News - USA, New York, Permanent Representation of the Republic of Bulgaria to the UN

Ambassador Karadjova emphasized that the issue of children’s rights is among Bulgaria’s top priorities both globally and nationally. Within the United Nations, Bulgaria actively promotes the protection of the rights of the child through its work as co-chair (together with Luxembourg and Jamaica) of the Group of Friends of Children and the Sustainable Development Goals. Ambassador Karadjova also highlighted the fruitful cooperation with UNICEF in organizing the newly established International Day of Play, which has been marked over the past two years.

Ambassador Gergana Karadjova Chaired the meeting of the Group of Friends of Children and the SDGs. The event was opened by Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, and the President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, delivered guest remarks.

Ambassador Gergana Karadjova met with Rabab Fatima, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.

On the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria, a ceremonial reception was held dedicated to March 3 – the day on which we pay tribute to freedom and the restoration of Bulgarian statehood. The building of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Bulgaria to the UN in New York welcomed a wide circle of diplomats, UN representatives, and officials from the host country. “For the Bulgarian people, this day symbolizes the rebirth of freedom, hope, and our right to independent development as an equal member of the international community. Today stands as a symbol of the indomitable Bulgarian spirit, the resilience of our will, and the ongoing struggle for freedom,” emphasized Ambassador Gergana Karadjova in her address. The Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the UN highlighted the contribution of the heroes of the Bulgarian national liberation movement – the immortal legacy of Vasil Levski, Georgi Rakovski, Georgi Benkovski, Lyuben Karavelov, and Zachari Stoyanov.

The ceremony, held on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria – March 3, was organized by the Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria in New York.

Ambassador Gergana Karadjova Chaired the meeting of the Group of Friends of Children and the SDGs. The event was opened by Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, and the President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, delivered guest remarks.

Ambassador Gergana Karadjova met with Izumi Nakamitsu, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, to discuss key priorities on the global disarmament and nonproliferation agenda. Bulgaria reaffirmed its strong commitment to the UN80 initiative and to enhancing the efficiency of the work of the UN First Committee. Drawing on the experience of its 80th session — during which streamlined procedures proved effective despite financial constraints — Bulgaria supports the exploration of additional practical measures, as well as possible improvements in the work of other bodies within the disarmament architecture, such as the United Nations Disarmament Commission.

Ambassador Gergana Karadjova met with Elizabeth Spehar, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding. Assistant Secretary-General Spehar highly appreciated Bulgaria’s contribution as a member of the Peacebuilding Commission during the period 2022–2023. Bulgaria has put forward its candidacy for the next term on the Peacebuilding Commission for the period 2028–2029.

During the First Regular Session, Ambassador Karadjova reaffirmed Bulgaria’s strong commitment to UNICEF and its key role in supporting children worldwide. She highlighted the growing challenge resulting from the decline in traditional humanitarian and development funding and underscored the need for flexible and predictable financing to enable UNICEF to respond effectively to children’s needs, particularly in emergency situations. Ambassador Karadjova also noted the important role of National Committees, diversified partnerships, and the continued contributions of states.

Ambassador Gergana Karadjova met with Li Junhua, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. Ambassador Karadjova reaffirmed Bulgaria’s strong commitment to the 2030 Agenda, while noting that the world is falling behind on the achievement of many of the Sustainable Development Goals due to intersecting climate, geopolitical, economic and demographic challenges. The Permanent Representative underlined that the main challenge today is not a lack of commitments, but a lack of implementation capacity, coherence and adequate financing.