Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov in the series ChangePerspective: Small Steps Create a Culture of Responsibility

The Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov is among the heroes of the series ChangePerspective initiated by Philip Morris Bulgaria and published in the Storio section of the online edition of the media Dnevnik.

UNWE has supported the initiative ChangePerspective since its inception seeing it as an example of how small actions can create a culture of responsibility. In 2024 the University entered into a strategic partnership with Philip Morris Bulgaria's initiative installing smart benches with solar panels, interactive boxes for collecting used filters and chargers in its courtyard. It is part of UNWE's long-term efforts to build a sustainable and engaged academic environment.

Photo: Yane Golev for Storio / Iconomedia

"Although I am from a different generation, I see genuine interest, commitment, and activism toward the nature preservation in our students", shares Prof. Dimitrov in the interview. He points out that the young people do not simply accept but seek green solutions—they create clubs, plant trees and participate in eco-projects. "They are 'infected' by the good examples. They just need space to express themselves and develop." The Rector emphasizes that the sustainability is part of the University's academic mission. The UNWE already has a photovoltaic park, water filtration systems, separate waste collection, smart energy management – and all this has not been imposed administratively, but readily accepted by the academic community. 

An important part of UNWE's vision is the education through personal and institutional example. "A clean environment saves future costs. But beyond the numbers lie culture, ethics, and attitude", says the Rector. "For me, changing the prospective means behaving responsibly towards the future. Not only with laws and rules, but with actions that build trust and sustainability." Prof. Dimitrov also pays special attention to the role of education in building an ecological culture: "We cannot just teach students how to make a budget. We have to educate them in a broader sense—with actions, with examples, with care for the common good".

UNWE is also part of the ENGAGE.EU consortium – a network of nine leading European business universities working together on the sustainable solutions to societal challenges. Among the specialities focused on the green policies it stands out the Master's Degree Program in Global Sustainability Management preparing students to make decisions in the context of economic, environmental and social sustainability. The initiative ChangePerspective is a natural extension of this vision. "We support it not only because the issue is important, but also because its approach is effective – it shows how small gestures, such as throwing a cigarette butt in the right bin, can have a real effect", notes Prof. Dimitrov.

The Rector concludes with an appeal for perseverance and sustainable thinking: "Nothing happens all at once. But when we take small steps every day, we build a culture of responsibility that stands the test of time".

Other participants in the series ChangePerspective are Dilyana Yakova, who is the driving force behind the information campaign of Philip Morris Bulgaria's for the initiative Change Your Perspective with over 13 years of experience as an expert in regulations, Albena Spasova, lecturer at the National Academy of Arts and the New Bulgarian University and co-founder of the International Triennial of Stage Posters, Assoc. Prof. Rositsa Ilieva, lecturer at Krastyo Sarafov National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts, attorney Tsvetana Yotsova and architect Yavor Panev, founders of Optimistas Foundation.

The full text of the interview with Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov in the online edition of the media Dnevnik can be seen HERE.