Official Opening of the 8th Edition of the University Book Week

"There are many words that have disappeared and continue to disappear from the Bulgarian language. While we try to keep some kind of identity, we forget the most important thing – the Bulgarian language which identifies us most", said the Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors of the Bulgarian Book Association Gergana Dimitrova in her speech at the opening of the VIII edition of the University Book Week. "This Bulgarian language, these words are kept in books but the books are meaningless if we don't read them. That's why this Book Week is so important."

Petar Petrov, Director of the University Library, Kaloyan Stefanov, Chairperson of the Student Council at UNWE, Angel Stoykov, Chairperson of the National Representation of Student Councils, Petko Goranov, Mayor of the Student District, Ashot Kazaryan, Deputy Minister of Culture, and Hristo Hristov /from the right to the left/

The University Book Week was officially opened in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Culture Ashot Kazaryan and Mayor of the Student District Petko Goranov.

Prof. Dr. Matilda Alexandrova, Vice-Rector for Educational Activity, welcomed the guests: "Under the motto the Future of Reading this year we bring together nearly 20 publishers and present 16 book premieres – impressive proof that the books continue to be the living pulse of spirituality and intellectual development. I am delighted that many of our lecturers and researchers will present their own works – a contribution not only to science but also to the cultural mission of UNWE. As I often emphasize, our university strives to be not just an educational institution but also a center of culture, literature and art. Meetings with authors, discussions about the books, exhibitions and cultural events are what form the sense of belonging to a larger spiritual community. Of particular significance is the fact that in this jubilee year for the UNWE, when we celebrate 105 years since its founding, a new encyclopedia has been published entitled Prominent Financiers, Managers, and Business Leaders – Lecturers and Alumni of UNWE /1920–2025/. This edition is our tribute to the generations who have built the university's authority and traditions". She pointed out that part of the University Book Week is the guest exhibition of St. St. Cyril and Methodius National Library which is our long-standing partner. The exhibition is dedicated to the Year of the Glagolitic Alphabet and it is entitled Saints Cyril and Methodius – Memory and Glory Through the Centuries.

The Deputy Minister of Culture Ashot Kazaryan and Dr. Gergana Kirilova, Director of Rector's Office Directorate /from the right to the left/	Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Vice-Rector for Institutional and Business Cooperation and Student Policies, Dr. Gergana Kirilova, Prof. Dr. Veselka Pavlova /from the right to the left/ and the singer Ilia Lukov /in the background/

Prof. Matilda Alexandrova awarded to Hristo Hristov a Certificate of Donation in recognition of his noble gesture - the donation of an extremely valuable collection from 1921 dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the creative work of Prof. Stefan Bobchev – founder and first Rector of our university. She also noted that a phototype edition of the collection is being prepared.

"This book is a direct proof of the importance of books and further evidence of the deep roots of the institution we all represent because what is written remains", expressed his thankfulness Hristo Hristov.

"It is an honour for me to be here at my favorite university which is like a family to me", said the Deputy Minister of Culture Ashot Kazaryan wishing success to the latest edition of University Book Week at UNWE.

"In the era of the electronic world the reading has acquired special value and power for people who develop themselves by reading and exchanging thoughts about what they have learned", said Petko Goranov, Mayor of the Student District.

"We should remember much more often the saying “What is written remains, but words fly away” and to respect the paper editions of the books", said Angel Stoykov, Chairperson of the National Representation of Student Councils. "Young people are extremely adaptable - they consult ChatGPT to find out what Stephen King has written so that they can be modern, they know which book is relevant, and boast to their friends. But the idea is different - young people should read fiction as well as the academic publications of our university. Why should they read? Because words that are extremely important disappear from the Bulgarian language. Our language is a gift, a treasure that we must not forget", added Angel Stoykov noting that the UNWE is a pioneer with its Book Week initiative and that other universities can follow its good example.

"For us, the students, it is important to touch the paper edition of the knowledge – the book. In today's fast-paced world, it is easier to consult to artificial intelligence, but no one else can provide us with the knowledge that the paper can give us", said Kaloyan Stefanov, Chairperson of the Student Council.

Peter Petrov, Director of the University Library, reminded the history of the Library and noted that its beginning had been set up by donations - a tradition that continues even nowadays and the Library has 122 donors this year, including the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, Prof. D.Sc. Pencho Penchev, Chairperson of the General Assembly, the Student Council, the Law Faculty, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency. "The future of reading will be determined by the modern technologies and artificial intelligence but in order for them to be used, knowledge is necessary, which is achieved through reading. If you want to be people of the future, read!", said the Director of the UNWE Library.