PROF. RUMEN STAMATOV PRESENTED POSITIVE EDUCATION AT THE GREEN TRANSITION FORUM 6.0
08 june 2026
Positive education as a response to the challenges facing modern schools was presented by Prof. Rumen Stamatov,D.Sc., Head of the Centre for Positive Education at Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar", during the Green Transition Forum 6.0 - one of the most significant European events dedicated to the future of the economy, innovation, sustainable development and education, organised by DIR.bg.
The forum brought together in Sofia representatives of European institutions, governments, scientific organizations, business and the non-governmental sector from dozens of countries. Among the leading topics were Europe's competitiveness, artificial intelligence, technological transformation, human capital development and the new horizons for education.
In the framework of the discussions dedicated to the future of education, Prof. Stamatov summarised the main conclusions and problem areas outlined by the participants in the forum. He presented positive education as a new paradigm that offers solutions to the challenges posed by the rapid development of technologies, changing forms of social communication and the need to strengthen the mental well-being of children and young people.
In his presentation, Prof. Stamatov presented two programmes developed by the Centre for Positive Education for the development of character strengths, virtues and a growth mindset. The programmes are designed for pupils from first to fourth grade and from fifth to seventh grade and offer a comprehensive model for working in a school environment.
Specialised guides for teachers have been developed for them. These guides present the concept of strengths and virtues, methodological guidelines for work and specific lessons and activities for the development of students' personal potential. Workbooks have also been created that encourage learning through experience, self-awareness and active participation in various practical exercises. Particular attention is paid to the interaction between the school and the family through activities that engage parents in the educational process.
The programmes also include specialised training for teachers to work with the developed materials, as well as guidelines for organising the learning process in the context of a positive school culture.
During the forum, the Centre for Positive Education also presented its own research dedicated to the application of positive psychology in education and the possibilities for building a school environment that supports the development of strengths, psychological resilience and the well-being of students.
Prof. Rumen Stamatov, D.Sc. is among the leading Bulgarian specialists in the field of age, pedagogical and positive psychology. His scientific interests are focused on positive psychology, mental well-being, moral development, emotional intelligence and personality development. He is the author of over 20 books and dozens of scientific publications. As the head of the Centre for Positive Education at Varna Free University, he works to implement modern scientific approaches that support the development of socio-emotional skills, psychological resilience and the well-being of students.
The Green Transition Forum 6.0 is one of the most important European platforms for dialogue on the topics of innovation, sustainable development, competitiveness and the future of education. Among the participants in this year’s edition were the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Iliana Yotova, the former Prime Minister of Italy Enrico Letta, the winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics for 2025 Prof. Philippe Aghion, the European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva, the European Commissioner for Environment, Water Sustainability and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessica Roswall, the European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fito, the European Commissioner for Intergenerational Justice, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef, the Vice-President of the European Parliament Victor Negrescu, the President of the European Committee of the Regions Cata Tutu, as well as ministers, representatives of the European institutions, academia and business from all over Europe. The forum included over 110 panels and discussions with the participation of over 450 speakers.
Prof. Stamatov's participation in the Green Transition Forum 6.0 confirms the active presence of Varna Free University in the European discussions about the future of education and the role of universities in preparing young people for the challenges of the world.
