On 15 April 2026, an opening press conference was held at the International Youth Center in Pernik for the project “Civic Voices: Empowerment through Participation, Knowledge and Connectivity for More Active Citizens”, implemented by PULSE Foundation.

The project is carried out with the support of the Swiss–Bulgarian Cooperation Programme, the Civil Engagement and Transparency Mechanism (CETM), and has a duration of 15 months (March 2026 – June 2027).

In a context of limited access to clear information, low participation in local processes, and insufficient dialogue with institutions, active civic engagement is key to building sustainable and committed communities. The “Civic Voices” project places a strong emphasis on empowering people – through knowledge, skills, and real opportunities to take part in local decision‑making processes. By encouraging dialogue between citizens and institutions, the initiative aims to create a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive environment.

The planned activities, events, and expected results were presented by Julia Andonova, Director of Development and Communications at PULSE Foundation and project manager, as well as by Vesela Mareva, project coordinator.

During the event, Aleksandar Yordanov, host of the youth club “To Be Friends”, presented the youth podcast “Pernik of the Young” – part of the future civic media developed under the project. The podcast is an element of the broader strategy to create accessible and understandable channels of communication between citizens and public structures on important topics.

The event brought together representatives of local institutions and volunteers, who actively participated in a discussion on opportunities for broader civic engagement.

The team of PULSE Foundation envisions a comprehensive approach to activating civic participation in Pernik and the region through:

• Development of a civic media platform that includes an online space with podcasts, videos, and accessible “how to participate” content
• Work with young people by engaging them in content creation and active public dialogue
• Trainings and civic education aimed at building knowledge and skills for participation, critical thinking, and communication
• Work with diverse community groups, including people from small settlements and vulnerable groups
• Meetings with citizens and gathering ideas through mobile teams visiting neighbourhoods and local communities
• Cooperation with local institutions to establish real mechanisms for participation and improve dialogue

Through these activities, the project aims to achieve meaningful change in the community by encouraging more active and informed citizens, increasing participation in local processes, improving communication and trust between citizens and institutions, and creating sustainable mechanisms for inclusion and civic dialogue. The project builds on the long‑standing initiatives of PULSE Foundation, reinforcing the understanding that the protection of human rights is directly linked to active, conscious, and informed civic participation.

“Prepared with the support of the Swiss–Bulgarian Cooperation Programme, Civil Engagement and Transparency Mechanism (CETM) 2024–2029. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the governments of Switzerland and Bulgaria.”