On April 8, 2026, together with the French Institute in Bulgaria, we brought together representatives of business, culture, diplomacy, and civil society to celebrate International Roma Day. The event connected historical memory with the future and outlined a path for the next generation of young Roma leaders.
Representatives of IKEA Bulgaria, HP Inc. Bulgaria, Kaufland, Fantastico, and Accenture showed their support and trust through their presence. H.E. Pierre Hagmann (Ambassador of Switzerland), H.E. Irene Plank (Ambassador of Germany), representatives of the embassies of Ireland and Denmark, Jason Pellmar (World Bank Group for Bulgaria), Nancy Schiller (America for Bulgaria Foundation), as well as guests from the diplomatic community, Bulgarian and international institutions, and partners honored the event with their attendance.
“April 8 is a day of memory and dignity,” said Ognyan Isaev, Director of the “Educational Opportunities and Achievements” program at the Trust for Social Achievement, who spoke about the First World Romani Congress of 1971 and the long journey of Roma people toward recognition.
“And that is why the coming years will require not just a struggle for human and civil rights, but a conversation about shared responsibility. From school to university. From profession to institution. From participation to leadership. That is why April 8 matters—not just as a date, but as a reminder that this story must be told honestly. Because it does not begin with a ‘problem.’ It begins with survival. With dignity. With the right to be seen as you are.”
Actress Natalia Tsekova presented an excerpt from her monodrama “Gypsy Wheels.” Luc Lévy, Director of the French Institute in Bulgaria, presented her with an honorary award for artistic achievement and cultural impact.
At the heart of the program was the award ceremony for the winners of the third edition of the competition “Roma in the 21st Century – Challenges and Opportunities.” Once again, the organization of the competition brought together Roma and pro-Roma organizations working for better access to education, civic participation, and equal opportunities:
- Association Integro
- Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance “Amalipe”
- Arete Youth Foundation
- Roma Academy for Culture and Education – Sliven (RAKO)
- New Road Association – Hayredin
- Largo Association
Students presented essays and videos on identity, belonging, and the world they want to live in.
In the essay category, first place was awarded to Tonita Yosifova, whose prize was presented by writer Georgi Gospodinov. Second place went to Zina Yosifova, recognized by writer Maria Kasimova-Moase and actress Natalia Tsekova, and third place to Denitsa Vasileva, awarded by Olga Malcheva from IKEA Bulgaria. The special prize went to Sasho Stefkov, presented by H.E. Pierre Hagmann, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bulgaria.
In the video category, the top award went to David Georgiev, presented by journalist Maria Yotova. Second place was awarded to Mihail Manev by journalist Irina Nedeva, and third place to Ralitsa Kolarova, with the award presented by Yoan Zemyarski from HP Inc. Bulgaria. A special recognition was also given to Mario Lazarov, presented by Nancy Schiller, President of the America for Bulgaria Foundation.
Soon, the essays and videos will be published on our website, because the works through which these young people earned their recognition deserve to be heard and seen by all, along with the warm words of appreciation from our distinguished guests.
“All our struggles today come down to the human being, to human nature. You cannot ignore history or be arrogant toward someone whose story you have heard. Tell your stories,” said writer Georgi Gospodinov.
“We believe that personal contact transforms attitudes—from distance to understanding. This was precisely the purpose of today’s event: to create a space for connection,” said Sarah Perrine, Executive Director of the Trust for Social Achievement.
At the end of the event, the musicians from RomaNeno Project and Neno Iliev brought the audience to its feet with their performance, and Sarah Perrine presented Neno with an honorary award for artistic achievement and cultural impact.
The event took place at the French Institute in Bulgaria, whose Director, Luc Lévy, shared: “This is an event that brings together memory and hope, continuity and creativity, civic responsibility and the celebration of talent.”