Students and faculty members from the Department of Trade Economics at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) took part in the morning panel of the round table titled “Seeking Knowledge: How to Use Artificial Intelligence – Opportunities, Challenges, and Critical Thinking in the AI Era.” The event brought together experts, students, and young researchers to engage in one of the most pressing conversations of our time – artificial intelligence.

The event opened with a plenary lecture by Prof. Dimitar Velev, PhD, from the Department of Informatics, who delivered a captivating historical and conceptual overview of the development of artificial intelligence – from the coining of the term (which will mark its 70th anniversary in 2026) to its current applications and philosophical dimensions.
Prof. Velev emphasized the distinction between intellect and intelligence, and pointed out that in China, AI is already being taught from primary school. His lecture also explored topics such as transhumanism, illustrated with the example of Elon Musk’s work on brain chip implants, and touched upon religious and ethical perspectives on artificial intelligence and AI tools like ChatGPT.

Students and faculty members from the Department of Trade Economics with Prof. Dimitar Velev from the Department of Informatics after his plenary lecture.

Representatives of the Department of Media and Journalism introduced the recently published Bulgarian edition of “The Coming Wave” by Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI. They described the book as a highly valuable and timely insight into the near technological future and strongly recommended it to the audience.

A particularly inspiring session was led by Assoc. Prof. Zornitsa Yordanova, PhD, from the Department of Industrial Business, who conducted a live interactive experiment with attendees – including students, faculty, and guests – demonstrating AI tools and techniques for effective prompting. Her messages left a strong impression:

“Artificial intelligence is not magic. It is a tool. What truly matters are the people who think critically, ask questions, and use AI wisely.
The human mind + the AI tool = the formula for the future.”
“AI does not think – it processes. Thinking is your power.”
“AI doesn’t replace thinking. It expands its potential.”
“AI is not a judge. It lacks context, morality, and values. Responsibility remains human.”
“AI is not the future. People who master it are.”

The panel concluded with an open discussion that raised questions of deep societal and philosophical relevance:
– Will the progress of AI lead to a loss of spirituality?
– Why do some technologies concentrate power in the hands of a few?
– Is China overtaking the U.S. on the path to technological leadership?
– And the most important question: How can we use artificial intelligence to serve humanity without losing what makes us human?

Our students actively participated in the discussion.

The active involvement of students and faculty from the Department of Trade Economics is yet another testament to the department’s engagement with contemporary academic and societal debates, and its dedication to preparing young professionals who are ready to think critically and act responsibly in the digital era.

This article was prepared by a student from the Department of Trade Economics and edited with the help of artificial intelligence.

Learn more about the event here: UNWE :: Round Table “How to Use Artificial Intelligence”