High-Level Institutional Dialogue and Recognition

On the final day of the camp, a high-level meeting took place at Ruse City Hall, hosted by Deputy Mayor Mr. Nikola Lazarov. The meeting was attended by key representatives of the Bridges Association (Cooperation Circle of URI), global and European leadership of the United Religions Initiative (URI), and officials from the Municipality of Ruse.

During the meeting, the organizers expressed their deep appreciation for the excellent hospitality, organizational support, and the spirit of partnership demonstrated by the Municipality. The city of Ruse was acknowledged as a leading example of how local government can effectively collaborate with civil society organizations to support youth, intercultural dialogue, and peace initiatives.

In return, representatives of the Municipality of Ruse reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing cooperation with the Bridges Association and URI. Discussions highlighted the potential for future joint initiatives, including intercultural festivals, concerts, youth leadership programs, and local platforms for interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

Participants in the Meeting

From the Municipality of Ruse:

Mr. Nikola Lazarov – Deputy Mayor for Environmental Protection and Communal Activities

Mr. Encho Enchev – Deputy Mayor for Education and Culture

Mr. Dimitar Nedev – Deputy Mayor for Social Affairs, Healthcare and Transport

Ms. Tanya Todorova – Head of the Education, Sports and Youth Activities Department

Ms. Miglena Voynova – Head of the Culture, Spiritual Development and Arts Department

Ms. Desislava Peeva – Senior Expert, Department of Culture, Spiritual Development and Arts

From the Bridges Association:

Ms. Angelina Vladikova – Chairperson of the Bridges Association

H.R.H. Prince Boris Saxe-Coburg-Gotha – Board Member of the Bridges Association

Ms. Silvia Trifonova – Board Member

Dr. Petar Gramatikov – Board Member, URI Representative to the UN Office in Geneva

Mr. Dimitar Borumov – Youth Leader of the Bridges Association

From the Global and European Leadership of URI:

Mr. Eric Roux – Chair of the Global Council of URI

Mr. Daniel Eror – Chair of the URI Europe Board and European Trustee to the Global Council

Ms. Samira Fatma Barucija Homoras– Regional Coordinator for URI Multiregion

A Path Forward

The "Rivers of Peace" youth camp and the associated high-level meeting in Ruse serve as a powerful testament to the impact of local-global cooperation. The Municipality of Ruse and the Bridges CC have together created a platform where young people can grow as leaders, peacemakers, and active citizens in a world of diversity.

This collaboration exemplifies best practices in youth engagement, interreligious and intercultural dialogue, and the importance of nurturing partnerships between government institutions and civil society for the betterment of local communities and the broader European region.