On 25 April 2026, the event “Fair City – Decision-making Simulation & Debate” took place in Stara Zagora, organised by Mundus Bulgaria as part of the activities marking European Youth Week 2026. The event created a space for exchange between young people, representatives of institutions, and civil society organisations, who together explored the challenges of local governance and the opportunities for more active youth participation in decision-making processes.
Within the “Fair City” simulation game, participants took on the roles of different stakeholders in public life – the municipal council, youth council, non-governmental organisations, business representatives, and citizen groups. Working on realistic case studies related to social inclusion, environmental protection, youth services, and urban development, they discussed, justified, and defended different priorities in the allocation of a limited municipal budget.
The special guest of the event was Mr. Tenyo Arabadzhiev, Municipal Councillor of Stara Zagora Municipality, who provided a practical insight into the work of local authorities and decision-making processes. Through examples from his professional experience, he introduced participants to how local policies and budgets are formed, while encouraging young people’s active participation in community life.
By the end of the day, 29 young people left with a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of local governance and the importance of dialogue between institutions and citizens. The feedback received showed that such simulation formats are an effective tool for developing civic competences, critical thinking, and an active civic attitude. The event once again confirmed that young people have an important role in building fairer, more sustainable, and more democratic local communities.
