President Radev Distinguishes Young Participants in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award-Bulgaria

Tatiana Marinova, BTA correspondent Valentina Dobrincheva

President Radev and British Ambassador Nathaniel Copsey (centre) in family photo with The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Bulgaria laureats (BTA Photo/Krasimir Krastev)

Varna, on the Black Sea,

13.10.2025 17:40

(BTA)

President Rumen Radev distinguished Monday participants who have achieved gold and silver levels in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award's Bulgarian edition, saying they set an example and inspire change. The awards were presented at a ceremony at the Euxinograd Residence in Varna.

The initiative encourages civic engagement, social responsibility and active participation. Now in its 11th edition, the award has attracted participants and partners and has become a platform opening new horizons for young people, the President recalled. He expressed gratitude to the organizers, teachers and mentors for passing on knowledge, skills and experience, for fostering leadership qualities, social engagement and civic sensitivity, which are particularly important in today’s fast-paced and often divided society. He also thanked the British Embassy for supporting an initiative that helps young people use their potential in their homeland.

Radev noted that the presidential institution supports this and all initiatives that help young people develop themselves into worthy builders of Bulgaria’s, Europe’s and the world’s future. He congratulated the youths for their courage and determination in setting high goals and achieving results not only for their personal development but also for the benefit of society as a whole.

At the ceremony in Varna, over 60 young people received their badges and certificates for attaining gold and silver levels in The Duke of Edinburgh International Award.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a youth awards programme founded in the United Kingdom in 1956 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, that has since expanded to 144 nations. The awards recognize adolescents and young adults aged 14-24 for completing a series of self-improvement exercises. The programmes are at three progressive levels which, if successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

/КТ/