Annual Meeting of the Diversity Charter Brings Together Business, Civil Society, and the Public Sector for an Inspiring Conversation on Equality and Inclusion
The Diversity Charter in Bulgaria – a joint initiative of the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum (BBLF) and the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) – brought together its community of members, partners, and supporters for an inspiring discussion on equality and inclusion in the workplace.
The annual meeting of the Bulgarian Charter took place on May 14, 2026, at the Planet Schwarz Tech Theater in Sofia and attracted more than 50 experts and managers from business, civil society organizations, and the public sector. Participants were united by the vision of the benefits of a professional environment in which everyone feels accepted and motivated to give their best, regardless of differences.
This is an especially timely and important topic, as inclusive organizational policies are linked to higher employee engagement, better performance, and more sustainable development.
The event was attended by the two institutions most directly involved in equality and integration policies, both of which have supported the Charter since its establishment in 2020.
At the opening, Minister of Labour and Social Policy Natalia Efremova emphasized that Bulgaria has many “hidden” talents and communities that can develop their potential and contribute to the success of any organization. Chairperson of the Commission for Protection Against Discrimination Elka Bozhova highlighted the importance of prevention as a key factor for fair and equal treatment in the workplace.
Dimitar Markov, Director of the Law Program and host of the event, and Tatyana Novossiolova, Senior Analyst at CSD, emphasized the role of the Bulgarian Diversity Charter as an active member of the European platform which unites the national charters of the 27 EU member states.
The meeting in Sofia was also part of the European Diversity Month – a celebration of social inclusion, held this year under the motto “Inclusive Labour Market for All” and marked by thousands of organizations across Europe throughout May.
Mihail Petrov, Managing Director of Schwarz Digits and host of the event, presented the company’s priorities, including the presence of women in the technology sector and encouraging entrepreneurial and innovative thinking among the younger generation.
Kiril Georgiev, Director of Regulatory Affairs, and Savina Savova, Human Resources Director at BAT Bulgaria, received an honorary certificate for their long-standing partnership with the Charter.
Traditionally, the meeting provides a valuable platform for sharing and multiplying tested models and best practices related to belonging and equal opportunities for professional development.
This year, three companies awarded the “Workplace Diversity” prize in the BBLF Responsible Business Awards competition presented their successful experiences. Valentina Bozheva, Vice President of Fantastico Group, Denitsa Yordanova, HR Manager at Inditex Bulgaria, and Elena Stoyanova, HR Director at Latecoere Bulgaria, inspired the audience with vivid examples of the benefits of diverse teams and methods for their full professional integration.
The event continued with a ceremony officially welcoming the newest members of the Charter, which was joined by 17 companies and civil society organizations over the past year.
BBLF Vice Chair Levon Hampartzoumian presented membership certificates to Eyes Open, Anglo-American School, Business Den, the Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce, The Variant, AI at Business, Emprove Foundation, Management Financial Group, National Network for Children, the “Ecological Manifesto – ManEco” Foundation, Karin Dom Foundation, Women Who Grow Foundation, and Schneider Electric Bulgaria.
The stimulating discussions continued in an informal atmosphere, while the cause-driven catering was provided by the “Maria’s World” Foundation.
The event was held with the support of platinum partners BAT Bulgaria and Schwarz Digits, as well as partners White Water Bottling Company and Stanimira Chocolate House.
About the Diversity Charter in Bulgaria
The Diversity Charter in Bulgaria is a joint initiative of the Center for the Study of Democracy and the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum (BBLF), aimed at promoting diversity in the workplace. The Charter encourages companies to develop and implement policies related to diversity management, prevention of discrimination, and promotion of equality. The two organizations launched the project in September 2020, with 10 of the most active BBLF member companies as founding members. Today, the Bulgarian Charter unites more than 120 signatories, primarily companies but also non-governmental organizations, which gain access to a broad network of contacts, publications, and tools for monitoring and evaluating policies.
About BBLF
The Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum (BBLF) brings together organizations with shared values that conduct their business in a responsible, transparent, and ethical manner. We are a platform for exchanging best practices and ideas for the development of the business and social environment in Bulgaria. We engage and connect key figures from politics, business, diplomacy, the non-governmental sector, and the media in order to transform society together. Our vision is for Bulgaria to become a great place for investment, work, and living.
About CSD
The Center for the Study of Democracy’s mission is “building bridges between scholars and policy-makers” and as an independent, interdisciplinary think tank it combines a broad range of capacities. Building bridges is the old-fashioned way of bringing together social actors and cementing new alliances. Born as a think-tank, the Center for the Study of Democracy has evolved into policy development through dialogue and partnership.
