On May 22, 2026, the Agricultural University – Plovdiv celebrated two significant occasions: the Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the Bulgarian Alphabet, Education and Culture and Slavic Literature, the “Bouquet of Nationalities” initiative as part of Diversity day.
The festive event brought together academic staff, students, employees, and guests of the university in a spirit of academic excellence, cultural diversity, mutual respect, and shared European values. The celebration became a symbol of the open, international, and inclusive academic community that the Agricultural University – Plovdiv has been building and developing for more than eight decades.
The event was officially opened by the Rector of the Agricultural University – Plovdiv, Prof. Boryana Ivanova. In her welcoming speech, she emphasized the significance of May 24 as one of the most treasured Bulgarian national holidays – a day on which every Bulgarian expresses belonging to a nation with a worthy place in the spiritual and cultural history of Europe.
In his address to the audience, the Vice-Rector for Scientific and International Affairs, Prof. Dimo Atanasov, emphasized the importance of cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue in today’s world. Prof. Atanasov encouraged young people toward unity, respect, and solidarity:
“Let us build together a community of understanding, friendship, and mutual support. Preserve your traditions, but also learn from one another, because diversity is the true strength of the modern world.”
Diversity day initiative united students from Greece, Turkey, Poland, Ukraine, Canada, Cabo Verde, Costa Rica, and Mauritius, who presented the richness of their cultures through traditional cuisine, music, and customs. The event turned into a true celebration of friendship, intercultural exchange, and the international academic community.
The promotion of cultural diversity, inclusion, and international cooperation is among the core priorities of the Agricultural University – Plovdiv and is fully aligned with European values and policies in education and science. In this context, the university proudly participates in the UNIgreen European University Alliance, a European academic consortium dedicated to promoting sustainable development, green education, social inclusion, and equal access to quality education.
