site.btaOn EU Anti-Trafficking Day, International Conference at Plovdiv University Focuses on Combating Human Trafficking

An international interdisciplinary academic conference on combating human trafficking, sexual exploitation and labour exploitation was held at Plovdiv University on Saturday.

The event marked the EU Anti-Trafficking Day, observed on October 18, and brought together three of the university's faculties: of Economics and Social Sciences, of Education and of Law.

Representatives of academia, government institutions, NGOs, experts and students came together to deepen both academic and public debate on one of the most serious global issues.

Assistant Professor Kostadin Bakov from the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences told BTA the goal is for students to develop a sense of responsibility and learn the principles of sharing expertise. Bakov, who moderated the event, noted that students studying National Security will need to communicate effectively with lawyers, psychologists and social workers in their future careers, and the conference helps prepare them for real professional challenges through interdisciplinary thinking.

Plovdiv University's Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Boryan Yanev, read an address on behalf of the Rector, Prof. Rumen Mladenov. He said the conference addresses one of the most important and sensitive issues of our time - combating human trafficking and various forms of exploitation. The conference theme, "Together We Can", is a message that no single institution, organization or community can tackle challenges of this scale alone. Only through knowledge, shared experience and joint efforts can real change be achieved to counter a phenomenon affecting thousands of lives, the message said.

The agenda features presentations of academic papers followed by discussions addressing the legal, social and ethical aspects of human trafficking, challenges and best practices in prevention and victim protection, opportunities for international and inter-institutional cooperation, and the role of education and public awareness in combating exploitation.