Sonya Yoncheva Sings with Disadvantaged Youths at UNICEF Event in Geneva

Jerusalem, 19 November, 2023 (TPS) -- GENEVA (BTA)
Bulgarian opera prima Sonya Yoncheva sang with children from vulnerable groups from the Geneva Conservatory of Music’s MusicEnsemble specialized educational project. The event was organized by UNICEF and held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, UNICEF Bulgaria said.

Yoncheva is the godmother and mentor of the young performers, she is also the Bulgarian national UNICEF goodwill ambassador.

On the eve of World Children’s Day, which is celebrated every year on November 20, Yoncheva joined representatives of UNICEF and other high-ranking representatives of the United Nations at special event called “Committed to the fulfilment of the rights of Every Child: an evening with the world-famous soprano Sonya Yoncheva, UNICEF Bulgaria National Ambassador”. The event was held in honor of the upcoming 100th anniversary of the adoption of the Geneva Declaration (from 1924), which for the first time in history defined the fact that children have their own specific rights, as well as to mark the election of Bulgaria as a member of the UN Human Rights Council (with a mandate of 2024-2026), which focuses on the defence of children’s rights, the fight against discrimination, the empowerment of girls and women, the promotion of good practices for the inclusion of children with disabilities in the education system.

Official guests at the event were Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Special Coordinator for the Refugee and Migrant Crisis in Europe and UNICEF Representative to the UN-Geneva, and the Permanent and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Bulgaria to the UN-Geneva Yurii Shterk.

The event was organized by the Mission of Bulgaria in Geneva and the UN Office in Geneva in cooperation with the Diplomatic Club in Geneva and the UNICEF Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, with the support of UNICEF Bulgaria.

Once again, on the occasion of World Children’s Day, UNICEF Bulgaria will join the global initiative to light up significant public buildings in blue. On November 20, at 6:30 pm, the National Palace of Culture will light up in blue, UNICEF Bulgaria said.