08.10.2025
On October 3, 2025, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marina Stefanova, Vice-Dean for Sustainability, Empowernment, and Engagement at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, participated in the anniversary edition of the Thessaloniki Sustainability Summit 2025, dedicated to the tenth anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement.
The forum was organized by UN SDSN Black Sea, of which Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” is a member, in partnership with the World Academy of Art and Science and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The two-day event brought together international experts, scholars, and leaders from the Black Sea and Balkan regions.
Assoc. Prof. Stefanova took part in the panel “Climate Action – Assessing Risks and Opportunities for Adaptation and Mitigation” (SDG 13 – Climate Action), where she presented the topic “Women and Just Climate Finance”.
The initiative is jointly coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and Water, the Green Transition Forum, and the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, and was officially introduced for the first time at the Bulgarian Pavilion during COP29 in Baku (2024).
In her address, Assoc. Prof. Stefanova urged the international community, in implementing the goals of the Paris Agreement, to adhere to several key principles of action.
“First, to take full responsibility for all processes, policies, and measures being implemented, without restricting accountability to the public or private sectors alone.
Second, to maintain open dialogue among stakeholders and avoid open conflicts at all costs.
And finally, to extend the stewardship of good caretakers not only toward our immediate environment but across the entire planet”, explained Assoc. Prof. Stefanova.
The second day of the forum featured four panel discussions focusing on climate action, sustainable development in the Balkans, the vision of the World Academy of Art and Science, and the challenges of the energy transition.
Keynote speakers included Prof. Jeffrey Sachs (Columbia University, USA) and Prof. Matt Santamouris (University of New South Wales, Australia).
The Thessaloniki Sustainability Summit 2025 was held under the auspices of the Department of Civil Engineering at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with the support of EYATH S.A. and the Research Committee of AUTh.