site.btaFM Gabriel Participates in New York Forum of GenU Global Initiative

Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel participated in a Global Leadership Council Meeting of the United Nations youth programme Generation Unlimited (GenU) in New York. The forum was devoted to the twin transition and preparing the next generation for a green and digital future, Gabriel's Ministry said Thursday. At the invitation of UNICEF's Executive Director, Gabriel has been a GenU board member since 2020 when she was the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is GenU Co-Chair.

Gabriel said the future should be made less uncertain for young people by helping them to best prepare for new challenges. One way is by adapting the education systems and encouraging creative and innovative thinking and entrepreneurship, including among women, she added. She also stressed the need for all stakeholders - including governments, education systems, the private sector and young people - to cooperate effectively.

Gabriel cited good examples from Bulgaria of support for young people as a pilot project under the European Child Guarantee, an initiative of the European Commission, also supported by UNICEF. The project supports children with disabilities and developmental difficulties, as well as children living in precarious family situations. She said Bulgaria will continue to work towards the goal of becoming a leading destination for research and innovation and a focal point for the best talent. The establishment of the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT), the first one of its kind in Eastern Europe, is a very important step in this direction, Gabriel said.