An international conference of the Committee on Social policy, Education, Employment Research and Culture with the European Committee of the Regions (CR) was held in Sofia on May 19, 2017, in cooperation with Sofia Municipality. Over 40 local and regional politicians from the member states came to learn from the cultural policy and good practices of Sofia and to discuss the role of culture as a driver of social inclusion, social innovations and intercultural dialogue. Sofia applied and was selected to host the event upon the initiative of Malina Edreva, member of CR and Sofia municipal council.

The president of CR Markku Markkula and Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova outlined that the Bulgarian capital is among the first cities to establish innovative and bold models like the Fund for Innovations in Culture supporting creativity and culture in the city through public-private partnership, the Cultural management Academy, municipal hackathons and others. The European Year of Cultural Heritage, the European Urban Agenda in which Sofia is active in 3 out of 12 themes and coordinates the digital transition partnership, the new EU legislation regarding copy right were identified as factors facilitating the role of culture as a motor for inclusive growth.

Sofia deputy mayor Todor Chobanov, chief architect Zdravko Zdravkov, the MEP Eva Maidel, mayors and councilors from Sofia and Bulgaria, cultural operators, university professors, representatives of European embassies and cultural institutes also took part in the conference.

Sofia presented diverse good practices. The international participants were greatly impressed by the Roma social and educational center in Fakulteta, the supported by the municipality activities of Maria’s World Foundationa and Multi-Culti, the Volunteer Day held jointly by the business community and the Sofia Culture Directorate.