On October 7th, 2024, the International Youth Center in Burgas, in collaboration with the Municipality of Burgas and the National Youth Forum, held a Youth Dialogue, which is part of the project “Youth Dialogue in Bulgaria.” This initiative is implemented as part of the EU Youth Dialogue process, managed by the National Working Group and financially supported by the Erasmus+ program.
The event featured the participation of the Mayor of Burgas, Mr. Dimitar Nikolov, the Deputy Mayor for Education, Healthcare, Social Activities, and Youth Policies, Mr. Mihail Nenov, the manager of the International Youth Center, Mrs. Maria Salabasheva, representatives from the Directorate of Education and Youth Policies, youth workers, ambassadors of the EU Youth Dialogue, educators, and representatives from the student councils of the city’s schools.
The program began with a brief introduction of each participant and the organizations involved, followed by information on how young people can participate in conferences in Bulgaria and Europe. A brief and insightful training session was held, focusing on how to receive and transmit information effectively.
In the following panel, two topics were presented, giving the young participants 40 minutes to identify and discuss the problems and needs of their peers:
– What are the challenges facing young people in Burgas?
– What do young people want to happen in the city?
The youth highlighted a variety of needs and ideas, such as increasing opportunities for education and employment in the city, creating youth spaces, gazebos, and a stage for musical performances, more frequent bus services during peak school hours, sports facilities for less popular sports, and many others.
Mayor Dimitar Nikolov announced the upcoming opening of a cycling and go-kart track in the city, as well as the possibility of establishing a Youth Fund to allow young people to finance their ideas.
Mr. Nenov informed the students who had raised concerns about the widespread sale of restricted items to minors, such as energy drinks, that they could submit anonymous reports through the municipality’s website.
The meeting was conducted in a constructive and positive manner. It was revealed that the most preferred communication channels for young people are the mayor’s profile and the International Youth Center’s profile.
At the end of the event, participants were given the opportunity to share the most valuable takeaway they gained from the meeting.
