Youth Parliament Ruse Meets with the President of Bulgaria, Iliana Iotova

On 15 September, the new building of the International Youth Center – Ruse hosted its first event – a meeting between Youth Parliament Ruse and the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mrs. Iliana Iotova.

The President was welcomed by the XIII Guard Detachment and the Director of the International Youth Center – Ruse, Mrs. Krasimira Nikolaeva.

The meeting, organized at the invitation of Youth Parliament Ruse, provided an open and interactive space for young people to share their ideas, projects and views on issues that matter to them.

The conversation began with a simple but engaging activity: each participant introduced themselves and described Ruse in one word. These words became a starting point for a broader discussion about the city, its young people and their vision for its future.

The discussion then focused on topics such as social media, artificial intelligence, education, critical thinking, fake news and disinformation, as well as opportunities for young people to develop and build their future in Bulgaria.

The members of Youth Parliament Ruse also presented their projects and initiatives, including activities aimed at raising awareness about disinformation, participation in simulations and training sessions, international youth activities and plans for future initiatives.

The young people had the opportunity to ask the President questions on a range of topics, including the role and participation of women in senior positions in politics and public life. As there was not enough time to address all the questions, Mrs. Iotova invited the members of Youth Parliament Ruse to visit the Presidential Institution and continue the conversation there.

The event was attended by official guests, including H.E. Radko Vlaikov, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Romania; Pencho Milkov, Mayor of Ruse; his Deputy Borislav Rachev; Prof. Lyubomir Vladimirov, Regional Governor of Ruse; Academician Hristo Beloev, Chairperson of the Ruse Municipal Council; and representatives of various organizations and institutions.

As a special memento, the young people presented the President with an album featuring the activities and initiatives of Youth Parliament Ruse, accompanied by personal messages from its members. The Director of the International Youth Center – Ruse presented Mrs. Iotova with a commemorative plaque.

The meeting was a valuable opportunity for the young people of Ruse to share their ideas, ask questions and engage in direct dialogue with the President of Bulgaria. As the first event held in the new International Youth Center – Ruse, it also marked an important beginning for the Center and its future activities.