SDSN Youth and SDSN Bulgaria launch New Youth Network: SDSN Youth Bulgaria
SDSN Youth Bulgaria joins SDSN Youth’s family of national and regional networks across 40+ countries in their mission of mobilizing youth to act for the SDGs locally and globally.
On October 9, 2024, SDSN Youth and SDSN Bulgaria officially launched SDSN Youth Bulgaria during SDSN Bulgaria’s first annual conference. The Bulgarian Youth Network, serving as the youth branch of SDSN Bulgaria and part of the broader SDSN Youth networks, reflects Bulgaria's commitment to engaging and mobilizing young people to advance sustainable solutions.
During the conference, the Network’s leadership team — co-chaired by Michael Musov and managed by Co-Network Managers Atanas Dimitrov and Gabriela Naskova — brought together policymakers, including former President of Bulgaria Rosen Plevneliev, private sector representatives, professors, students, and young leaders. SDSN Vice President María Cortés-Puch and SDSN Head of Networks Andrija Erac also participated, delivering keynote addresses on navigating the SDGs in a changing world and leveraging global expertise for local impact, respectively.
The conference featured three sessions, each addressing critical topics related to sustainable development, such as education, emerging technologies, and youth mobilization. During the third session, SDSN’s Program Associate for Networks and Youth, Raquel Armendariz, officially launched SDSN Youth Bulgaria. “Here in Bulgaria, we are particularly excited about the establishment of SDSN Youth Bulgaria. The country has shown tremendous potential and commitment to the SDGs, and we are confident that the young leaders here will bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and energy to the table,” Armendariz stated.
As part of the Network’s establishment, two young Bulgarian leaders — Sofia Vasileva and Nikolay Boshnakov, students at the host institution, the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) — were appointed as Co-Network Coordinators. Their appointment marks a significant step in fostering youth leadership within SDSN Youth Bulgaria, as they will be responsible for coordinating local activities, engaging with stakeholders, and leading initiatives that contribute to advancing the SDGs in Bulgaria.
In her speech, Vasileva emphasized, "SDSN Youth is a global network that connects young leaders who share common values and are committed to the SDGs. By launching SDSN Youth Bulgaria, we are not just launching a network, we are launching a platform where ideas, innovation, and determination can flourish."
Boshnakov added that he was honored to serve as Co-Network Coordinator, noting, “It is exciting to be part of a team of visionaries and leaders — your peers — who share common values, views, and ideas for the future. The SDGs, in my opinion, are not just goals but a call for empathy and solidarity that leads to a change in mindset."
The launch of SDSN Youth Bulgaria marks a significant milestone in accelerating youth-driven efforts toward sustainable development in the region. It empowers young people to take leadership roles in addressing local and global challenges, fosters collaboration between universities, communities, and policymakers, and contributes innovative solutions that align with the Sustainable Development Goals. This launch creates a stronger platform for Bulgarian youth to engage with sustainability issues and drive meaningful change.