The 2nd Greek Youth Diaspora Symposium has concluded its proceedings in Athens, bringing together young members of the Greek diaspora from 31 countries spanning five continents. Melbourne Greek youth represented at global Athens diaspora symposium in a landmark gathering that further consolidates the event’s status as a global platform for diaspora engagement.
The symposium was held at the Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Centre in Athens and was organised by the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It took place from 25 to 28 November, with proceedings coordinated by the Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Mayra Myrogianni.
Addressing participants at the opening session, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis described the symposium as an institution that has now firmly taken root, highlighting its role within Greece’s National Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad. The three-year strategy, he noted, is designed to create a shared space of connection and cooperation—bringing Greeks of the diaspora closer to the homeland, while allowing Greece to remain actively engaged with its communities abroad.
Deputy Foreign Minister Giannis Loverdos welcomed the initiative, stressing that it showcases the dynamism of the younger generation of the Greek diaspora and reaffirming that strengthening ties with diaspora youth remains a strategic priority. Echoing this sentiment, Ms Myrogianni underlined that the symposium’s core objective is to listen to young voices and to shape policies and initiatives that respond directly to their concerns, aspirations and lived experiences.
Education, innovation and digital connectivity featured prominently throughout the discussions. Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki outlined government policy aimed at strengthening Greek-language education overseas, while Deputy Minister for Development, Research and Innovation Stavros Kalafatis led a thematic session on innovation and entrepreneurship, highlighting opportunities within the Greek economy for diaspora engagement and investment. Deputy Minister for Digital Governance Christos Dermentzopoulos focused on the role of digital innovation in empowering and connecting diaspora youth globally.
Media representation and Greece’s international image were also addressed, with Dimitris Kirmikiroglou, Secretary General for Communication and Information, engaging young panellists in discussion on how contemporary Greece is portrayed in international media and how diaspora youth can contribute to shaping that narrative.
From the Church, Bishop Theologos of Talantion conveyed the blessing and greetings of Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, welcoming participants “to their homeland” and commending the Ministry for its sustained commitment to diaspora engagement.
Parliamentary and academic voices further enriched the programme. Philippos Fortomas, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Greeks Abroad, emphasised the central role of the Greek language and cultural heritage, while Professor Kostas Ifantis of Panteion University highlighted the contribution and international potential of Greek tertiary education. A dedicated discussion on the internationalisation of education featured Christos Michalakelis, President of Study in Greece, and Stefanos Gandolfo, Director of the Columbia Global Center.
The symposium also showcased cultural and institutional collaboration, with Sophia Kounenaki-Efraimoglou, Vice-President of the Foundation of the Hellenic World, outlining joint initiatives undertaken with the General Secretariat to promote Hellenism through culture and innovation.
As in previous years, the event featured moderators and contributors of recognised standing from across public life, academia, entrepreneurship, law, media and civil society, reflecting the symposium’s interdisciplinary character. Diplomatic representation was also strong, with ambassadors from Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Georgia, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Moldova and South Africa in attendance, alongside representatives from the embassies of Australia, Austria, Luxembourg and Turkey—underscoring the symposium’s international reach and diplomatic significance.
Adding a broader global dimension, Metropolitan Ioannis of Zambia and Mozambique of the Patriarchate of Alexandria highlighted the spirit of Olympism as a universal value of Hellenism, referring in particular to the planned creation of an Olympic History Museum in Lusaka.
At the closing ceremony, Ms Myrogianni awarded participants with the title of “Greek Youth Diaspora Ambassadors 2025”, while also honouring last year’s cohort for initiatives undertaken to promote the Greek diaspora worldwide. The symposium was followed closely both in person and by Greeks around the world via live online connection, reinforcing its role as a bridge between Greece and its global youth community.
