TEDxVitosha COUNTDOWN: Mission - searching for sustainable solutions for a greener and cleaner world, October 7, 2025

Introduce yourself and tell us about your role in organizing and implementing TEDxVitosha?

I am Irena Komitova and since 2017 I have a Summit license for conducting TEDx events (this means events with over 100 people, lasting more than one day, with a ticket price of up to $450 and with the right to broadcast the videos of our speakers on local partnering television). Over the past 8 years we have organized 20 editions. We are proud that the video of one of our speakers - master Shi Heng Yi – already has 18 million views on YouTube, and TED has repeatedly chosen our TEDx talk in its selection of recommended videos, decorations, and activities.

For the upcoming event

What will be different and special about this year's edition of TEDxVitosha? 

On October 7, the sixth consecutive edition of TEDxVitosha COUNTDOWN. It is part of the global initiative of TED, dedicated to ideas and solutions countering climate change, in search of sustainable solutions for a greener and cleaner world. In addition to the exceptional speakers on stage in five main areas – food, materials, energy, mobility, and nature conservation - we will surprise our delegates with an unconventional fashion show. The models – 16 magnificent ladies aged 70+ - will arrive specially from Vienna to show that with imagination, desire, and thought, our clothes and accessories can live multiple lives and continue to bring us joy, without clogging the waste depots with unnecessary textiles.

How do you choose the theme and motto of the event – what inspires you?

Every time it is different. Sometimes the theme comes spontaneously – triggered by an emotion, experience, place, book, song… Sometimes it is the result of a common creative process involving the entire team and our volunteers. Here are the themes of some of the most memorable events over the years: THE HAPPY ONES, FIND X, HIGH-HIGH-HIGH, BEYOND THE OBVIOUS, UNLIMITED, PUZZLES. The theme for March 2026 will be OUTLIERS – the exceptions to the rules that change the future.

Can you reveal what personalities or themes we can expect among the speakers this year?

On the stage of TEDxVitosha COUNTDOWN we will draw inspiration from prominent professionals – individuals, who with their example, dedication, and knowledge inevitably “infect” us to support their causes. From Rumyana Ivanova, for example (who, as a volunteer, participated all summer this year in extinguishing the most terrifying fires in Pirin) we will learn about the powerful ability of peatlands to absorb and retain CO₂; Stoyan Mihov will introduce us to one of the oldest species on our planet – the sturgeons, which we are on the verge of losing irretrievably in the Danube River, if he and WWF do not intervene. Chef Silvena Row will share her creed for sustainable eating and a long life in health and well-being. Kremena Georgieva will take us to Antarctica, with Toni MacMurray we will “climb” for a meaningful cause 56 mountain peaks in our country over 2,500 m high, and Lyubo Minchev will propose a solution for how the world can tackle energy poverty, which affects over 3.5 billion people. We won’t reveal everything, of course, there will be surprises J

What do you think people will remember most from the upcoming event?

If after the event each delegate decides to change and adopt even just one new habit that helps keep the environment around us cleaner, then we have fulfilled our mission. Our goal is to expand the boundaries of knowledge, to provide opportunities for new perspectives, to awaken consciousness in each one of us – because we have no doubt that we all care about our home – Earth. But the lack of sufficient knowledge (and good habits) prevents us from being better stewards of this home. TEDxVitosha is a platform for ideas, discoveries, and new horizons. And everyone who comes with an open mind and heart has much to take away and remember.

Moreover, every year at TEDxVitosha COUNTDOWN we provide a free exhibition space for 10-12 “green” start-up companies. Their exhibition is always exciting, because it carries the pulse of innovation, optimism, and creativity of the young generation.

What are the challenges in organizing TEDxVitosha in a rapidly changing environment (economic, social, technological)?

Organizing such an event takes months of preparation. And although we have solid experience behind us, each subsequent event is a challenge. Because we aim to be better each time than the previous edition. We want to find it interesting to do what we do, to learn new things and to attract more and more remarkable creators to our community.

About the organization and process

How is a team of volunteers built and maintained that stands behind such a large-scale project?

The short answer is – by giving them a challenge. To be the best, the most organized, the most creative, with the most exciting atmosphere, branding, marketing, smiles, and realized crazy initiatives.

We are endlessly indebted to our dedicated volunteers for their help and support over the years. This energy, coming from knowledgeable, capable, curious meaningful young people, who still prioritize natural intelligence over artificial, gives us invaluable strength and momentum to move forward.

We believe that they also find meaning in their participation as volunteers at TEDxVitosha – a significant part of them have not missed a single event since the first edition. And that is the greatest compliment for us.

What is the most difficult moment in preparing TEDxVitosha and how do you overcome it?

The hardest part is managing to keep cortisol and adrenaline levels within healthy limits. J

What makes a speaker “suitable” for TEDx – what qualities are most important?

The most important thing is to have something to say and to be able to convey one's message in an accessible and inspiring way. We are looking for people with ideas that change the world.

What happens “behind the scenes” – something the audience does not see, but is key to success?

The audience does not see, nor do they need to, the efforts of the team and the sleepless nights at every stage of the process. If someone has not done their job in the preparation, the delegates will understand. That’s why we try to apply what we say to all our speakers – preparation and rehearsals are 99% of the work. Going on stage is only 1%. The same goes for us – the day of the event is only 1% of what lies behind it. And the work does not end, when we send off the delegates. After each event, there are numerous tasks that are mandatory to fulfill all the requirements of the license from TED.

What have you personally learned from working with so many different people and ideas over the years?

That there is always more to learn. That curiosity about the world is a priceless gift and needs to be nourished with quality and meaningful food. That you become richest when you surround yourself with exceptional individuals, with ideas and persistence for their realization.

About the goals and results

How has TEDxVitosha influenced society and the community in Bulgaria according to you?

We are confident that the people who attended our event have recognized themselves in some of the ideas they heard. We believe we have contributed to raising awareness about climate change and sustainable living. We are also evolving and striving to hear our delegates' recommendations – to apply them and be grateful for this support in our common cause – to live in a cleaner world, where good ideas and good people flourish and bear fruit. TEDxVitosha COUNTDOWN strives to be a zero waste event, we collect the badges of all delegates after the lectures to reuse them, do not leave trash, offer a selective menu of seasonal clean Bulgarian products, and our drinks are in recycled packaging.

Do you have examples of ideas or speakers from the events that have evolved into real projects, businesses, or causes?

Many J The innovative brand for women's hygiene products by Valentina Milanova is successful beyond our market… The name of Rosita Kokotanekova with her project for discovering comets will soon become world-famous. Toni MacMurray dedicated 3.5 years to his project “56 Peaks” to raise funds for the “For Our Children” foundation. I want to mention Atanas Skatov, who explained that his mission is to prove that even a vegan like him can have energy and conquer all the highest peaks in the world, and that in record time. Hats off to his work!

Where do you see TEDxVitosha in another 5 years – what is your big vision?

Our goal is to continue to grow our community – of friends, partners, speakers, and people with whom we mutually enrich each other with new ideas and meaningful initiatives. In 5 years, I envision TEDxVitosha becoming a household name for an event that all thinking and smart people are eager to attend.

How do you manage to combine the global philosophy of TED with the Bulgarian context and needs?

We in Bulgaria do not live isolated from the rest of the world. Global processes and trends resonate here as well, and TEDxVitosha provides an opportunity for local ideas to cross our borders, living their own virtual life in the library of TED. The reverse is also true – we often invite speakers from different corners of the world, who choose to come to our stage to share their insights and experiences with the Bulgarian audience.  I will never forget the African-American Star Jones, who upon stepping on stage said: “I have never had the chance to speak in front of such a homogeneous audience (she meant that everyone in the hall was white Europeans).

If you had to formulate one message to the people who are coming to the event for the first time – what would it be?

Come with an open mind and senses. Listen, see, touch, get to know, debate, raise your voice. Share your experience with your loved ones. And realize that idea of yours that is in your head and that no one else can put “into flesh and blood”. It’s easy, you must definitely try.