“We can oppose violent extremism and radicalization of the young through the instruments of education and culture, and by getting to know one another, by tolerance and respect for the opinions of others ” said Ms Tsacheva. “Values are in the foundation of trust and self-confidence”.

The forum was organised on the occasion of the International Francophonie Day by the Bulgarian National Assembly and the Standing Delegation of the National Assembly in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie. The event took place at the building of the parliament.

In Tsacheva’s words, more and more connections are seen in the world we live in.“The Internet and social networks provide unlimited opportunities for sharing information, getting to know one another, creativity, and innovations,” she pointed out. Tsetska Tsacheva specified over 2 billion people used social networks to their mutual benefit.“That same field of communication is however used by certain forces to forge the common legacy of humankind."

She expressed satisfaction with the serious interest evinced in the initiative and with the fact that such forums are getting customary at the National Assembly. The chair of parliament said the institution is committed to this initiative.

MP Boris Stanimirov, Representative of the Standing Delegation of the National Assembly in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie noted that on the global map of the francophonie Bulgaria has always been part of the group of states considering the French language to be tied to a particular culture. In his words the francophonie has always  overcome the historic challenges for the benefit of piece, democracy and human rights.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Rumen Aleksandrov underscored that violent extremism is penetrating the internet social networks and attempts to attract more and more young people.

At the opening French Ambassador and Head of the Ambassadors of Francophone States to Bulgaria, H.E. Xavier Lapeyre de Cabanes, delivered an address.

Lawmakers, Bulgarian and foreign academia representatives, diplomats and public persons took part in the discussions.

The different panels of the conference are themed Radicalisation of the Young People in the Social Networks, Humour as Political Criticism – Performativity and Ambiguity, and others.