The World Vice-Champions in University Debates Were Awarded Certificates by the Rector

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov met with the world vice-champions in university debates Velina Andonova and Alek Selveliev and awarded to them certificates for their outstanding success and contribution to strengthening Bulgaria's position on the world debate scene. The World University Debating Championship - WUDC is the eldest and most prestigious world championship in university debating, held annually since 1980. For the first time in the history of the championships, Bulgaria provided a platform for the debates and welcomed the best students and the UNWE hosted the event.

The world vice-champions were also greeted by Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Vice-Rector for Institutional and Business Cooperation and Student Policies.

Velina Andonova and Alek Selveliev reached the grand final of the World University Debating Championship - WUDC 2026 and with their result Bulgaria recorded its third world final in the last four years – a period marked by two European titles for our country.

During the meeting, Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov greetd the finalists on their achievement and emphasized the importance of their success for the academic and public environment in Bulgaria. “Your achievement is an evidence of the high level of preparation, analytical thinking and civic engagement of young people in Bulgaria. The UNWE is honored to recognize this success and to stand behind young persons who bring glory to our country at the highest international level”, said the Rector.

Velina Andonova and Alek Selveliev expressed their gratitude to Prof. Dimitrov and the University Management: “It is a great honor for us to receive this recognition. We are grateful for the support and attention given to debates as a form of education that develops critical thinking, responsibility, and active citizenship”.

The World University Debating Championships - WUDC 2026 brought together over 1 000 participants—competitors, judges, and organizers from around the world and became the largest edition of the WUDC since the COVID-19 pandemic. The topic of the final debate was For or Against the Development of Artificial Intelligence Features Aiming to Influence People /e.g., to Persuade Them More Effectively/.

WUDC 2026 was organized by the Bulgarian Debate Association /BDA/ and an organizational team led by Nikolay Angelov, Rumen Marinov, graduate of UNWE completed Business Economics, and Maxim Zangov.

Bulgaria was represented by four teams, with two Bulgarian teams reaching the quarterfinals in addition to the finalists Velina Andonova and Alek Selveliev.

By hosting the consecutive global forum, the UNWE once again proved its support for young talents and Bulgaria's confirmation as a significant factor in the global academic and intellectual community.