25 young people presented their views and solutions for a better, greener future on this Earth Day
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and UNICEF Bulgaria organized a youth discussion on the environment and climate change
- Available in:
- Български
- English
Environmental pollution and climate change are a significant threat to the rights of children and young people worldwide. A clean, healthy and sustainable environment is a human right and is necessary for children and young people to live a fulfilling life.
Environmental problems are also present in Bulgaria, where children are exposed to air and waste pollution and poor infrastructure in terms of alternative methods of transportation. According to Innocenti Report 17: Places and Spaces, Bulgaria is among the countries with the highest percentage of children living in severe household deprivation, which means overcrowding, combined with moisture, darkness or inappropriate sanitary and hygienic conditions.
To address these issues, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and UNICEF Bulgaria organized a discussion with youth on climate, environment and education on April 18. 25 young people aged between 14 and 24 from Kyustendil, Sofia, Stara Zagora and Radomir took part and presented their ideas for climate and environmental improvements, to be passed on to the responsible institutions and decision-makers.
Mr Simon van der Burg, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bulgaria and UNICEF Representative for Bulgaria Christina de Bruin welcomed all participants and congratulated them on their commitment with green and environmental issues.
"Children and young people are far more affected by climate and environmental issues. We are happy to see that today they are also much more engaged and aware of these problems, and that is why we at UNICEF highly appreciate their opinion. We sincerely believe that their involvement in climate decision-making will be essential to shaping our better collective future," said Christina de Bruin, UNICEF Representative for Bulgaria.
During the event, the young activists exchanged views and together they formed their ideas on topics such as the integration of climate education into school curriculum, the participation of young people in the political process and their involvement in all decisions related to environmental protection.
The participants' ideas were then presented to the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Children, Youth and Sports - Ilina Mutafchieva, UNICEF Representative Christina de Bruin and Ambassador Simon van der Burg.
Some of the proposals of the young people included ideas for integrating green education into primary school education, improving practical skills related to environmental protection with a Green Entrepreneurship Classes and Green Days and improving the urban environment with more planting and cleaning activities. The young people also stressed the need for more funding for youth initiatives and for the improvement of infrastructure in cities.
