Third Meeting of the Presidents of the Academies of Sciences of the BSEC Member States, Sofia, 15 May 2026
On 15 May 2026, the Third Meeting of the Presidents of the Academies of Sciences of the BSEC Member States was held in Sofia, Republic of Bulgaria, under the theme “Artificial Intelligence as a Catalyst for Scientific Cooperation in the BSEC Region.” The event was organised by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in cooperation with the PABSEC International Secretariat.
The meeting brought together representatives of the Academies of Sciences of the BSEC Member States, including Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine, as well as representatives of Istanbul University, the BSEC Permanent International Secretariat, the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace, and the PABSEC International Secretariat.
At the opening session, addresses were delivered by Prof. D.Sc. Evelina Slavcheva, President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Mr. Ivan Vasilev, Minister of Innovation and Digital Transformation of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Asaf Hajiyev, Secretary General of PABSEC and Ambassador Dr. Merve Safa Kavakci, First Deputy Secretary General of the BSEC Permanent International Secretariat.
During the meeting, the participants exchanged views on strengthening scientific collaboration as a key driver for addressing pressing regional and global challenges, particularly in the context of the rapid development of artificial intelligence and ongoing digital transformation processes. The discussions highlighted the growing role of AI in advancing research, improving access to scientific data, supporting evidence-based policymaking, and enhancing cross-border academic cooperation within the BSEC region. The discussions also focused on advancing joint research programmes, promoting the integration of artificial intelligence in science and education, and expanding academic and educational cooperation among universities and research institutions.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of a Communiqué. It was proposed that the next meeting be organised in 2027 in Chișinău under the patronage of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova.