450 Pupils Participated in the National English Speech and Debate Tournament 2023 Hosted and Partnered by Our University

UNWE is the host and partner of the National English Speech and Debate Tournament for high school pupils organized by the BEST Foundation. Students from 31 schools across the country competed in the best National English Speech and Debate Tournament 2023 which provides opportunities to practice fluent English speech, build relationships and public speaking skills through competitive, entertaining speeches and debate performances, and develop critical thinking. On 22 and 23 April the UNWE welcomed pupils from Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Dimitrovgrad, Dobrich, Gabrovo, Gotse Delchev, Haskovo, Kardzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Plovdiv, Pravets, Razgrad, Ruse, Shumen, Silistra, Sliven, Sofia, Varna, Vidin and Stara Zagora.

The American Ambassador to Bulgaria H. E. Kenneth Merten came at a special visit to the UNWE to wish the participants success.

Participants in the debates had the opportunity to join the game "What do you know about the UNWE?" and to win branded gifts. The condition was to fill in a 7-question quiz and post a photo from a place at the university that has most impressed them.

At the opening ceremony in Maxima Aula Mrs. Vanya Zlateva, Executive Director of BEST Foundation and a graduate of UNWE, expressed thankfulness for the hospitality and outlined: “This year BEST celebrates its 10^th Anniversary. Let's celebrate the power of communication and the art of persuasion. Let`s honor the tireless efforts of the coaches, parents, and supporters who have been instrumental in helping you reach this stage. And let us remember the words of great debaters and orators throughout history, whose speeches have inspired and transformed the world. Many of you are coming from across the country and even abroad to be with us this weekend, and we appreciate you so much".

It's a pleasure to attend this Tournament and to see so many enthusiastic young people", said the Ambassador of the United States in Bulgaria H. E. Kenneth Mertens. He reminded that this Tournament is the fruit of many years of cooperation with the BEST Foundation and a lot of hard work. "It is amazing how many young people in Bulgaria speak English. For us Americans, speaking foreign languages is not one of our strong points, so it is admirable how the young people in Bulgaria learn and not only learn but also use this language. That's why we are proud to organize the English Speech and Debate Tournament together with the BEST Foundation. I am sure that all of you in this room have a bright future and career ahead of you, life is ahead of you and your hard work will take you wherever you want".

Н. Е. Kenneth Merten received an Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Continuity and Development as an expression of gratitude and appreciation from the BEST Foundation for the support given to it by the US Embassy in Bulgaria

"It is my pleasure on behalf of the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov to welcome you to the UNWE - a university with 100 years of history and the largest business university in Bulgaria and in Southeastern Europe", said Prof. Dr. Matilda Alexandrova, Vice Rector for Educational Activities. She greeted the BEST Foundation on the occasion of its 10^th Anniversary and wished it success in achieving its valuable mission. "We are honoured to host this event. I am sure that for you, the participants, today will be filled not only with energy and fun but also with expectations and will contribute to your further development in life. I hope that in the future you will be among the leaders in Bulgaria and I will be happy to welcome you as future students at our university."

"Our university is called "the Bulgarian Harvard" and we are proud to host this very special event", emphasized Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mihail Musov, Vice-Rector for Research and International Affairs. "Our motto is 'The Spirit Makes the Power'. Spirit can only be given to students by people who have spirit and these people are my colleagues at the University and Kristalina Georgieva is an inspiring example. We hope you will come back to us in the future, either to complete a degree or just to work with us. Good luck!"

"It is an honor to be here at the 10^th birthday of the BEST Foundation, 10 years later this Tournament has turned into something that no one has ever expected", said the Executive Director of Fulbright Bulgaria Mrs. Angela Rodel. "The Tournament provides an incredible opportunity for young people to get to know each other, to express themselves, to share their ideas and opinions and we at Fulbright Bulgaria are confident that the next generation of Bulgarian leaders is formed here."

"My first encounter with journalism happened because of my love for public speech and debate and later the journalism gradually became my destiny", said Mrs. Eneya Georgieva, editor at Forbs Bulgaria magazine. "Journalism is a way to have a positive impact on society. Many people prefer to ignore problems rather than engage in their solution so there is a necessity of people who communicate with the public, shed light on issues and make them public. I am sure that debating is the basis for development in the field of journalism." She added that "the skills required in debating are as fundamental to the profession of journalist as the creative thinking, communication, investigation and analysis. I'm not going to lie to you – the journalism can be challenging but it's worthy. Good luck and I hope to meet some of you in the future as my colleagues", wished Mrs. Georgieva.

"Every day as part of our work we debate with our colleagues when selecting the news, presenting arguments and convincing each other", said Blagoy Tsitselkov, journalist at NOVA TV.  "You have to know how to listen to other people's arguments which helps us make the most convincing decisions." He pointed out that in Bulgaria we debate many issues but we do not know how to listen to other people's arguments. "In you I see people who can listen and debate, who are able to find the optimal solutions. Debating is a skill necessary not only in school but in real life, it can expand our knowledge and help build a more tolerant and inclusive world. It is very important for building up the modern society, let`s use it as a tool for change", urged the journalist.

During the Tournament the top students from the past regional rounds competed in five events: world school-style debate, poetry and prose interpretation, team interpretation, and original oratory. The winners were announced on the following day.

Part of the event programme

BEST Foundation was established in 2013 and provides the opportunity for pupils to come together and pursue personal growth through speech and debate in English as well as to think critically, express themselves creatively and create a dynamic community that truly cares about the success and future of Bulgaria. The Foundation provides a platform for English-language speech and debate for students across the country.