Christmas Event 2025

On 10 December 2025, we hosted our inaugural Christmas event, marking the start of an annual tradition we hope will endure for many years.

The day brought together our academic community, partners, diplomats and friends for a programme blending meaningful reflection, inspiring ideas and genuine human connection. This included a public lecture at the Agricultural University of Plovdiv, heartfelt discussions with our guests, a festive social gathering at CCBRE and a diplomatic visit from the Swiss Ambassador. There were also warm exchanges of ideas and contacts among all participants.

By the end of the event, one feeling stood above all others: that of new friendships and new beginnings — not only for our centre, but for wider society too.

An Inspiring Lecture to Close the Year

Our special guest and keynote speaker was Sasha Bezuhanova, an internationally recognised leader, investor, philanthropist and entrepreneur. In keeping with the spirit of our new Christmas tradition, we invited her to inspire and challenge us to think beyond the present moment.

Drawing on her experience of working with active citizens and change-makers for over 12 years, she made a powerful observation: the new era is already being shaped by our young people.

In the context of ongoing civic movements in Bulgaria, she emphasised the growing participation of 18–20-year-olds — young adults who have a deep connection to nature, a natural understanding of the digital world, a passion for volunteering, and a commitment to carrying forward the values of the future.

Their awakening gives her optimism:

"After the darkest hour comes the inevitable light."

Living Between Two Eras

Sasha Bezuhanova described today's world as a transitional period between two eras, a transformation that is both necessary and painful. The economic, political and technological landscapes are shifting rapidly. Digital communication is accelerating democratic access to information, and scientific collaboration across borders is becoming more accessible.

However, this transformation brings challenges:

• Misinformation
• Fear-driven narratives
• Social fragmentation
• Deep uncertainty about the future

According to her, we are in the chaotic stage before a new value system emerges — one that is not grounded in competition, but in connectedness, community and mutual contribution.

A New Value Framework for the Future

The old model of individual success — 'I win when you lose' — is no longer viable.

The future belongs to those who understand:

• collaboration over isolation
• community over ego
• shared responsibility over narrow gain

True success will increasingly be measured by how much we contribute to our communities and to solving shared challenges, from climate change to digital inequality.

Our guest speaker ended her lecture on an optimistic note:

'We are moving towards a new community in which we co-create our collective destiny.'

Аt our centre: Diplomacy, Dialogue, and Holiday Spirit

Following the lecture, guests gathered at CCBRE for our inaugural Christmas celebration. The event featured warm conversations, festive catering, thoughtful gifts and a genuine sense of togetherness.

We were honoured by a visit from the Swiss Ambassador Pierre Hagmann, who met with our team and our guests. He expressed strong interest in CCBRE’s work and our vision for clean technologies and innovation in the Plovdiv region.

This event provided an opportunity for new connections, ideas and collaborations, and was a fitting way to conclude our inaugural year of activities, as we step into 2026 with confidence and enthusiasm.

A New Beginning for CCBRE’s Christmas Tradition

Our first Christmas event marked the start of a new tradition that will continue to grow: inviting inspiring thinkers, bringing people together and celebrating the progress we have made and the future we are building together.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us and helped create an atmosphere of warmth, reflection and inspiration.

Here’s to many more Christmas events — and many more new beginnings!

The future feels brighter when we create it together.