The Center for Information, Democracy, and Citizenship (CIDC) at AUBG has established an Advisory Council comprised of nine distinguished members, each bringing expertise from diverse fields such as diplomacy, journalism, human rights, defense, law, and technology. Tasked with guiding CIDC’s strategic direction both locally and globally, the Advisory Council is instrumental in reinforcing CIDC’s mission to become a globally recognized hub for strengthening democratic values and fostering informed and engaged citizenship.
Defining the Advisory Council’s Role
On March 7, the CIDC Advisory Council convened for the first time to define its purpose, gain deeper insight into CIDC’s ongoing and future projects, and explore how they can best support the center’s mission and vision.
Dr. Jacob Udo-Udo Jacob, Executive Director of CIDC, emphasized the urgent need for innovative solutions to address three core challenges facing modern democracies: disinformation, youth disengagement, and distrust in democratic institutions. He noted:
“The CIDC Advisory Council will guide us as we execute our mission at this critical moment in history. Their individual and collective expertise will serve as a force multiplier as we navigate an increasingly complex terrain in a rapidly evolving world.”
Christo Grozev (‘95), Chair of the CIDC Advisory Council, underscored the Council’s global potential:
“CIDC has the potential to extend its influence far beyond Bulgaria and the Balkans. With Advisory Council members drawn from diplomatic, military, IT, legal, human rights, defense, and journalism backgrounds, we have a powerful network that can help shape global democratic resilience.”
“I’ve never seen a more motivated group of individuals. The caliber and commitment of this council will undoubtedly have a lasting global impact.”
Meet the Advisory Council
The meeting commenced with introductions, as each member shared their professional backgrounds and motivations for joining the Council. Their collective expertise and dedication to strengthening democracy and countering disinformation reinforced their alignment with CIDC’s mission.
Mariana Katzarova, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Russia and an esteemed Bulgarian journalist, reflected on the historic nature of the meeting:
“The university’s founders, whose photographs hang in the boardroom, are watching over us. I believe they would be proud of the work we are setting out to do.”
Albena Kehayova (EMBA ‘16), Director of Communications and Marketing at AUBG, expressed optimism for the future:
“I leave this room feeling hopeful—for my son and his generation—knowing that democracy will continue to safeguard human rights and freedoms.”
AUBG President Dr. Margee Ensign addressed the Advisory Council, affirming the significance of their role:
“In this pivotal moment in history, your work gives us hope. Democracy is not just an abstract idea—it is something we must continuously engage with and defend. Helping young people understand how democracy functions in practice is one of the most critical contributions we can make. I extend my deepest gratitude to all of you.”
Council Engagement with CIDC Projects
The Advisory Council was presented with an overview of key CIDC initiatives, including:
- Youth-2-Youth: PILLAR – A cross-border democracy initiative engaging young leaders from six Balkan nations.
- DemPro – A new platform aimed at removing barriers to youth civic participation.
- CIDC-Sensika Disinformation Observatory – A cutting-edge initiative focused on identifying, tagging and tracking malign narratives in the Balkan region.
- Bulgarian International Journalism Fellowship (BIJF) – A program supporting international reporting on democracy and press freedom in Bulgaria.
- The Christo Grozev Fellowship for Courageous Journalism – A fellowship empowering investigative journalists to challenge authoritarian narratives and misinformation.
Council members actively engaged in discussions, providing strategic insights and identifying areas where they could contribute their expertise. Christo Grozev encouraged members to select projects they wished to champion and offer mentorship, thought leadership, and institutional support.
Reflecting on the importance of CIDC’s mission, Ms. Katzarova added:
“Democracy is not always seen as ‘fashionable.’ In Bulgaria and beyond, there is a need to make democracy more tangible and engaging—especially for young people. We must also challenge far-right narratives promoting aggression, hatred, and authoritarianism.”
Looking Ahead
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advancing CIDC’s initiatives, leveraging the collective expertise of the Advisory Council, the CIDC team, and the wider AUBG community. The members reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring that CIDC remains at the forefront of promoting democracy, countering disinformation, and fostering civic engagement worldwide.
