In the peaceful northeastern Bulgarian city of Ruse, often referred to as “Little Vienna” due to its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque architecture, an experiment in interreligious peacebuilding and youth leadership took place in August. From August 4 to 8, 2025, the international youth camp “Rivers of Peace 2025” was hosted in Ruse. This event was organized by the United Religions Initiative (URI), URI Europe, and the Eastern European dialogue association “Мостове” (meaning “Bridges”) in collaboration with the Municipality of Ruse, bringing together 40 young participants from six countries to foster understanding and hope.
Supported by acting Mayor Nikola Lazarov, “Rivers of Peace 2025” became more than a camp—it showcased the collaboration between international peace networks and local leadership. The opening ceremony was attended by the mayor along with deputy mayors Encho Enchev and Dimitar Nedev, signifying strong support from Ruse’s civic leaders for URI’s goals of interfaith conversation and inclusive citizenship.
The camp featured workshops and activities centered on interreligious dialogue, social and ecological justice, and youth leadership, involving 40 young people aged 15 to 17, guided by nine facilitators aged 18 to 25. The program included simulations, debates, and creative collaborations transcending linguistic and national boundaries.
An exciting highlight was a workshop with Prince Boris Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, focusing on the “Green Energy in Motion” project, which emphasized solar panels as symbols of sustainable change. Prince Boris’s presence provided an inspiring example of blending tradition with ecological responsibility.
The camp also benefitted from the insights of URI’s Multiregion coordinator, Samira Fatma Baručija, and URI Europe chair, Daniel Error, promoting communal leadership as a foundation for peace. Eric Roux, chair of the Global Council of URI, was also present, highlighting Rivers of Peace as an exemplary initiative for URI’s future.
The Danube River, symbolizing connection, played a central role in the camp’s activities. Participants visited the Regional History Museum and various places of worship, including St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Worker, and the Said Pasha Mosque, where religious leaders emphasized tradition, unity, and tolerance.
The camp fostered ecological consciousness and creative expression through workshops led by Dimitar Borumov and Marvina Mansaku, as well as leadership sessions by Steven Pires and Vladimir Stoychev, encouraging young participants to become peace-builders.
Ruse’s Municipality seamlessly integrated natural, spiritual, and cultural elements into the camp’s offerings. Participants experienced a symbolic boat ride along the Danube and visited the historic St. Dimitar Basarbovski Monastery. Stargazing sessions and art-infused concerts concluded the camp, with performances including John Lennon’s “Imagine.”
Institutional partners solidified their collaboration, reinforcing the camp’s impact. Ruse’s local governance and URI’s international networks demonstrated the potential for shared missions in education, youth engagement, and cultural initiatives, turning Ruse into a platform for dialogue and peace.
“Rivers of Peace 2025” proved to be a pivotal moment, illustrating how global and local alliances can nurture a generation inspired by dialogue, creativity, and civic courage.
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