site.btaNational Competition Women and Diplomacy: Ambassador for a Day Begins

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel announced a joint initiative with female diplomats in Bulgaria for the National Competition Women and Diplomacy: Ambassador for a Day, said the press centre of the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.

The national competition is for girls and young women between the ages of 14 and 25 with an interest in diplomacy. It involves an essay on the topic "I Am a Diplomat" in Bulgarian and a summary of the essay in English or, if desired and possible, in French, German, Spanish, as well as Arabic, Italian, Mongolian, Romanian, Slovenian, Ukrainian, Finnish or Montenegrin language.

The most convincing and impactful essays will be awarded by a jury composed of Prof. Dr. Ingrid Shikova, Department of European Studies, Sofia University; Kiril Valchev, Director General of BTA, and Petar Kraychev, Director General for Bilateral Relations at the Foreign Ministry.

The winners in the group of young women aged 18 to 25 will have the opportunity to share a day with a female diplomat in the representation of her country in Sofia, and those in the group of girls aged 14 to 17 will visit the National Assembly, the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The winners in both categories will be announced on December 8.

"More women in foreign policy will give other young girls the confidence to build a career in diplomacy. Today, many young girls and women need more confidence in themselves to follow their dreams. We want to highlight the talent and strengths of young women, because they are changing the world around us for the better", said Gabriel at the first meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria with the female diplomats in Sofia, held on October 19.