The main goal of this professional forum is to enable Bulgarian journalists from around the world to network and establish cooperative relationships. It also provides an opportunity for compatriots in the media outside Bulgaria to communicate and exchange experience. During the forum, participants present the problems and challenges they face in their work to a wider audience, including representatives of state institutions.

The forum’s 20-year history began with the first edition in Sofia in 2005, and the 20th edition will also take place in the Bulgarian capital. The theme this year is "Media and Knowledge". Representatives of 34 media outlets from 25 countries are expected to attend, once again sending the message that Bulgaria must have a clear programme in place to support Bulgarian media outlets around the world. BTA Director General Kiril Valchev explains why this is important and who is involved in publishing Bulgarian media abroad in an interview with Radio Bulgaria:

"These media are most often run by people who have other jobs. They are funded privately, with some support from advertising for Bulgarian businesses in the countries concerned. It is clear that in certain countries, Bulgarian media outlets exist thanks to funding from their respective governments. We also have support programmes in Bulgaria. The last such programme was in 2022, when around 20 Bulgarian media outlets received funding. However, it is clear that this does not guarantee any sustainability. Our country needs these media outlets. They are vital for preserving Bulgarian identity and the Bulgarian language around the world.

This year's World Meeting of Bulgarian Media is all about 'Media and Knowledge'.

"The media is one of the most important sources of knowledge about today's world. In this respect, journalists can be considered akin to teachers. However, teachers utilize the knowledge they have accumulated over the years, pass it on to their students, and teach them how to apply this accumulated knowledge in life. The media convey knowledge about what is happening today, which is why they are so important," Valchev explains. 

"I will expand the current debate on the financing of public media. This means exploring ways to find financing forms through programmes involving the whole of society. I think it is worth saying that journalists should be at least as well paid as teachers. We must help those who carry the knowledge of today to do it better and renew themselves by attracting young people. This is another key message of this meeting. The media around the world that speak and write in Bulgarian are an integral part of this process."

The programme for 24 May is going to be extremely busy. It will begin with the validation of a special postage stamp featuring images of Saints Cyril and Methodius from the Klisurski Monastery, not far from Varshets.

There will also be an opening ceremony at the National Press Club of the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency. We have invited Tsar Simeon II to do the honours, as he did 20 years ago in 2005. We are expecting Vice President Iliana Yotova, Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh, who was one of the founders of the first "Association of Bulgarian Media Abroad" 20 years ago, Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev, and the chairpersons of the relevant parliamentary committees – Tosho Yordanov and Yordanka Fandakova – chairpersons of the committees on culture and media and foreign policy.

After the official part, there will be a working panel dedicated to culture in the media. Representatives of Bulgarian media, who work continuously to promote Bulgarian culture, will be in attendance. Bulgarian National Radio is a key player in this field. Its Director General, Milen Mitev, will be there to represent it.

The second panel will be dedicated to new knowledge in the media. We will discuss the content plan and the way in which this new knowledge is transmitted. The Minister of Education and Science, Krasimir Valchev, the President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Evelina Slavcheva, and representatives of the most technologically advanced media outlets will all be in attendance.

The summit will run until 26 May, with events in Varshets. The organisers are using these events to draw attention to the Bulgarian North-West. It is clear that further development in this region is essential. The region's goal is clear: to break free from its label as the poorest in the EU. On the last day of the meeting, all participants are invited to a final conference on the BTA project "Europe on the Balkans – Together through Knowledge."