The Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute was pleased to present its annual DOCENDO DISCIMUS Honorary Awards for 2026 at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended by Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs Ivanka Tashеvа, Hristo Polendakov, and Hristo Dikanski, as well as diplomats, experts and partners of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute.
The awards have been presented for the fourteenth consecutive year to one Bulgarian and one foreign individual or institution in recognition of their contribution to strengthening the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute.
This year’s recipients are Bulgarian journalist and international affairs analyst Georgi Milkov and the Representation of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Bulgaria, represented by its Director, Norbert Beckmann-Dierkes. They were recognized for their long-standing contribution to the development of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute as a modern school for diplomatic training, as well as to promoting a positive image of Bulgarian diplomacy in Bulgaria and abroad through joint public, publishing and project activities.
The awards were presented by Ms. Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute, who emphasized that the awards, bearing the name of the Institute’s motto—“By teaching others, we teach ourselves”—recognize the contribution of those who have supported its mission and work through their efforts and professional standing.
“Throughout my professional career, I have had the opportunity to observe Bulgarian diplomacy from the front row,” Mr. Georgi Milkov said upon receiving the award. “I have witnessed successes of Bulgarian diplomacy achieved through professionalism, knowledge, and patience,” he added, expressing his appreciation for many Bulgarian diplomats whom he is proud to call his friends. In his view, good diplomacy and quality journalism will become increasingly important in the contemporary world.
For his part, Mr. Norbert Beckmann-Dierkes of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Bulgaria stressed that without diplomacy, we would not be able to remain united and achieve common success. He added that a united Europe has been built on shared values and faith in a better future, while peace in Europe was achieved thanks to the vision of prominent politicians such as Konrad Adenauer, whose legacy should continue to guide us today.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria Hristo Polendakov also addressed the award recipients and guests, wishing them continued success and many more opportunities for future cooperation.
Photos: Adrian Popov, Zoom Solutions
