The 2nd Greek Youth Diaspora Symposium, an initiative by the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, successfully wrapped up its proceedings in Athens. Held from November 25 to 28, 2025, at the ‘Hellenic World’ Cultural Center, the event gathered young Greek diaspora members from 31 countries and 5 continents, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and perspectives. The proceedings were coordinated by Ms. Maira Myrogianni, Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy.
Official Opening and Key Statements
The symposium’s opening was addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis, who emphasized the event’s growing institutional significance. He highlighted the National Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad, a three-year initiative aimed at creating a ‘cradle of Hellenism’ to bring Greeks from abroad closer to their homeland and vice versa.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yiannis Loverdos, expressed his satisfaction with the initiative, stating that it “highlights the dynamic of the new generation of the Greek Diaspora.” He underscored that “strengthening ties with the new generation of the Omogeneia is a priority.” Ms. Myrogianni reiterated the goal of the symposium: “to listen to the voices of the youth and implement actions based on their concerns.”
Thematic Discussions and Ministerial Participation
During a panel discussion, the Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, Sofia Zacharaki, addressed policies for empowering Greek-language education abroad. The Deputy Minister of Development, responsible for Research and Innovation, Stavros Kalafatis, moderated a session on innovation and entrepreneurship, showcasing the potential of the Greek economy. Following this, Deputy Minister of Digital Governance, Christos Dermenjopoulos, focused on empowering and connecting Greek diaspora youth through digital innovation. Dimitris Kirmikoglou, Secretary General for Communication and Information, engaged with young panelists on the image of modern Greece in international media.
Ecclesiastical and Parliamentary Contributions
From the ecclesiastical side, His Grace Bishop Theologos of Talantio conveyed greetings and blessings from His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece. He congratulated the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy for the initiative and welcomed the young members of the Omogeneia “to their homeland.”
Philippos Fortomas, President of the Hellenic Parliament’s Committee for Greeks Abroad, stressed the importance of the Greek language and cultural heritage. Professor Kostas Yfantis, Professor of International Relations at Panteion University, discussed the contributions of Greek higher education. A discussion on the internationalization of education took place between Christos Michalakeis, President of Study in Greece and Professor at Harokopio University, and Stefanos Gandolfo, Director of the Columbia Global Center.
Ms. Sofia Kounenaki-Efremoglou, Vice President of the Foundation of the Hellenic World, also spoke about ongoing collaborations with the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy.
Distinguished Coordinators and International Presence
This year’s symposium also featured renowned personalities as coordinators, including Sotiris Kyranakos, former General Director of the Authentic Athens Marathon; Eleni Karagianni, ERT journalist; Haris Daskalothanasis, Director of Student Affairs at American College; Ioanna Theodoropoulou, Legal Advisor at the Ministry of Migration and Asylum and EU Agency for Asylum; Konstantinos Kesentes, President of Brain ReGain; lawyers Porphylenia Kanellopoulou, Orfeas Georgiou, and Konstantinos Anagnostopoulos; George Gemelas, co-founder of AXIOS Project; Panagiotis Karabinis, CEO of Endeavor Greece; Theodore Vokos, CEO of Posidonia Exhibitions S.A.; Vera Dilaris, National Coordinator of ASPnet Greece; Ambassador Stylianos Chourmouziadis; Michalis Printzos, Head of the Hellenic Initiative; and theatrical director Lefteris Giovanidis.
The opening of the conference was honored by the presence of Ambassadors from Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Georgia, UAE, Canada, Moldova, and South Africa, as well as representatives from the Embassies of Australia, Austria, Luxembourg, and Turkey.
From the Patriarchate of Alexandria, His Eminence Metropolitan Ioannis of Zambia and Mozambique highlighted, among other things, the spirit of Olympism as a universal value of Hellenism and specifically referred to the creation of an Olympic History Museum in Lusaka.
Conclusion and Future Ambassadors
At the close of the symposium, Ms. Maira Myrogianni awarded the title of “Greek Youth Diaspora Ambassadors 2025” to this year’s participants and honored last year’s ambassadors for their activities in promoting the Greek Diaspora worldwide. The conference was closely followed by both in-person attendees and Greeks abroad through a live connection.
