From September 1st to September 3rd, Sofia, Bulgaria, bore witness to an inspiring and informative event that not only celebrated sustainability but also laid the foundation for a national network dedicated to innovative and inclusive urban development. The Sustainable Day, organized by Alternativi International, showcased a diverse range of activities, discussions, and presentations that left a profound impact on the attendees. The event was opened by the mayor of the region and attended also by policy makers and representatives of local authorities such as Sofia Municipality and Ministry of youth and sport.
During the 3 days, Alternativi team has been spreading awareness on sustainability issues and how the project Green Youth Works Hub has been tackling those issues. We were able to present the whole project and its activities, the website, the online newsletters and most importantly the Strategy Paper. On the second day of the event, there was a time for presentations and best practices sharing from different organizations involved in the topic-Alternativi team hosted a presentation where we focused on sharing our experience within the project and the topic sustainability, the Strategy paper and our experience as creators of a youth hub in Blagoevgrad, called Myastoto/The Place/ and how European programs can help such youth hubs to be more sustainable.
The Sustainable Day was made possible through the collaboration of several organizations, including BG BE Active, GRADOSKOP, and IMP-ACT. These organizations shared a common vision: to foster sustainable urban renewal, where citizens actively participate in reshaping their communities. Together, we have created an event that not only showcased best practices but also opened doors for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Over the three-day event, participants enjoyed a rich variety of activities both indoors and outdoors. These included round table discussions, debates, workshops, presentations of successful practices, and engaging forums. The event catered to a broad audience, with over 600 attendees, including youth workers, social workers, NGO members, young enthusiasts interested in placemaking, sustainability, and green living, as well as social activists.
The concept behind “Placemaking Bulgaria” and the Sustainable Day revolves around the growing interest, both formal and informal, in Bulgaria, to create more sustainable and vibrant urban environments. It emphasizes the active involvement of citizens and seeks to spread global trends in innovative and inclusive approaches to building places where people not only reside but also thrive. This event was a milestone in bringing together organizations that are actively contributing to this transformative shift in urban development.
One of the key highlights of the event was the official launch of a national network of organizations committed to implementing innovative and inclusive urban development practices in Bulgaria focused on environmental sustainability. Named “Placemaking Connected: Bulgaria,” this network aims to unite organizations that share the common goal of making cities more liveable, sustainable, and engaging.
During the event, participants engaged in discussions on common urban and sustainability challenges and had the privilege of learning from international experts and policymakers. The event was a platform for creating a shared vision for the future of this emerging sector. Moreover, it was also an opportunity to connect activists and policy makers.
The Sustainable Day, part of Placemaking Bulgaria”-Connected organized by Alternativi International, stand as a testament to the growing commitment in Bulgaria towards creating sustainable, people-centric urban environments. Through this event, a national network of NGOs, and activists has been forged, laying the foundation for a brighter, more inclusive future in urban development. As participants departed from the Sustainable Day, they carried with them not only new insights but also a shared sense of purpose in making their cities better and greener places for all.
Green Youth Work Hubs 