Closing Conference on a Project Related to the Chinese Initiative One Belt, One Road

At the UNWE was held the Closing Conference on the project The Chinese Belt and Road Initiative in the Black Sea Region: Analysis of Opportunities and Risks for Bulgaria, Headed by Prof. Dr. Georgy Chankov, Director of Europe-China Research Center and lecturer at the International Relations Department.

The event was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Vodenicharova, Vice Rector for Research, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov, Vice Rector for International Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Plamen Ralchev, Head of the International Relations Department; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Svetla Boneva, Dean of the International Economics and Politics Department, Mr. Rady Naydenov, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yasen Georgiev, Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Policy, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Antonina Habova and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elizabeth Yoneva from the International Relations Department, as well as lecturers, researchers and representatives of the academic community.

The Conference was opened by the Vice Rector for International Affairs Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov. In his welcoming remarks he highlighted the significance of the fundamental studies, financed by the Scientific Research Fund, and used Prof. Chankov's project as an example of successfully implemented research. According to him, the project is important for the University also because of the active cooperation with China, he also noted that the UNWE has over 50 agreements with Chinese universities and in recent years our university has hosted significant forums with the participation of large Chinese delegations. He also emphasized the dual Bachelor's and Master's programmes with Chinese universities - Hebei University of Economics and Business /HUEB/, Tianjin Foreign Studies University /TFSU/ and Shanghai Jiao Tong University /SJTU/. Assoc. Prof. Hristozov greeted Prof. Chankov and the entire team for the achieved results and responsible management of the project and wished them to continue their research activities by completing new successful research initiatives.

The Vice Rector for Research Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Vodenicharova, who outlined the significance of the project for theUNWE and emphasized the strengthened cooperation with the academic institutions in Ningbo /Ningbo University of Technology, NBUT/. Assoc. Prof. Vodenicharova said she hopes the team will continue to evolve and strengthen the established partnerships.

Prof. Georgy Chankov presented the project and the achieved results. He expressed thankfulness to the participants from the research collective and to the UNWE administration for the provided support, as well as to the Scientific Research Fund, underlining the significance of the Fund’s financial support for the completion of worthwhile scientific research. According to him, the project contributed to the accumulation of research results and the broadening of international academic cooperation. Among the main activities Prof. Chankov singled out the participation of the research team with reports in various conferences, the preparation of publications indexed in reputable scientific databases and the work visits to China. He emphasized the successful cooperation with the Confucius Institute and the established relations with the Center of Cooperation between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and with the Ningbo University of Technology. These relations provide the opportunity for future collaboration on joint research projects and publications. A collective monograph summarizing the achieved scientific results was also prepared within the framework of the project. Prof. Chankov noted that despite the difficulties associated with the pandemic, the delay in indexation and the workload of the participants, the main tasks have been completed.

The Permanent Secretary of teh  Ministry of Defence Mr. Rady Naydenov outlined the importance of UNWE as an institution that prepares a workforce with successful professional realization in the  state administration, diplomacy and international relations. He noted that the combination of solid theoretical preparation with practical experience is a key ingredient for the creation of competent professionals. According to him, despite the advancement of digitalization and AI the personal contact, dialogue and the ability to communicate remain the foundation of diplomatic work. He emphasized the necessity for Bulgaria to think strategically and look for its place in the constantly evolving global order. In conclusion, he expressed desire for closer cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UNWE, noting the necessity for a well-prepared and competent workforce in the fields of diplomacy and international relations.

The implementation of the project The Chinese Belt and Road Initiative in the Black Sea Region: Analysis of Opportunities and Risks for Bulgaria has significantly contributed to the advancement of UNWE's international academic cooperation and opens up new opportunities for research dialogue, joint research and active assertion of the University’s place in the global academic environment.