Since 2015, PETRI-Sofia has a successful partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, and through this partnership, the International Institute for Youth Development was able to take part in the European Development Days (EDD), Europe’s leading forum on development since 2006. It took place on 5-6 June 2018 and PETRI-Sofia was present with a stand at its Global Village, together with the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute and the Gender Education, Research and Technologies Foundation.

Organised by the European Commission, the European Development Days bring the development community together each year to share ideas and experiences in ways that inspire new partnerships and innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

For its twelfth edition, EDD 2018 aimed at bringing together the European Union’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Gender equality and women empowerment are at the core of European values and enshrined within the EU’s legal and political framework. This is why the event focused on the vital role of women and the need for their full and equal participation and leadership in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The EDD Global Village is a particularly exciting platform featuring stands that showcase successful projects and ground-breaking reports from around the world. The Village was the focal point of the EDD 2018 venue and served as a crossroads for interaction, innovation and networking among participants.