As part of the activities marking World Refugee Day, UNHCR Representation in Bulgaria and British Council - Bulgaria branch signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 17 June 2026, marking the beginning of a strengthened partnership focused on youth engagement, inclusion, education and community resilience.
The signing took place during a Youth Dialogue Event organised by UNHCR Bulgaria as part of the global “Convention Dialogues” initiative marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. The event brought together refugee and host community youth, educators and institutional representatives to discuss refugee inclusion, participation and the challenges young people face today.
As part of the programme, the British Council supported a dedicated session exploring the impact of disinformation and harmful online narratives on young people’s lives, particularly in relation to refugee inclusion and social cohesion. The session highlighted the importance of critical thinking, media literacy and meaningful youth participation in building more inclusive and resilient communities.
The MoU reflects an ongoing process of dialogue and collaboration between the two organisations in Bulgaria. Over the past few years, the British Council and UNHCR have supported and participated in each other’s initiatives, sharing expertise and approaches in the fields of inclusive education, youth engagement and support for vulnerable communities.
This has included the British Council’s “Teaching and Learning in Difficult Times” trainings and methodology focused on inclusive classrooms and trauma-sensitive approaches for educators working with vulnerable children, particularly those affected by war and displacement, as well as engagement with UNHCR Bulgaria’s “Academy for Refugee Teachers” initiative.
Through this partnership, both organisations aim to further strengthen cooperation in support of inclusive education, youth empowerment, intercultural dialogue and social cohesion in Bulgaria.
We are thankful we were hosted by the British Council partner from the EUNIC Cluster – State Institute of Culture at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.