Between August 24th and September 1st in Tarrytown, NY, a conference, organized by UN’s Alliance of Civilizations initiative (UNAOC) together with Education First (EF), was held. 100 young people from 96 countries all over the world were chosen to participate, representing different social and ethnic groups and religions. One of the requirements for the participants was to be a part of a non-governmental organization. The activists were to visit a series of seminars, the UN Headquarters, take part in round tables, discussions and simulations for a positive social change. We are very proud that the only participant from Bulgaria was Ralitza Hristova, BFPA young volunteer and peer educator.
The main topic of the conference was Global Citizenship. Each conference day had a sub-topic, as well as sessions on this sub-topic – identity, contact, understanding, strategy, and influence. Special attention was given on media and social networks, which are a significant part of everyday life nowadays. To accomplish a positive social change, messages have to be sent online, as well as offline. World leading representatives of business, marketing, media and TED–lectors shared their experiences.
On the morning of August 28th visits to certain immigrant neighborhoods in New York were organized so that the participants could see how different immigrant cultures were preserved and brought together in the big city. The amazing variety of nations, ethnicities and traditions makes New York so attractive because it brings the feeling that no matter colour or religion all citizens of the world deserve equal rights and chances. In the afternoon the young people took part in a special meeting with the Deputy Secretary 
General of the UN Jan Eliasson and the Supreme UN representative for the Alliance of Nations Nassir Abdulaziz al Nasser. Everyone had the opportunity to pose a question and open a discussion topic with them.
On the evening of the next day there was a discussion of good practices – Showcase – where participants presented the projects their NGOs are working on. Ralitza had the chance to share her experience as an educator and present her latest project, aimed at raising HIV awareness.
On the last day every participant received a special certificate from the Summer School. One of the most valuable lessons of this conference was about teamwork. No matter the origin of the person next to us – only ideas are important and if people believe in what they want to achieve, they undoubtedly will. The people you meet on your way will help you if you are not prejudiced towards them and give them a chance…..
