Gabriela Kirova: Bulgaria Possesses Astonishing Resources That We Neglect

Gabriela Kirova is a civic and political activist, dedicated to reshaping Bulgaria’s global image. Through her extensive involvement in humanitarian initiatives, she has become a respected guest at numerous world political and business elite gatherings. Her dedication to charitable causes has even led to a personal audience with Pope Francis.

Currently, Kirova is aiming to address global challenges and define Bulgaria’s role in an increasingly turbulent world.

Artificial Intelligence: A Double-Edged Sword

When asked about the most pressing global challenges, Kirova highlights the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI). She points out the starkly different perspectives on AI among leading scientists and business figures—some view it as a tool for reducing the workweek to three days, while others warn it could threaten humanity’s very existence.

She draws a parallel to the dual nature of nuclear energy: it holds the potential for limitless energy through nuclear fusion, yet also led to the development of devastating weapons capable of annihilating life on Earth within minutes.

According to Kirova, AI is currently too focused on social media, serving primarily as a means of monitoring human activity rather than providing services that genuinely enhance people’s lives. Ideally, AI should relieve individuals of mundane tasks, allowing them to pursue self-improvement and creativity, rather than displacing them entirely. However, history has shown that the “ideal scenario” rarely materializes as expected.

The Dangers of Social Media

Despite her popularity on social media, Kirova expresses concern over its increasing dominance in people’s lives. While she acknowledges its value as a communication tool, she believes society has made a critical mistake in allowing social media to replace real-world experiences.

“The world outside the digital matrix is the real world. Its development is far more important than spending hours watching meaningless videos on a smartphone. Mobile devices should never replace genuine human interaction, nor should they take on the role of raising children,” she warns.

Climate Change and the Green Transition

Kirova critiques the current approach to the global green transition, arguing that policymakers have swung from one extreme to another. From decades of environmental neglect, the pendulum has now shifted to what she calls an economically unfeasible green transition.

“Restrictions and hidden taxes are only leading to a decline in living standards. The availability of affordable energy has driven human progress from the 19th to the 21st century. Artificially inflating its cost through administrative rather than market mechanisms will not reduce emissions—it will only cause economic stagnation and poverty.”

She warns that poverty fuels conflicts and pandemics, leading to even greater environmental destruction. Instead of imposing bans on established technologies, Kirova advocates for investing in their evolution.

Bulgaria’s Wasted Potential

While acknowledging the reality of climate change, Kirova believes Bulgaria’s biggest environmental issue is not the lack of resources but their mismanagement. She points out that Bulgaria was once a leader in vegetable production during the 1980s but now relies heavily on imports.

“We need to revive our agricultural leadership. The future lies in modernizing and restoring traditional farming practices. Our water and soil resources could play a crucial role in Bulgaria’s geopolitical significance.”

Kirova is working on a large-scale project to showcase Bulgaria’s untapped resources to the world.

The Future of Smart Cities

As an expert in smart city development, Kirova stresses the importance of building healthier, more sustainable, and equitable urban environments. She supports the “15-minute city” concept, where essential services such as markets, parks, hospitals, schools, and workplaces are within a 15-minute walk.

However, she highlights a major issue in Bulgaria’s urban planning—corruption. “Without the necessary infrastructure, imposing restrictions on personal vehicles and other widely discussed limitations makes little sense.”

Two Possible Futures for Humanity

When asked about the broader future of humanity, Kirova presents two starkly contrasting scenarios: either a global awakening that leads to sustainable development or a catastrophic collapse.

“Humanity has reached a point where it possesses technologies that can either ensure its long-term prosperity or lead to its destruction. I hope rationality prevails and a shared responsibility for a better future takes priority over destructive tendencies.”

Gabriela Kirova’s Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Kirova envisions a world where technological advancement is balanced with ethical responsibility. She emphasizes the need for policies that ensure AI, social media, and environmental efforts serve humanity rather than exploit it.

“Our true potential lies in harnessing innovation responsibly. If we focus on education, sustainability, and meaningful human connections, we can shape a brighter, more harmonious future for all.”