The National Conference entitled "First Steps of the National Rural Network" will be held on 22 November 2006 in Sofia, Kempinski-Zografski Hotel, 10.00 a.m. The event is an initiative within the framework of the Rural Network and LEADER Project of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MAF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Foundation for Local Government Reform (FLGR).

The objective of the national forum is to provide possibilities for open debates about the National Rural Network among more than 240 participants from the country and discuss the role of the Network as an important factor for the rural development in Bulgaria.

The conference agenda offers presentations which would further enlarge the understanding and knowledge of the national, regional and local stakeholders about the existing European experience and legislative framework related to the National Rural Networks in the European Union and the national policy and support for the strengthening of the Rural Network and sustainable rural development.

The national forum will be honoured by Ms. Helen Williams, Desk Officer for Bulgaria, Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission, Brussels; Mr. Dimitar Peichev, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests; Mr. Neil Buhne, Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme.

Speakers and lecturers within the conference will also be Ms. Miroslava Georgieva, Director, Rural Development Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests; Ms. Ogniana Glavoussanova, Programme Officer, UNDP; Ms. Ginka Kapitanova, Executive Director of the Foundation for Local Government Reform; Ms. Tanya Shoumkova, "Rural Network and LEADER" Project Manager and Ms. Marina Dimova, Programme Coordinator, Foundation for Local Government Reform.

The conference will also present information about the latest developments and first steps towards the establishment of the Rural network, which will encourage debates among the participants about the future actions and initiatives to be undertaken in order to improve the coordination among the Rural network participants, provision of services, overcoming possible obstacles and broadening the mechanisms for partnerships and exchange of successful experiences.

The national conference is building on the joint efforts between the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, the United Nations Development Programme and the Foundation for Local Government Reform started in early 2005 and continuously working for the awareness raising, preparation, establishment and strengthening of the Rural Network in Bulgaria.