Barcelona-Sofia,

July 16, 2002

The International Association of Professional and Business Women in Bulgaria (IAPBWB) successfully expanded its activities establishing new and strengthening existing contacts and cooperation with international partners at the Global Summit of Women 2002, explained Ms Nina Noeva, President of the Association after returning from the Catalonian capital - Barcelona, Spain.

For the past 12 years The Global Summit of Women - the world’s top international forum, which gathers women-leaders from around the globe – entrepreneurs, ministers, corporate directors, NGO leaders and government officials created an international network worldwide from Canada to Australia and from South Korea to Costa Rica. The Summit forms unique web, dedicated to enhancing the growth of women’s enterprises around the world.

The IAPBWB widened its networking contacts establishing links with similar organizations from around the European Union countries, the USA, Asia and South Eastern Europe. During the Summit, the Association succeeded to further strengthen its leading international position as the only Bulgarian business women’s organization with proven capabilities and modern goals.

IAPBWB President Nina Noeva made a key-note presentation on Bulgarian business women in the digital era, marking the necessity to develop programmes for bridging the digital divide. This topic was defined as a major international priority in the coming years. The IAPBWB already works seriously on finding ways, means and tools for enhancing Bulgarian business women’s digital capabilities.

The International Association of Professional and Business Women in Bulgaria was recognized as the international partner - organization from Bulgaria to the Global Summit of Women, which will further boost its leading position in our country.

IAPBWB President Nina Noeva, Daniele Rousseau Dirigeantes President and Bess Stephens, Global Director Heulett Pacard Philantropy & Education leading the “Bridging the Digital Divide; Best Practices” Session at the Global Summit of Women 2002

More information on the Global Summit of Women can be found at: www.globewomen.com