As Part of the 105th Anniversary of UNWE the Economics of Transport and Energy Department Celebrates 75 Years of Its Foundation with a Journey on the Narrow-Gauge Railway and a Conference on Sustainable Future

As part of the celebrations devoted to the 105th Anniversary of UNWE the Economics of Transport and Energy Department marked its 75th Anniversary with an exciting journey by the iconic Rhodope narrow-gauge railway and announced an upcoming large-scale conference dedicated to the future of transport and energy.

Students and lecturers from the Department went to an unforgettable journey along the scenic route from Septemvri to Dobrinishte taking the opportunity to combine the academic learning with a practical experience. During the trip participants were engaged in interactive challenges aimed at stimulating the search for innovative solutions in complex situations.

One of the key themes of the trip was the emphasis on the advantages of rail transport especially for the younger generation. “Students and lecturers from the Department focus on actively promoting the speciality Economics of Transport and Energy demonstrating the potential of this sustainable mode of transport, which stands out for its lower energy consumption when transporting passengers and goods”, emphasized Assoc. Prof. Dr. Borislav Arnaudov.

The highlight of the trip was when reaching Avramovo Station – the highest railway station on the Balkan Peninsula. This symbolic achievement of reaching the highest point emphasizes the Department's ambitions for future development and contribution to the fields of transport and energy.

An important moment in the interactive off-site training was the lecture by Kristian Vaklinov, a graduate of the Master's Degree Programme Economic of Transport at UNWE and Chairperson of the Association for the Narrow-Gauge Railway. He shared with the students the history of the design, construction, and development of the Rhodope narrow-gauge railway as a completely Bulgarian initiative. The Department team expressed to him special thankfullness for organizing this trip and looks forward to having him again in the university`s classrooms.

“The trip by the narrow-gauge railway was not only an emotional experience but also a valuable practical lesson for our students”, shared Prof. Dr. Hristina Nikolova, Head of the Department, and added: “It gave us the opportunity to emphasize the importance of sustainable transport and to inspire future specialists in our field. The upcoming conference will serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas and outlining the path towards a greener and more efficient future”.

The celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the Economics of Transport and Energy Department will continue in October with a major scientific conference. The forum will bring together leading experts, scholars and business representatives to discuss current issues and visions for the sustainable future of transport and energy.

The UNWE and the Economics of Transport and Energy Department invite all interested parties to follow the information for the upcoming conference on the university's website and to participate in the event, which will outline the future of key sectors for the Bulgarian economy.