NEWS

President: Science, Technology and Education Are Key to Achieving 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals

 

Science, technology and education are key to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and Bulgaria will continue to support the creation of an open, free and secure digital world to which everyone has equal access. This is what President Rumen Radev said during a leadership dialogue on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, dedicated to the application of science, technology, education and innovation in support of development, which was attended by 15 heads of state and government from Europe and the world, as well as representatives of international organisations.

 

Achieving the UN 2030 Agenda is a priority for Bulgaria, President Radev said and called for more effective multilateral cooperation to implement the common goals. In national terms, for Bulgaria this means a transformation aimed at building an innovative, green, digital and connected country.

 

Rumen Radev stressed that Bulgaria has well-established traditions in the natural sciences, such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering, etc., and these are the foundations of the progress made in various high-tech centres. The increasing potential of technology companies in this country is also accelerating the development of science.    

 

The National Development Programme Bulgaria 2030 focuses on fostering the competitiveness of Bulgarian companies by improving digital connectivity, creating large information centres, automating processes, robotics, etc. In addition to the recognised Bulgarian universities, the recently opened Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology, which is unique in the region and attracts scientists from all over the world, contributes to the development of Bulgaria as an attractive centre of scientific excellence and to the enhancement of economic growth and quality of life.  

 

In his speech at the forum, President Rumen Radev also pointed out that Bulgaria will continue to work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and this requires efficient use of resources, wise investment in science based on high-quality education and modern technologies, and the application of artificial intelligence must take into account the moral norms of humanity, the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

 

For projects aimed at improving connectivity between Bulgaria and Turkiye must be viewed as a whole, to be successful, and within the context of closer cooperation in Southeastern Europe. This will bolster both economic development and security in the region, whose strategic importance is growing. This was stated by President Iliana Iotova at a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who is on a formal visit to Bulgaria.

Albulena Haxhiu expressed her gratitude to President Iotova for Bulgaria’s support on Kosovo’s path toward membership in NATO and the European Union.

Iliana Iotova raised the issue of depopulation in the area along the Bulgarian-Serbian border and highlighted the need for investment to counter the adverse demographic trend.

Iliana Iotova holds a session with the President of our western neighbour Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova