site.btaBulgarian Labour and Social Policy Minister Addresses High-Level Meeting of World Programme of Action for Youth

Bulgarian Labour and Social Policy Minister Borislav Gutsanov addressed a high-level meeting marking the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth. "The future belongs to those who act, and Bulgaria acts together with its youth," he said as quoted by his Ministry Friday. 

The high-level meeting took part within the 80th UN General Assembly Session in New York.

Gutsanov emphasized the importance of leading by example in youth policies—a commitment he has upheld for many years. "Twenty years ago, as the chairman of the Municipal Council in one of Bulgaria’s largest cities—Varna, I wanted to set an example, and we created a Youth Municipal Council. Some of those young people are now leaders shaping Bulgaria's future. This is how we understand youth policy," he explained.

In his statement, the Minister of Labour and Social Policy noted that the ideas, energy, and determination of young people are irreplaceable in building a fairer world.

He assured the UN delegates that Bulgaria joins the European Union’s efforts for meaningful youth participation and is ready to work with all member states and the UN Youth Office to make progress in the Global Youth Programme.

"Young people are not only the architects of tomorrow but also key partners in shaping the present," Minister Gutsanov concluded.

The forum was attended by representatives of UN member states, specialized agencies, youth organizations, NGOs, academic institutions, representatives of vulnerable groups, and the private sector. The goal of the meeting was to strengthen political commitment to youth policies and programs, with a focus on the meaningful participation of young people in decision-making processes.

As part of the UN General Assembly, an event titled "A World Without Child Marriage" was held, in which Deputy Minister of Labour Natalia Efremova participated.
Countries were called upon not only to adopt preventive legislation, but also to act to change unacceptable societal attitudes that undermine the right to childhood, access to education, and economic prosperity.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, emphasized the importance of taking action that leads to real change, addressing the fight against violence towards children, poverty, and the protection of human rights.