In recognition of the vital role children play in world development, the theme for next week's United Nation's Day celebrations in Bulgaria will be Children - The Future of the World.

The charter of the United Nations came into force on October 24, 1945 and every year on that date, the organization's work around the world is recognized. Acknowledging children in the theme of the celebrations took on additional importance after a children's summit, slated to take place in Bulgaria last month, was scrapped in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S.

"The day of the United Nations is a national day which we celebrate in an appropriate way and look at where we need to go," said Luise Druke, representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Bulgarian branch office, and organizer of the event. "We have put it in the framework of children as the hope for the future."

As part of the festivities, the UNHCR's guest of honour, Jasenka Vaillant, has prepared an exhibition of paintings done by both refugee and Bulgarian children from five to 17 years of age. Druke explained that the children were either given themes to paint on or asked to express through art things such as how they want to see the world in 10 years. The paintings will be displayed throughout the various events of UN day.

"We wanted to create a positive image that refugees can make a contribution," said Druke. "They have full hands, minds, and hearts - they have something to offer."

Also included in the day's events will be a three-hour roundtable discussion of some of the pressing concerns facing Bulgaria today, to be held in the National Assembly. Up for discussion will be the country's European Union accession, harmonization of European policy, and international refugee protection in the National Assembly.

Towards the evening, events become more informal and shift to the Military Club's concert hall. A message from Foreign Minister Solomon Passi will be followed by performances by the Season's Quartet and the Arabesque dance troupe, among others.

Finally, 10pm marks the start of the cultural component of the day and performances by Bulgaria's musically inclined, organized by Daniel Bobolet, secretary general of BNP Paribas, and an avid guitar player. On tap will be the B Jazzy jazz trio, the George Borissov Brass Band, and the Rhythm Boys Band, to name a few. Druke expects about 1,500 youths to attend the event over the course of the night.

This year, UN day is operating in conjunction with the EcoForum for Peace which has organized a concert scheduled for Tuesday evening at Bulgaria Hall. Performers will include Rossen Krustev, Mihail Belchev and Christina Belcheva and the Winnie the Pooh Choir.

All told, next week's events have been orchestrated to provide a good time for everyone, even those there in an official capacity. "They're not just invited for work, but good times," said Druke. "To share some good moments."