The annual meeting organized by UNHCR Bulgaria to present the 2021 participatory study on age, gender and diversity of refugees was held on 26 and 27 October 2021 in Pravets. SDA was invited to share good practices for cooperation with Sofia Municipality in the panel dedicated to the role of local governments for integration. The successful collaboration model has resulted in the establishment of the Bureau for Information and Services for third country nationals which was officially opened in September 2021. Sofia Municipality, Sofia Development Association, the Bulgarian Red Cross, Vazrazhdane Markets, with the support of UNHCR and over 13 NGOs have joined efforts, resources and expertise to provide better integrated services for foreigners. This is the first such service in the municipality (and the country), which sets an example for other municipalities on how to coordinate their interaction with the non-governmental sector and other local stakeholders in support of the integration of foreign nationals.
