Global Compact Network Bulgaria closes the gap between education and business: 2,000 young people attend the fifth annual “Bazaar of Professions”
Read more
Sofia, Bulgaria
The following is an article submitted by a Global Compact Local Network. Please contact the network representative listed below with any questions regarding its contents.
SOFIA, 25 November 2019 — Global Compact Network Bulgaria convened the fifth annual “Bazaar of Professions,” attracting nearly 2,000 students, teachers and parents alongside companies and non-governmental organizations. Featuring over 40 key lecturers, the two-day event is the largest public exhibition for companies to showcase employment opportunities to students.
The goal of the Bazaar of Professions is to enable children to think about their future profession long before they have to make that life choice.
“Responsible business invests in the future. Through the “Bazaar of professions”, we enable children to see the magic of exploration and science, to see how inspiring it is to create,” said Ognian Trajanov, Chairman of Global Compact Network Bulgaria.
“The collective effort from all companies that are part of our Local Network in Bulgaria plays an important role in bringing forward sustainable solutions that will have long-lasting effects for generations to come. This programme organized by Global Compact Network Bulgaria does just that as it brings companies together to focus on the youth and on building a sustainable future. The role of business is to be innovative not only in terms of the products and services they deliver, but also in addressing sustainability challenges and recognizing the opportunities ahead,” said Ole Hansen, Chief of Global Operations at the United Nations Global Compact, while congratulating the participants.
“It is very exciting that we can bring the knowledge of both students and business together in one place. In this way, kids understand that some of the things learned at school can be applied practically in their work environment,” said Dr. Jane Muita, UNICEF representative in Bulgaria. UNICEF took part in the Bazaar for the first time this year, representing the profession, “Child’s Rights Protector.”
Children familiarized themselves with a plethora of professions at the companies’ interactive stands: they controlled robots, prevented cyber-attacks, build gas installations, conducted experiments, anchored the news, animated dinosaurs and much more. Professionals also held lectures for different professions: pilot, biologist, scientist, astrophysicist, 3D artist, composer, writer, photographer, athlete, energy engineer and a cybersecurity specialist.
The “Bazaar of Professions” is an initiative, which has the power to change the lives of kids and young people in Bulgaria. Global Compact Network Bulgaria once again proved that it’s a pioneer in conducting innovative practices for sustainable development.
The “Bazaar of Professions” is part of the “Proud of my parents’ work” program of Global Compact Network Bulgaria. From its beginning, more than 5,200 kids have visited their parents’ workplace and more than 8,000 other participants have familiarized themselves with different professions during the open annual “Bazar of Professions.” Each year 20+ companies and tenths of specialists take part in the initiative. It’s part of the Strategic Plan for achieving the SDGs and has successfully contributed to the advancement of Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
###
ABOUT GLOBAL COMPACT NETWORK BULGARIA
Global Compact Network Bulgaria is the most active organization in the country for Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility. Through its work and participation in collective social projects, the network proves that responsible business is a force for good. It functions as part of the Global Network of the UN and simultaneously as a national partner organization of CSR Europe.
Darinka Georgieva
Executive Director
Global Compact Network Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 42 82 015
E-mail: secretariat@unglobalcompact.bg; darinka.georgieva@unglobalcompact.bg