The fourth edition of the ENGAGE.EU Summer School, part of the European University Alliance, concluded with high spirits and positive energy. This year, the event was hosted by the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) and took place from June 16 to 27, 2025, under the timely and forward-looking theme Designing European Sustainable Futures.A total of 36 students from eight alliance member universities participated in the program: University of Mannheim, Luiss University, NHH Norwegian School of Economics, Tilburg University, Université Toulouse Capitole, Ramon Llull University, Hanken School of Economics, and UNWE. At the official closing ceremony, the participants were awarded certificates of completion, presented by the Rector of UNWE, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov.

The Summer School programme featured a dynamic academic curriculum led by distinguished professors and industry professionals, focusing on key themes such as sustainability, corporate responsibility, and future-oriented practices. PhD student Giuliana Manganaro from the University of Mannheim opened the academic program with her session Impact Meets Profit: Marketing the Organisational Purpose for Sustainable Futures,highlighting how organisations can align profitability with meaningful social and environmental impact. Concurrently, Dr. Amadeus Bach, also from the University of Mannheim, presented a lecture series on Corporate Decarbonization and Emerging Climate Technologies, focusing on strategies for reducing carbon footprints and implementing innovative climate solutions.

The program also welcomed guest speakers from leading businesses and organisations. Viktoria Petrova of Coca-Cola HBC BSO delivered an inspiring talk titled The Art of Being a Rookie, offering practical advice for early career development. Representatives of JobTiger, Hristiyan Petkov and Nataliya Tsvetanova, addressed the evolving career landscape in the age of artificial intelligence and sustainable development through their session Future-Proofing Europe: Sustainable Careers, AI Disruption & the Next-Gen Workforce.

In the second segment of the academic program, Prof. Regine Bendl from WU Vienna University of Economics and Business led a series of lectures on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Organizations.Parallel to this, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Monika Moraliyska-Ivanova from the “International Economic Relations and Business” Department at UNWE explored Reducing Inequality Through Inclusive Policies and Sustainable Practices. The lecture series concluded with hands-on workshops and a number of additional expert presentations. ESG strategy consultant Bilyana Mineva-Mladenova from UniCredit Bulbank presented on Net Zero and Emerging Risks, while Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mihail Musov — Co-Chair of SDSN Bulgaria and faculty member at the “Accounting and Analysis” Department of UNWE — inspired participants with his talk Sustainable Development Solutions: Think Outside the Box.

Beyond the classroom, the summer school offered an enriching cultural and social experience. Students visited the National Archaeological Museum and explored downtown Sofia to discover the city’s historical and cultural treasures. Recreational activities included sports games at UNWE’s Bonsist complex, excursions to the Rila Monastery and the city of Plovdiv, and a scenic hike to the Boyana Waterfall. The ENGAGE.EU Summer School once again proved to be an engaging platform for interdisciplinary learning, international collaboration, and meaningful exchange among students and professionals from across Europe.