site.btaCommemorative Plaque Unveiled in Sofia for 105th Anniversary of University of National and World Economy

A commemorative plaque marking the 105th anniversary of the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) was unveiled on Monday at 6 Slavyanska Street in Sofia, on the building where, on May 21, 1920, the Free University of Political and Economic Sciences - the predecessor of today's UNWE - was established.

Born on February 2, 1853, Prof. Stefan Bobchev was the founder and first rector of the Free University of Political and Economic Sciences. He left a lasting mark on Bulgarian political, social and academic life, UNWE representatives noted. The university's history began on May 21, 1920, when the first meeting of the initiative committee to create a new specialized higher education institution in Bulgaria took place, the university recalled.

"The idea for the commemorative plaque was initiated for our 105th anniversary. Today is the perfect moment, because it is the birthday anniversary of Prof. Stefan Bobchev, the founder and first rector of UNWE, which was then called the Free University of Political and Economic Sciences," UNWE Rector Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov told BTA and the Bulgarian National Radio.

"UNWE is a worthy successor of the pioneers. Currently, nearly 20,000 students are enrolled. We are proud of more than 150 ministers and12 prime ministers. UNWE alumni are everywhere, in business and in politics. Our graduates also hold many high international positions: International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, the High Representative for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, to name just a few. We have several directors of directorates in the European Commission. We are proud of everything our colleagues and alumni have accomplished over these 106 years," said UNWE Rector Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov.

Among those attending the ceremony were Iliya Lingorski, member of the Governing Council of the Bulgarian National Bank, Sofia City Council Chairman Tsvetomir Petrov, who joined Prof. Dimitrov in unveiling the plaque, descendants of UNWE's first rector, Prof. Stefan Bobchev, and faculty members.