Youth working meeting at Smolyan Municipality

Representatives of Future Without Borders took part in a working meeting at Smolyan Municipality. Together with Deputy Mayor Mr Zahariev, representatives of the Ljubljana City Council (Slovenia) and the hosts — the Smolyan organisation led by Valentin Kehayov — we discussed key issues for the future of young people in the Rhodopes.

The focus was on youth development, the quality of the urban environment, youth infrastructure and, above all, what real conditions would motivate young people to stay and develop their potential in the region.

The Smolyan Youth Centre

The main topic was the Youth Centre now being built in Smolyan — a space that could become a hub for learning, creativity, partnerships and support. We discussed its role not just as a building but as a tool for change: a place where young people find professional development, mentoring, participation and opportunities.

Lessons from Ljubljana

The guests from Ljubljana shared successful European practices: sustainable funding for youth initiatives, long-term planning and municipalities, schools, organisations and citizens working side by side.

The hard questions

• What makes young people leave?
• What would bring them back?
• How can institutions respond to real needs: stable jobs, a modern environment, culture, community, belonging and prospects?

The meeting showed clearly that international partnerships and open dialogue are key to the development of smaller regions. The Rhodopes have huge potential to be a place where young people do not just live, but grow, create and build a future.

On behalf of Future Without Borders, we expressed our readiness to cooperate, share experience and join initiatives that strengthen youth communities in Bulgaria.

“Together we can do more.” — Ibrahim Mehmed, Chair of Future Without Borders