The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences is hosting the third meeting of the presidents of the Academies of Sciences of the member states of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) which is taking place today in Sofia. “Artificial intelligence as a catalyst for scientific cooperation in the BSEC region” is the main topic of discussion during the international forum.
The President of BAS, Corresponding Member Evelina Slavcheva, and the Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC), Academician Asaf Hajiyev, opened the event. In her address, Corr. Memb. Slavcheva emphasized the importance of these meetings which provide an opportunity not only to exchange ideas and discuss significant topics but also to deepen and develop joint cooperation. The Black Sea region has always been a bridge between different cultures and traditions, and today, more than ever, she noted, we need to share knowledge and promote joint scientific research. Corr. Memb. Slavcheva also emphasized the development of artificial intelligence (AI). I am convinced that today’s discussions will deepen our understanding of AI in the direction of future research and innovation. We live in the age of technology – artificial intelligence and science play an important role in economic development, said Acad. Asaf Hajiyev in his welcoming remarks. Dr. Merve Kavakçı, First Deputy Secretary General of BSEC, shared an update on BSEC’s current activities and projects.
Ivan Vasilev, Minister of Innovation and Digital Transformation, addressed the event’s participants. He highlighted the leading role of BAS scientists in fostering the next generation of companies with breakthrough technologies in the fields of AI, robotics, mechatronics, and other cutting-edge areas. Economic growth can be achieved through high-value-added industries driven by science, innovation, and technology, the minister noted. During the meeting, he presented our country’s latest achievements in the field of innovation and highlighted current scientific projects – the Centers of Excellence and the Centers of Competence to name a few.
BAS and PABSEC are the organizers of the event. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Academies of Sciences of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine, as well as representatives of Istanbul University, the BSEC Secretariat, the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace, and the PABSEC Secretariat. Representing BAS at the meeting were members of the leadership as well as Acad. Julian Revalski, President of BAS (2016–2024) who serves as the PABSEC Special Representative to international organizations working in the fields of science and education.
The key priorities discussed during the meeting included the development of scientific cooperation in the region: more frequent meetings of the Academies of Sciences to present activities in various scientific fields with the aim of identifying priority topics for applications to various international programs as well as strengthening bilateral cooperation by promoting the exchange of scientists, information and publications between the Academies of Sciences of the BSEC member states and leading universities in the region.
A concert by students from the Vocal Faculty of the National Academy of Music (NAM) was organized in the “Prof. Marin Drinov” Hall at BAS for the meeting participants. The specially prepared program included works by European composers. BAS Vice President Prof. Emmanuel Moutafov introduced the guests to the history of the hall and to MUSICORUM VIA – the joint initiative of the BAS and the NAM.
