The annual AUBG Civil Society Forum once again brought together leading organizations, students, and alumni to discuss key topics related to human rights, social belonging, sustainable development, and civic leadership.
Every year, the Civil Society Forum’s keynote speech is thought-provoking and impact-driving. This year, once again, an AUBG alumnus brought to the stage a cause worth embracing.
“If you see someone left out, write them in, if you see silence, give it a voice. Civil society is not about being perfect. It’s about caring enough to begin. Sign language taught me something beautiful…”
Ashod Derandonian (’01), strategist at Deaf.BG, a Fulbright scholar and alumnus of Gallaudet University, shared his experience in building organizations that advocate for the rights and opportunities of deaf people, and highlighted the powerful impact that education and active citizenship can have on society.
“…AUBG really helped me to dream it. And now, I am inviting you to dream it with me. Together, we can build bridges between communities, between hearts and between worlds.”
Sabina A. Wien, Dean of Students and AUBG Coordinator and Steering Committee member of GHEA 21 Civic Engagement Initiative, welcoming Ashod Derandonian
Keynote speaker Ashod Derandonian
Ashod delivered his heartfelt speech in American Sign Language, with an interpreter from the U.S. ensuring full accessibility for the audience.
“Freedom begins when people truly understand each other. I believe in a future where accessibility, equal opportunity, and respect are not special projects, but an everyday reality,”
The annual event, organized by the AUBG Career Center attracted students, faculty, and staff, who had the opportunity to meet with representatives of over 20 organizations, learn about their initiatives, and discover real opportunities for volunteering, internships, and professional development in the civic sector.
AUBG Provost and Interim President Dr. J.D. Mininger also welcomed the participants, emphasizing the university’s commitment to supporting civic engagement and encouraging students to be active participants in public life.
“I hope that today relationships were forged and ideas were seeded. In an event that in the larger scheme of things is small, such as this forum, is as crucial as the things we can do in a big scale elsewhere,” said Dr. Mininger.
Among the organizations, there were ones that long-term partners, as well as several that joined for the first time.
- TimeHeroes
- International Center for Development of Education and Training
- Dignita Foundation
- Junior Achievement Bulgaria
- Active Bulgarian Society
- Bulgarian Organization of Voluntary Blood Donation
- BESCO – The Bulgarian Entrepreneurial Association
- Amnesty International Bulgaria
- Trust for Social Achievement
- Friends of the Arab World
- BEST Foundation
- Association “Opportunities Without Borders”
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- Zarika Association
- Sustainable for the Future Foundation
- US Ambassador’s Youth Council Bulgaria (USYC)
- GLOW Association
- Center for Information, Democracy and Citizenship at AUBG (CIDC)
- Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law
- Code Participation Foundation
- SKY CAMPUS HAPPINESS
- The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Bulgaria
- Civil Association “You Decide”
A meeting of ideas, causes and inspiration
The forum offered active discussions, inspiring meetings and concrete opportunities for action. Students shared that the format helped them discover causes that motivate them, find potential internships, and connect with leaders in the non-governmental sector.
For AUBG, the initiative is part of the mission to build responsible, active, and informed leaders who not only develop successful careers but also contribute to society.
