Gabriela Rumenova Kirova is a social activist and philanthropist striving to reshape Bulgaria’s image on the global stage. Through her involvement in numerous charitable initiatives, she has become a prominent figure, frequently attending meetings with the world’s political and business elites. Her contributions to humanitarian causes have even led to personal meetings with Pope Francis.

Currently, Kirova is in the process of establishing a significant foundation aimed at tackling global challenges and positioning Bulgaria as a key player in an increasingly turbulent world.

Urgent Global Challenges

When asked about the most pressing global challenges, Kirova pointed out the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI). She expressed concern over the divergent perspectives of leading scientists and business leaders regarding AI’s potential. Some see it as a tool that could reduce the workweek to three days, while others view it as a fundamental threat to human existence. She likened the situation to the dual use of atomic energy, which can provide boundless energy but also creates weapons capable of destroying life on Earth in minutes.

According to Kirova, AI is currently overly focused on social media, serving as a tool for controlling human activity rather than enhancing services that assist people. Ideally, AI should take over mundane daily tasks, allowing humans to focus on self-development and creativity, rather than replacing or overshadowing them. However, she noted that history has shown that the “ideal scenario” rarely unfolds as planned.

The Impact of Social Media

Despite her significant presence on social media, Kirova believes that these platforms have made a critical error by increasingly replacing the real world for many people. She emphasized that the world outside the social media “matrix” is the true world, and its development is far more important than spending hours watching mindless content on smartphones. Kirova also highlighted that mobile devices should not replace normal human interaction or be used as tools for raising children.

Transition to a Zero-Emissions Economy

Discussing the global push towards a zero-emissions economy, Kirova expressed concern about the extreme measures being taken. She criticized the shift from neglecting environmental protection to what she sees as an illogical green transition driven by political agendas. According to her, the imposition of restrictions and hidden forms of taxation has led to a decline in living standards, rather than achieving significant reductions in emissions. She argued that affordable and accessible energy has been the foundation of human progress from the 19th to the 21st century, and artificially increasing its cost through administrative measures, rather than market mechanisms, will only lead to stagnation and poverty, which could result in new wars and pandemics.

Kirova stressed that the focus should be on investing in the evolution of established and irreplaceable technologies, rather than imposing bans. She warned that poverty in vast regions of the world will only lead to more conflicts and diseases, and when war breaks out, no one counts carbon emissions, which are massive during military actions.

Photo Courtesy: Jonathan J. / Gabriela Rumenova Kirova

Belief in Climate Change

Kirova clarified that she does believe in climate change, noting that it has occurred multiple times throughout human history and the history of the planet. She identified real issues such as global drought and the decreasing levels of groundwater as critical challenges that remain unsolved and beyond the reach of current human technology. Kirova highlighted that Bulgaria is one of the few countries where this problem is not due to a lack of water resources, but rather their inefficient management. The same applies to the country’s resources related to solving the food crisis. In the 1980s, Bulgaria was a leader in vegetable production, but now much of the produce on the domestic market is imported. She called for a revival of Bulgaria’s lost leadership positions in this area, arguing that the future lies in modernizing and restoring the traditions of small-scale farming. Bulgaria’s water and soil resources, she asserted, could play a crucial role in the country’s global geopolitical positioning. Kirova is currently working on a large-scale project to showcase Bulgaria’s resources to the world.

Challenges of Urban Development

One of Kirova’s specialties is the development of smart cities. She emphasized the need for creating healthier, sustainable, and equitable urban environments, including concepts like the “15-minute city” where everything—markets, parks, hospitals, schools, and workplaces—is within a 15-minute walk. However, she pointed out that the evolution of smart cities is based on expensive and modern infrastructure, and the main challenge in urban development in Bulgaria is that corruption drains the necessary resources for creating and maintaining such an infrastructure. This infrastructure, she argued, should be in place before society is offered or subjected to widely discussed limitations related to personal vehicles.

Possible Future Scenarios for Humanity

When asked about potential future scenarios for humanity, Kirova, a woman well-acquainted with global processes, presented a stark choice. She believes that humanity has reached a stage in its development where it possesses technologies that are both beneficial and destructive, leaving it with only two options. One is a catharsis, a realization that leads to sustainable development, and the other is a global cataclysm. Kirova expressed hope that reason will prevail and that global vices will give way to a shared responsibility for a better future for humanity.

Gabriela Kirova on Nova TV: Bulgaria Holds a Highly Strategic Position at the Moment. Bulgarians Should Not Lose Their Spirituality

Gabriela Kirova is a woman whom the world’s media describe as someone inspiring change in and beyond Bulgaria. She has met Pope Francis twice, delivered speeches at prestigious forums, and is committed to changing the way the world views her country.

One of the most-followed Bulgarians on Instagram, with over 330,000 followers, Kirova uses her platform not to promote dietary supplements or cosmetics, but to present Bulgaria in a different light.

Born in Pernik, Kirova spent most of her school years there, in a family she describes as very patriarchal. After moving to England to study business, her life took an unexpected turn when she fell in love with a man and relocated to London. Now, the mother of a 13-year-old son, Kirova says she is one of those Bulgarians whose body is outside the homeland, but whose heart remains in Bulgaria.

Photo Courtesy: Jonathan J. / Gabriela Rumenova Kirova

The cause closest to Kirova’s heart is improving Bulgaria’s image globally. The international media has described her as “Gabriela Kirova, who inspires change in Bulgaria and beyond.” Kirova is determined to draw the attention of influential global figures to invest in Bulgaria, highlighting the country’s strategic importance, especially in the current global context.

A month ago, Kirova received a special invitation from Pope Francis for a personal meeting at the Vatican, where her dedication to helping those in need caught his attention. They met twice, and during their first encounter, Kirova was deeply moved. Their second meeting focused on the growing lack of spirituality among people, a topic of concern for both.

Kirova firmly believes that Bulgaria’s future lies in the hands of its youth. Her message to them is that a person is as great as their dreams.

Published by: Nelly Chavez