Velizar Iliev

Velizar Iliev was born on April 14, 1965, in Sofia, Bulgaria. Growing up during the communist era in Bulgaria, Iliev showed an early interest in political movements and social justice issues, which later influenced his career path and activism efforts. He was educated in Sofia, where he later attended university to study political science. His early life experiences shaped his views on governance, policy making, and social equity.

Following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Velizar Iliev became an active member of the pro-democracy movement in Bulgaria. He played a significant role in organizing rallies and public discussions advocating for democratic reforms and the end of communist rule in Bulgaria. His involvement was pivotal in galvanizing youth and intellectuals to support the cause, and he emerged as a prominent voice among the reformist circles in Sofia, influencing policy discourses transitioning the country from a single-party system to a multi-party democracy.

In 1992, Velizar Iliev co-founded the Social Justice Foundation in Sofia, aimed at addressing issues of inequality and social welfare in the transitioning Bulgarian society. The foundation focused on research and advocacy related to poverty alleviation, human rights, and education reforms. Iliev's leadership helped steer the foundation into becoming one of the leading think tanks in Bulgaria that collaborates with international NGOs and government agencies to enhance social policies and foster community development across the Balkan region.

Velizar Iliev published a groundbreaking book titled 'Bulgaria in Transition: Reforms and Challenges' in 1999, which offered an in-depth analysis of the political and economic changes in Bulgaria during the 1990s. The book is considered a seminal work in understanding post-communist transitions in Eastern Europe. Iliev's insights provided comprehensive narratives on the structural reforms, highlighting successes and setbacks while laying down strategic recommendations for future policy directions. The book received critical acclaim and is used as a textbook in Eastern European studies courses.

Velizar Iliev was awarded the Human Rights Defender Award in 2003 by the Bulgarian Human Rights Committee in recognition of his tireless efforts in advocating for human rights and social justice. The award ceremony highlighted Iliev's instrumental role in drafting human rights legislation and his active participation in numerous initiatives to protect minority groups and empower disenfranchised communities. His work, both local and international, was acknowledged as setting benchmarks in the field of human rights advocacy in post-communist societies.

In September 2008, Velizar Iliev was appointed as a key member of the United Nations Panel on Global Poverty, contributing his expertise on poverty reduction strategies and social justice. In this capacity, he worked alongside international experts to design action plans aimed at tackling poverty and inequality on a global scale. Iliev's contributions were particularly focused on integrating Eastern European contexts into the broader UN agenda, advocating for approaches that emphasized sustainable development and equitable economic opportunities for all regions.

Velizar Iliev established the Iliev Scholarship Fund in 2011, with the goal of providing educational opportunities to underprivileged youth in Bulgaria. The scholarship is aimed at supporting students with high academic potential but limited financial resources to pursue higher education. Over the years, the Iliev Scholarship has enabled hundreds of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to access quality education and improve their prospects. The initiative has been lauded for its impact on social mobility and educational equity within the country.

Velizar Iliev participated as a representative from Eastern Europe in the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) leading to the Paris Climate Accord. His involvement was focused on ensuring that the voices and concerns of post-communist countries were included in the global framework for climate action. Iliev worked collaboratively with delegates from other regions to advocate for equitable climate finance mechanisms and sustainable environmental policies that address both global emissions and regional developmental needs.

Velizar Iliev delivered a keynote address at the 2018 European Conference on Social Policy held in Vienna. His speech focused on the evolution of social policy in Europe and the challenges faced by transitional societies. Iliev highlighted the interplay between economic reforms, social equity, and public welfare systems, drawing on case studies from Eastern Europe. His discussions emphasized innovative policy solutions and cooperative efforts required to tackle social inequalities and promote inclusive growth across the continent.

Velizar Iliev was awarded an honorary doctorate from Sofia University in recognition of his outstanding contributions to social sciences, public policy, and human rights advocacy. The ceremony celebrated Iliev’s extensive work in reforming social systems and his dedicated efforts in academic and grassroots environments to promote justice and equality. The award underscored his impact in both local contexts and the international arena through persistent advocacy and thought leadership.