organizations with offices in Bulgaria.

Interests & Hobbies During my vacations in the last few years I focus on discovering all those hidden, not so well known beautiful places in Bulgaria while enjoying the company of my friends and family. In my day to day spare time I enjoy cooking, gardening and drawing.

Message to the youth I would very much want to see more young people, around the world and in Bulgaria, that act and think according to the message that comes straight from their souls as a answer to the question “What will be the best thing I could do for the world?” I do sincerely believe that if all of us, stay still and listen to that voice, our goals and actions will be the same and we will be capable of achieving this, which many generations before us deemed impossible – global peace, security and prosperity. Yes, some of us have better opportunities to raise their concerns and opinion, but we also have greater responsibilities to make sure that other young citizens of the world will be heard. And never betray your dreams, because if you do so, you betray not only yourself but the world as well.

Contacts anna.dimitrova@bgyouthdelegate.org

Name

Anna Dimitrova Youth Delegate’s Role Bulgarian Youth Delegate Coordinator 2010/2011 Ages 20

107

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Education Bachelors degree in Legal Studies, Politics and German Language at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, U, first year student.

Professional Aspirations I would like to work in the field of Politics, Law and Diplomacy.

Interests & Hobbies My interests are related to international politics and law, history, environmental protection, travelling and having knowledge of different cultures. I have a lot of hobbies, but the main ones are arts, sports and dancing.

Message to the youth in Bulgaria and worldwide

Name

Nadezhda Lazarova (Nadia) Youth Delegate’s Role Bulgarian Youth Delegate Coordinator 2010/2011 Years 19

108

I believe that we, young people in Bulgaria, represent the generation that will build and make the politics and business ahead. The establishment of international youth partnerships in all parts of the public life will change the future of the world. The most positive and long- term investment is in education of young people. Therefore, my message to the young people in Bulgaria and around the world is to be confident, open-minded, well educated and willing to make changes in order to have better future for themselves. The change ensures development. Be active, take part in international programs, cultural exchanges, contribute to the environmental protection, have a solid educational background and a social and civil position, because everything depends on us and we are the people who choose our own future! My personal motto is a quote of Stevie Wonder: ‘’We all have ability. The difference is how we use it.’’

Contacts nadezhda.ivanova@bgyouthdelegate.org

11th grade student at “Erich Kestner” High School in Sofia, Bulgaria

Professional Aspirations Inspired by my family traditions, I share the passion towards law studies. I have always been intrigued by the work of the lawyers, law order and processes.

Interests & Hobbies As General Secretary in the organization I am used to traveling, that is why meeting new people, exploring foreign cultures and habits has become my hobby and great interest. Whenever I have free time I attend dancing and swimming classes.

Message to the youth in Bulgaria and worldwide Fellow peers, we are at the beginning of your development. The beginning is just that, the beginning. How can we be different? It’s not about where we are today; it’s about what we are learning today and how this would help us do great things. So learn, be a real difference maker. The world needs a change, systems need improvement, but unless people become involved and agitate for change we won’t see anything happen. Voting, as well as wider participation in the political system and decision making process is crucial to ensure that our voices are heard. We are makers of the future; this is aprivilege and great responsibility. That is why we must not be driven by a fear of failure but by a desire for success.

Contacts savina.alexieva@bgyouthdelegate.org

Name

Savina Alexieva (Savy)

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

Education

Youth Delegate’s Role Bulgarian Youth Delegate Coordinator 2010/2011 Years 17

109

Bulgarian Youth Delegate

Education European studies

Professional Aspirations International organizations

Interests & Hobbies Music and art

Message to the youth in Bulgaria and worldwide

Name

Mariya DinevĐ° Youth Delegateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Role Bulgarian Youth Delegate Coordinator 2010/2011 Age 25

110

We all know what we the young people are capable of. It is true that some of our goals do not depend on us, but there are a lot of them that do depend on us. The world is not only in the hands of the decision makers, it is also in our own hands. If people are dying today, if the world does not live in peace today, if the Earth is being polluted today, it is not our fault. But if it continues to happen tomorrow it will be. We can do it our way, we can do it in a better way!

Contacts mariya.dineva@bgyouthdelegate.org

12th grade high school student at First English Language School

Professional Aspirations International politics and diplomacy

Interests & Hobbies I love reading books, exploring history and keeping up-to-date with the news. Making new friends.

Message to the youth in Bulgaria and worldwide Dream. Fight.Don’t ever remain indifferent!

Contacts georg.flach@bgyouthdelegate.org

Name

Georg–Phillip Otto Flach (Georg)

Because youth is the solution not the problem!

Education

Youth Delegate’s Role Bulgarian Youth Delegate Coordinator 2010/2011 Age 18

111

Thank You!

The Bulgarian Youth Delegate Programme expresses its most sincere gratitude to the following people and institutions, without whose contributions the “living dream” would not have been possible: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic Bulgaria Permanent Mission of Bulgaria at the UN The United Nations Association in Bulgaria The UN Focal Point of Youth Goldman Sachs Global Leaders Programme International Institute of Education Travel Agency USIT Colors Association for Support of the Academic Community Ivan Garvalov Rayko Raytchev Kamen Velichkov Ivan Piperkov Lily Valtchanova Antonia Alexieva Maya Nyagolova Ivan Modev Petranka Fileva Iva Doseva Vqra Ankova Daniela Kuneva The Bulgarian Youth Delegate Programme is thankful for the all the contributions to the publishing of this book to the following people: Ioan Georgiev, Elizabeta Petrova, Atanas Mihnev, Kristina Popova, Velislava Ivanova, Ivaylo Stoimenov, Petranka Fileva, Atanas Atanassov and other volunteers from the UN Association. There are no ex Presidents. Likewise, there are no ex– Youth Delegates. We thank all Youth Delegates of Bulgaria through the years for their contributions and commitment. I thank you all personally. Boryana Atanassova