Islamabad (TDI): Ambassador Irena Gancheva, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Pakistan, has been honoured with the prestigious Global Ambassador Award 2024 in recognition of her outstanding efforts in strengthening diplomatic, trade, and cultural ties between Bulgaria and Pakistan.
The Diplomatic Insight, a global public diplomacy institution in Pakistan, awarded the Ambassador with the 6th Global Ambassador Award for her groundbreaking contributions to bringing the two nations closer together at bilateral, regional, and multilateral forums within a short period of time.
The 6th Global Ambassador Awards Ceremony 2024 took place in Islamabad, with the presence of Ambassadors, diplomatic corps, Parliamentarians, government officials, business leaders, academics, media, and civil society members.
Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Dr. Farhat Asif, Chairperson of the Diplomatic Insight Group, welcomed distinguished guests and underscored the organization’s commitment to promoting global collaboration and diplomacy.
Ambassador Irena Gancheva, a distinguished Bulgarian diplomat with over two decades of experience, has served in various capacities across the globe, including Japan, Iran, and now Pakistan.
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With a strong academic foundation in Iranian studies and political science, she has held key positions in the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, notably as Head of the South and South Asia Department.
Since being appointed as Ambassador of Republic of Bulgaria to Pakistan, Ambassador Gancheva has played a vital role in strengthening ties between Bulgaria and Pakistan.
Her initiatives span diverse areas—gender equality, cultural exchange, media relations, institutional partnerships, and women empowerment—demonstrating her commitment to fostering bilateral cooperation.
Ambassador Gancheva’s dedication to cultural diplomacy was evident through her efforts in signing the Charter of the EUNIC Cluster in Pakistan.
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This paved the way for joint cultural projects, including a recent music collaboration that united artists from eight EU Member States, including Bulgaria, with Pakistani musicians to build bridges of understanding and unity.
Her contributions have also extended to development and political cooperation, including efforts under Bulgaria’s Official Development Aid, and she is actively working toward an agreement in higher education and science.
