Deputy Minister of Environment and Water Nikolay Sidzhimov opened the forum "Ecology for Sustainable Development through the Eyes of Young People", hosted by the Ministry of Environment and Water. "Your voice is heard and your contribution to nature conservation is visible today, because you have already implemented many of your ideas in school," said Deputy Minister Sidzhimov and assured that young people for whom environmental protection is a cause have the support of the institutions.

Participants in the national meeting were children and young people from grades 7th to 12th from Kyustendil, Karlovo, Belene, Kazanlak, and Sliven, as well as their teachers. In their presentations, the young people suggested alternative options for a greener school, ways to promote separate waste collection, ideas for energy extraction, and small steps that can improve living conditions in their city.

The idea of such forums is to actively involve children and young people in decision-making processes, as well as to increase their commitment to environmental protection issues. Meetings between experts and young people ensure sustainability in the dialogue between generations, said Ivan Ivanov from the social entrepreneurship platform "Sonic Start", organiser of the event jointly with the Ministry.

The young people and the experts also discussed issues related to alternative energy sources and problems in the coal industry, the use of mineral waters as a valuable resource, biodiversity, the cleanliness of the world's oceans, and waste management as a valuable resource.