UNWE Welcomed Nearly 1 200 Guests at the National Museum of History to Celebrate Its 105th Anniversary

Nearly 1 200 representatives of the country’s political, economic, and academic elite attended the official reception on the occasion of the 105th Anniversary of UNWE held at the National Museum of History.

Greetings were extended to the guests by Natalia Kiselova, Chairperson of the National Assembly, the Vice President Iliana Yotova, the Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov and the Minister of Justice Georgy Georgiev. Among the distinguished guests at the reception were two Presidents of the Republic of Bulgaria – Georgy Parvanov and Rosen Plevneliev as well as Members of Parliament, Ambassadors, Regional Governors, Mayors, representatives of the public administration, the business community and academia.

The event began with the sounds of the national anthem performed by the Representative Brass Band of the Bulgarian Guards Unit.

“With a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility I stand before you on this festive day as we celebrate 105 years of the establishment of our university. More than a century ago, in 1920, a remarkable Bulgarian – Prof. Stephan Bobchev – laid the foundations of a mission that would outlive generations and become a symbol of economic thought and social progress in Bulgaria. One hundred and five years later the UNWE remains loyal to the testament of its founders: academic freedom, high scientific standards, commitment to society and responsibility to its students – the future leaders of Bulgaria and the world”, said the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov.

“One hundred and five years in Bulgarian higher education is not a period of time. For more than a century the UNWE has established itself as one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in Bulgaria. Today, it is your responsibility to continue writing its history – not only the history of higher education in the field of economics, but also of educating future leaders, bankers, and statesmen. I wish every one of you to pursue your dreams, to achieve what could not be accomplished over the past 105 years, to enjoy good health, and may the next 100 years be even more successful than those you`ve already written. Happy anniversary!“. With these words, the Chairperson of the National Assembly Natalia Kiselova extended her greetings to the academic community, students, and employees of UNWE.

The Vice President Iliana Yotova paid tribute to the founder of the University Prof. Stephan Bobchev, describing him as a visionary who in the difficult years at the beginning of the 20th century had understood that a strong state cannot exist without educated people. “You provide students not only with knowledge and skills, but also with the confidence to believe in themselves, to be strong individuals with dignity and moral values. It is not a coincidence that the motto of UNWE is The Spirit Makes the Power. Only educated, free, and independent people can serve as a true guarantee of democracy”, said the Vice President. She also outlined the University’s rich research activity and its active international cooperation: “The UNWE has turned its lecture halls into spaces for discussion on important topics where wise politicians seek the expertise of its lecturers and the opinion of its students”.

“It is an honour for me to take part in this celebration on the occasion of the 105th Anniversary of one of the most prestigious universities not only in Bulgaria, but also in Southeastern Europe. Prof. Dimitrov, I would like to address you and your team – the Bulgarian energy sector has worked hand in hand with the University for many years. We would like to express our thankfulness to you for this cooperation and for giving us the opportunity to lead the way in shaping the future of the Bulgarian energy industry”, said the Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov. As a sign of appreciation for the longstanding and successful partnership, he awarded to Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov an honorary plaque from the Ministry of Energy.

“I would like to greet the UNWE for its outstanding contribution to the development of the Bulgarian economy and to the preparation of professionals who make it possible for us to speak today of building a knowledge-based economy. This would not have been possible without 105 years of excellence. I greet the students, the lecturers, and the university leadership for their continued efforts to ensure that the University remains part of the decision-making process—not only through its graduates, but also through the contribution of science, so that the public governance may be grounded on research, analysis and high-quality informed decisions making”, said the Minister of Justice Georgy Georgiev.

Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov also received a commemorative plaque from the Minister of Justice.

Mucial host of the event was the talented Bulgarian performer Desi Dobreva, who greeted the guests with a specially selected programme.

The attendees also had the opportunity to enjoy the performances of the dance ensemble Geratsy.

Earlier that day the Bulgarian Patriarch and Sofia Metropolitan Daniil, the Chairperson of the National Assembly Natalia Kiselova and the  Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Valchev attended the Solemn Assembly held at the UNWE on the occasion of the 105th Anniversary of our university.

The Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia DAniil, led a Thanksgiving Prayer Service on the occasion of the Anniversary.

After the Solemn Assembly the University Managing Body together with the Deans of the Faculties, Secretaries General, lecturers, students, and guests laid wreaths and flowers in front of the monument of the University’s founder and first Rector Prof. Stephan Bobchev.

The Wall of Fame entitled UNWE Lecturers and Graduates – Heads of International and National Institutions was updated and expanded. It already contains 200 distinguished UNWE graduates, including 150 ministers - 11 of whom have served as Prime Minister, 10 Governors of the Bulgarian National Bank, as well as numerous prominent figures from international institutions, public administration, and the private sector.

By Decision of the Sofia Municipal Council and at the proposal of the Rector of UNWE a memorial plaque will be placed on the facade of the building in 6 Slavyanska Street to commemorate the founding of the Free University of Political and Economic Sciences. One hundred and five years ago, it was the location of the Slavic Society building, where the University was originally established. The plaque will contain the following inscription:

"In this building, on 21 May 1920, the Free University of Political and Economic Sciences was founded. Its successor is the University of National and World Economy – UNWE."

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