The State Institute for Culture Hosted an Event, organised in partnership with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the British Council
.jpeg?w=1600)
.jpeg?w=100&h=100)
.jpeg?w=100&h=100)
.jpeg?w=100&h=100)
.jpeg?w=100&h=100)
On 17 June, during the World Refugee Week, the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, together with the British Council and the State Institute of Culture to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched the first youth-focused Convention Dialogue - part of the global process marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of the Refugees. The event brought together Bulgarian and refugee youth for an interactive, forward‑looking discussion on refugee protection, inclusion, and the future of the international protection system.
The Acting Director of the State Institute for Culture to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Iavor Koynakov, welcomed the participants at Gallery Mission, highlighting the role of culture as a space for dialogue, empathy and mutual understanding. He stressed that cultural exchange encourages us to look beyond stereotypes and divisions and to recognize the human stories behind them. In a time when societies are increasingly challenged by polarization and exclusionary narratives, culture remains an important tool for nurturing solidarity, respect for human dignity and openness towards others.
In her opening remarks, UNHCR Representative in Bulgaria Seda Kuzucu underlined that the right to safety belongs to all. “The commitment made 75 years ago when the Refugee Convention was a recognition of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to protect those forced to flee”, highlighted the UNHCR Representative. Abdi Hassan, Country Director of the British Council for Romania and Bulgaria, highlighted the importance of engaging young people in shaping inclusive, rights‑based approaches that reflect today’s realities.
The Director of the Human Rights Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hristiana Grozdanova noted that Bulgaria actively cooperates with international organizations working in the fields of migration, asylum, and the fight against migrant smuggling. “We are convinced that only through coordinated efforts can we effectively address the challenges associated with forced displacement and create conditions for successful integration and sustainable development in both countries of origin and host countries”, shared Grozdanova.
As part of the official opening ceremony UNHCR and the British Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding expressing the organizations’ shared commitment to human rights and international protection.
Participants explored the foundations of the 1951 Geneva Convention and worked in groups on scenario‑based asylum cases reflecting diverse protection challenges - from conflict and political persecution to gender‑based violence, discrimination, and climate‑related displacement. Local youth representatives exchanged views and heard the personal stories of the refugee youth they have met. The exercise aimed at encouraging critical thinking, solidarity, and a deeper understanding of the complexities faced by people forced to flee.
The outcomes of these dialogues will be shared directly with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and will contribute to the development of the new Framework on Protection and Solutions, helping to build momentum towards the next Global Refugee Forum in 2027.
The dialogue also focused on countering disinformation and hate speech through dedicated session led by experts from the British Council, Open Space Foundation and Association of European Journalists.
The initiative aimed at both marking the upcoming World Refugee Day on 20 June, and the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of the Refugees.