Zonta Conference Burgas: Gender Equality

Burgas welcomed nearly 200 participants from various countries at the 16th conference of Zonta International District 30, held from September 19th to 21st at the International Congress Center.

The event, announced by the organizers from "Zonta Club" - Burgas as internationally significant, focused on the key cause of gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.

The atmosphere in the congress center was filled with excitement and anticipation, with numerous delegates, dressed in elegant attire, engaging in lively conversation before the start of the official ceremony.

Official Opening

The official opening was marked by the emotional welcome of Yana Yaneva-Gencheva, Governor of "District 30", who emphasized the importance of united efforts to achieve a better world for women and girls.

Ela Pandia, International Director of Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women, also addressed the delegates, noting that "In these challenging times, we need to be brave and together continue our mission for gender equality and building a better world for women and girls".

Her words were met with applause, reflecting the seriousness of the tasks facing the organization.

Mihail Hadjiyanev, Chairman of the Burgas Municipal Council, extended his greetings to the delegates on behalf of the municipal administration, presenting an honorary plaque to Nadya Zheleva, President of "Zonta Club" – Burgas.

A congratulatory address was also read on behalf of the Mayor of Burgas Municipality, Dimitar Nikolov.

Nadya Zheleva, in turn, welcomed the participants to the seaside city, adding an extra element of hospitable welcome to the official program.

Keynote Speaker

A remarkable moment of the opening was the participation of Mariana Katsarova as the keynote speaker.

Katsarova, a human rights, justice, and accountability expert with extensive international experience in conflict zones, as well as a former UN expert in Europe and senior advisor on combating human trafficking, brought valuable expert insight into the issues covered by the conference.

Her speech certainly provoked in-depth discussion during the event.

Conference Program

The conference continued with a rich program, including panels and discussions led by experts and activists in the field of gender equality.

• Participants had the opportunity to participate in interactive sessions, exchange of experience and best practices, as well as in working groups on topics key to women"s empowerment – economic empowerment, education and healthcare.

The organizers have strived to provide delegates not only with expert information, but also a platform for exchanging ideas and building cooperation in the fight for women"s rights.