The SOFIMUN '2009 conference promoted
cultural exchange and focused on the
Bulgarian traditions, culture and history
for it social events that had to introduce
the participants to the unique world of
Bulgaria. The conference included a
traditional welcome dinner at one of the
most traditional restaurants in the center
of Sofia city - "Pri Yafata" (At the Yafa).
The restaurant provided delicious meals,
drinks and Bulgarian authenticity by
implementing the ancient Bulgarian ritual of
serving the guest at the door with bread,
salt and honey and saying "Dobre doshli"
(Welcome). Also there was live music from a
Bulgarian orchestra. Apart from this the
participants went on a half-day trip to the
National Museum of History of Bulgaria and
were given special Bulgarian souvenirs.
Welcome to the SOFIMUN Foundation
H.E.
Ban Ki-moon
Secretary-General of the United Nations
“Change Our World” is more than the theme of this
year’s International Youth Day; it is an
injunction that should inspire young people at all
times.
Far too many of the world’s more than one billion
young people lack the education, freedom and
opportunities they deserve. Yet despite these
constraints – and in some cases because of them –
young people are mobilizing in growing numbers to
build a better future. Over the past year, they
have achieved stunning results, overturning
dictatorships and sending waves of hope across
regions and around the world.
Young people are gifted with open minds and a keen
awareness of emerging trends, and are bringing
their energy, ideas and courage to some of the
most complex and important challenges facing the
human family. They often understand better than
older generations that we can transcend our
religious and cultural differences in order to
reach our shared goals. They are standing up for
the rights of oppressed peoples, including those
who suffer discrimination based on gender, race
and sexual orientation. They are confronting
sensitive issues in order to stop the spread of
HIV. And they are often the leading proponents of
sustainability and green life-styles.
The international community must continue to work
together to expand the horizons of opportunity for
these young women and men and answer their
legitimate demands for dignity, development and
decent work. Failing to invest in our youth is a
false economy. Investments in young people will
pay great dividends in a better future for all.
We have marked the end of the International Year
of Youth, a milestone in global advocacy by and
for the world’s young people. My hope is that this
experience will now provide a foundation to go
even further in harnessing the talents and
energies of young people. To them I say: you have
the opportunity to change our world. Seize it.
Ban Ki-moon
Secretary-General's Message for 2011
You can help us by donating via:
Please call Mr. Dimiter Mandradjiev at +359 889 69
17 39 to arrange the payment procedure.
Join the next edition of the world
conference for young leaders - the Sofia
International Model United Nations in the
beautiful city of Sofia in Bulgaria. The
major event for Eastern Europe that sparkles
the spirit of tomorrow.
The SOFIMUN International Foundation has a
very populated archive of its activities and
programs that have been cited or
incorporated in materials of the press.
