NSI celebrated 145 years of Bulgarian statistics

The National Statistical Institute (NSI) marked its professional day and 145 years since the establishment of the statistical institution in Bulgaria with a solemn ceremony at the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in Sofia. Special guests at the event were Mrs. Natalia Kiselova – President of the 51^st National Assembly and Assoc. Prof. Mariana Kotzeva, PhD – Director General of Eurostat.

Among the official guests were also: Valentin Mundrov – Minister of e-Government, Kiril Ananiev – Deputy Minister of Finance, Lyubomir Yosifov – Deputy Minister of Interior, Ms. Yordanka Chobanova – Head of the European Commission’s Representation in Bulgaria, heads of diplomatic missions, the Rector of the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) – Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, PhD, chairmen of the nationally representative employers’ organizations in Bulgaria, members of the National Statistical System, the National Statistical Council, trade unions and many other partners of the NSI.

In his welcoming address, the President of the NSI, Assoc. Prof. Atanas Atanasov, PhD highlighted the important milestones in the development of statistics in Bulgaria, congratulated the employees of the NSI and all data user groups, outlined the achievements over the years, and expressed his wish that digitalization in the statistical process will continue to evolve.

“I am happy that we are together tonight with all colleagues from NSI and with our partners, with whom we work in unity and cooperation, contributing not only to Bulgarian statistics, but also at European and international levels, so that we can continue to write our impressive and important history together,” he concluded his speech.

The President of the Parliament, Natalia Kiselova, congratulated the entire statistical community and noted that NSI works in accordance with the international statistical standards. “The Institute’s surveys present a real picture and it is a matter of political courage for everyone to have the strength to accept the data that is provided,” she said. The President of the National Assembly assured the NSI experts that their professionalism, dedication, and often idealism is relied upon to implement surveys.

Just before the celebration, the President of the NSI and the Director General of Eurostat visited the exhibition dedicated to the 145^th anniversary of Bulgarian statistics. The history of the statistical institution of the country is presented in 28 exhibition panels (14 in Bulgarian and 14 in English) located in the garden in front of the National Theatre, with all major stages of its development being highlighted.

In an emotional speech during the celebration ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Mariana Kotzeva, PhD congratulated the statistical community with the words “For 145 years, Bulgarian scholars and experts have contributed to the development of world statistical science and international statistical institutions. Today, Bulgarian statisticians are respected and active members of the European statistical family, and the NSI is an esteemed partner in joint research and other international projects.” After her address, Assoc. Prof. Mariana Kotzeva, PhD received the NSI Honorary Badge for her outstanding contribution to the development of statistical science and practice.  

To mark the occasion, the Rector of UNWE presented Assoc. Prof. Atanasov with the UNWE Honorary Badge for the excellent partnership over the years and for the fruitful bilateral cooperation in the field of statistics. NSI received honorary plaques from the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria and the National Customs Agency, from the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – an honorary diploma with a commemorative coin titled “The Treasures of Bulgaria”, while the Ministry of Finance presented the President of NSI with a copy of Bulgaria’s first budget from 1880.

All guests at the event received a copy of the special publication “145 Years of Bulgarian Statistics”, which chronicles the history of Bulgarian statistics from its very beginning until today.