The Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute, in partnership with the United Nations Association of Bulgaria and with the support of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, had the pleasure of hosting in Sofia a conference entitled “Contemporary Challenges to Multilateral Cooperation – Policies and Values in a Dynamic Geopolitical Environment”.
The event was dedicated to an in-depth analysis of the key challenges facing multilateral cooperation in the contemporary geopolitical context. The discussions focused on the interplay between policies, interests and values within international and regional organisations, as well as on current issues related to shaping and implementing the European security and peace agenda.
The opening session featured welcoming remarks by Mr. Hristo Polendakov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria; Ambassador Vladimir Sotirov, President of the United Nations Association of Bulgaria; Mr. Jacques Paparo, Director of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation – Bulgaria; and Ms. Mihaela Ilieva, Chief Expert in the Public Acffairs and Cooperation Department of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who delivered welcoming remarks on behalf of the Director of the Institute, Ms. Tanya Mihaylova.
The first panel, “Multilateral Cooperation in a Changing International Order”, featured Dr. Lyubomir Kyuchukov, Director of the Economics and International Relations Institute, who outlined the deepening crisis of the post-war international order and the need to restore political dialogue and trust among states. Dr. Ivet Tileva, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of International Economics and Politics of the University of National and World Economy, analysed the impact of the crisis in multilateral diplomacy on international trade and the fragmentation of economic blocs. Ambassador Petar Popchev, President and CEO of the Net Zero Foundation, highlighted the challenges facing global efforts to address climate change and ensure energy security.
The second panel, “Policies, Values and Norms in International Relations”, featured Ambassador Petko Draganov, Ambassador-at-Large at the General Directorate for Global Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who examined the role of values in the European Union’s foreign policy. Ambassador Maria Spasova, Ambassador-at-Large at the General Directorate for Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the importance of democracy and human rights, as well as the role of the United Nations as a guarantor of international norms. Ms. Lazara Prichkapova, Organisational Director of the association “More Women in Power”, emphasised the potential of small and medium-sized states to build bridges and promote dialogue amid growing international uncertainty. Ms. Vanina Ninova, PhD candidate in Political Science at New Bulgarian University, presented EU enlargement policy as an important instrument for stability and multilateral cooperation.
The conference concluded with a youth discussion on the future of global governance, providing young participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas and perspectives.
We would like to thank our partners at the United Nations Association of Bulgaria and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation for their fruitful cooperation!
