On April 8, 2026, on the occasion of International Roma Day, a representative of the Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance “Amalipe” took part in the event “From Memory to Future”, organized by the Trust for Social Alternative in partnership with the French Institute in Bulgaria. The event brought together representatives of business, culture, diplomacy and civil society, united around the idea of paying tribute to historical memory and encouraging the development of the next generation of young Roma leaders.
The presence of representatives of leading companies, diplomatic missions and international organizations showed that the topic of equal opportunities and social inclusion continues to be in the focus of public attention. For Amalipe, participation in such events is an important opportunity to strengthen partnerships and exchange good practices in the field of education and civic participation.
A powerful moment in the program was the speech of Ognyan Isaev, who emphasized the importance of April 8 as a day of remembrance and dignity, as well as the need to move to a new stage – that of shared responsibility. The message of development “from participation to governance” coincides with Amalipe’s efforts to support young people to be active participants in public life.
The cultural part of the event also contributed to the strong impact on the audience. Actress Natalia Tsekova presented an excerpt from the one-man show “Gypsy Wheels”, which provoked an emotional response and created a space for a deeper understanding of Roma identity.
The event focused on awarding the winners of the competition “Roma in the 21st Century – Challenges and Opportunities”, in which Amalipe traditionally participates as a partner together with other Roma organizations. The competition gives students and pupils the opportunity to express their point of view through essays and videos dedicated to important social topics.
On behalf of Amalipe, we congratulate all participants for their commitment and courage in sharing their stories. Their voices are key to building a more just and inclusive society.
The event concluded with an inspiring musical performance that created a sense of community and sharing. The atmosphere of dialogue and collaboration once again demonstrated that when different sectors work together, real and sustainable change can be achieved.
