site.btaBulgaria Participates in UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

Bulgaria took part in the United Nations (UN) High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) at the UN headquarters, held as part of the organization’s 80th anniversary celebrations, the Energy Ministry said in a press release on Thursday. The Bulgarian delegation was led by Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov and included Deputy Foreign Minister Nikolay Pavlov, Acting Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the UN Krassimira Beshkova, among other experts.

During the working visit, the delegation held a meeting with Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. Stankov presented Bulgaria’s targeted efforts to develop the energy sector through the adoption of secure green energy and innovative technologies. Li praised Bulgaria as a leading example in directing public funding toward households for installing photovoltaic systems and implementing energy efficiency measures.

Stankov noted that 1,500 households will benefit from grants under a national scheme to support households in renewable energy use, which is part of Bulgaria’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. “Installing rooftop solar systems will help alleviate energy poverty by making electricity more affordable and sustainable,” he explained.

Li invited Stankov to participate in the upcoming World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) in Doha, Qatar, where Bulgaria and other nations will exchange best practices in green technology development. This year’s summit, convened by the UN, aims to address social development challenges and reinforce commitments under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Bulgarian delegation also participated in the HLPF High-Level Segment of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The event emphasized the need for sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions to ensure that no one is left behind in achieving the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Through our concrete policies, strong institutional framework, and robust monitoring mechanisms, Bulgaria is showing consistent progress toward the SDGs. We are committed to continuing these efforts, leveraging opportunities such as joining the Schengen Area and the Eurozone to accelerate economic development,” Stankov said in his address to the UN.

Bulgaria reaffirmed its commitment to the 2030 Agenda during the presentation of its Second Voluntary National Review. “Despite ongoing challenges, we report tangible progress in poverty reduction, improved access to healthcare and education, promotion of green technologies and innovation, digitalization, infrastructure development, and better inclusion of vulnerable groups,” Stankov noted.

Since 2007, Bulgaria has transitioned from an aid recipient to a trusted development partner. In 2024, the country supported several international initiatives. “We face interconnected challenges that require immediate action. Bulgaria is ready to help turn commitments into real progress,” he emphasized.

Bulgaria is also a vocal advocate for children’s rights globally, serving as co-chair of the Group of Friends of Children and the SDGs. “It is crucial to place children at the heart of decisions on the 2030 Agenda. We can resolve many of the crises young people face by making the right policy choices today. Coordinated efforts to expand child-focused policies and investments depend on us,” Stankov said in a message on behalf of the group at the High-Level Political Forum.

As part of the summit, Bulgaria co-hosted an event on demographic resilience with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), where innovative approaches to tackling demographic challenges through education, economic inclusion, and family policies were presented.

Stankov and the Bulgarian delegation also conferred with H.E. Bob Rae, President of ECOSOC and Canada’s Permanent Representative to the UN.