Young people in Blagoevgrad gave their voice for the future of the city

On 20 November, more than 40 young people from Blagoevgrad gathered at the Centre for Personal and Creative Development for an open dialogue with the local authorities. The event was part of the “Youth Dialogue in Bulgaria” initiative, which encourages young people to share their views and participate in the decision-making process.

Representatives of the Youth Parliament, student councils, and students from different schools worked in teams to prepare proposals on key issues for the development of the city. Among them were members of the newly opened Blagoevgrad Youth Centre, who supported the discussions and stressed the importance of a future partnership between young people and local authorities.

The team from the CthARTzis Foundation also shared the impressive results of their project, “My Name is Youth,” highlighting how it has successfully empowered young people to take part in civic initiatives and fostered collaboration between youth organizations across the region.

During the event, participants engaged in a thought-provoking discussion about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on humanity. Key points included how young people can adapt to the ever-evolving technological landscape and the essential skills they need to succeed, such as digital literacy, adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking.

Main results of the discussion:

1. 🚍 Improving urban transport and infrastructure.

2. 📚 Increasing information flow and connectivity between schools.

3. 💼 Expanding job opportunities and internships for youth.

4. 🌿 Renovating green spaces and recreation areas.

5. 🧹 Enhancing the cleanliness of the city.

6. 🎭 Making cultural events more accessible and diverse.

7. 🤖 Encouraging youth to embrace AI and develop essential tech-related skills.

8. 💡 Launching workshops to foster creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability in a digital age.

This event demonstrated the potential of youth-driven solutions and underscored the importance of equipping young people for the challenges and opportunities of the future. The active involvement of youth organizations and local authorities has laid a foundation for meaningful collaboration and progress.