The 2nd Conference of Young People of the Greek Diaspora – Greek Youth Diaspora Symposium, concluded its proceedings in Athens, at the “Hellenic Cosmos” Cultural Centre, with the participation of young members of the Greek Diaspora from 31 countries and 5 continents.
The conference was organised by the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and took place from 25 to 28 November 2025.
The proceedings were coordinated by the Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Maira Myroyianni.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis, addressed the opening of the conference’s proceedings, noting that the Symposium is now an established institution, and referred to the National Strategic Plan for the Greek Diaspora, a three-year plan which, as he said: “is precisely intended to create that cradle of Hellenism in order for us to be able to bring Greeks abroad closer, but also for us to come closer to the Greeks abroad.”
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ioannis Loverdos, expressed his satisfaction with the initiative which, as he said, “highlights the dynamism of the new generation of Hellenism of the Diaspora,” while he emphasised that “strengthening the bonds with the new generation of the Omogenia is a priority.”
The Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Maira Myroyianni, in her statements stressed that “the aim is to listen to the voices of young people and to take action in accordance with their concerns.”
Participating in a discussion, the Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, Sofia Zacharaki, referred to the policy of strengthening Greek-language education abroad, while the Deputy Minister of Development responsible for Research and Innovation, Stavros Kalafatis, coordinated the thematic session on innovation and entrepreneurship, highlighting the capabilities of the Greek economy.
Subsequently, the Deputy Minister of Digital Governance, Christos Dermetzopoulos, focused on empowering and connecting the Greek youth of the diaspora through digital innovation. For his part, the Secretary General for Communication and Information, Dimitris Kirmikiroglou, held a discussion with young panellists on the image of contemporary Greece in international media.
From the ecclesiastical side, His Grace Bishop Theologos of Talantio conveyed the greeting and blessing of His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, congratulated the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy for the initiative, and welcomed the young members of the Omogenia “to their homeland.”
Greek Australian colour at the Symposium
The Greek community of Australia had a notable presence this year, with young expatriates actively participating in key thematic units of the Symposium.
With well-documented contributions, the representatives of the community highlighted issues relating to identity, technology, innovation, and the connection of the new generation with Greece.
Their presence confirmed that the Greek youth of the Diaspora not only maintain strong ties with the homeland but also contribute actively to shaping a modern, outward-looking narrative for Hellenism.
Greek Australians had a large and dynamic representation on eight panels. In the “Sports Without Borders” unit, Andreas Andrews participated, while in the thematic “Language and Artificial Intelligence,” Maria Kakali contributed.
In the panel on democratic governance, Demi Marie Bourdopoulos took part, while in the discussion on Brain Regain, Aliki Souliotis spoke.
Tass Mitas contributed proposals on the green economy, while in the thematic on the energy transition, Eugenia Hatch participated.
On the role of volunteering, Viktoria Paneras contributed, while in the discussion on digital governance, Australian youth were represented by Paris Lazaros Karakikis.
Awards and participation of prominent personalities
Filippos Fortomas, President of the Parliament’s Committee for Greeks Abroad, underlined the importance of the Greek language and cultural heritage, while Professor of International Relations at Panteion University, Kostas Ifantis, referred to the contribution of Greek higher education. A discussion on the internationalisation of education was held between the President of Study in Greece and Professor at Harokopio University, Christos Michalakelis, and the Director of the Columbia Global Centre, Stefanos Gandolfo.
In addition, Sofia Kounenaki–Ephraimoglou, Vice-President of the Foundation of the Hellenic World, referred to the initiatives implemented in cooperation with the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy.
The Symposium also hosted, once again this year, as coordinators, personalities of recognised standing.
Among those present were the former General Director of the Authentic Athens Marathon, Sotiris Kyranakos, ERT journalist Eleni Karagianni, the Director of Student Affairs at the American College, Haris Daskalothanasis, Legal Adviser at the Ministry of Migration and Asylum and the EU Agency for Asylum, Ioanna Theodotopoulou, the President of Brain ReGain, Konstantinos Kesentes, lawyers Porfylienia Kanellopoulou, Orfeas Georgiou and Konstantinos Anagnostopoulos, co-founder of the AXIOS Project, Giorgos Gemelas, CEO of Endeavor Greece, Panagiotis Karampinis, CEO of Posidonia Exhibitions S.A., Theodoros Vokos, Greece’s National ASPnet Coordinator Vera Dilari, Ambassador Stylianos Chourmouziadis, head of The Hellenic Initiative Michalis Printzos, and theatre director Lefteris Giovanidis.
The opening of the conference was honoured by the presence of the Ambassadors of Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Georgia, the UAE, Canada, Moldova and South Africa, as well as representatives of 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 global value of Hellenism, and referred specifically to the creation of a Museum of Olympic History in Lusaka.
At the conclusion of the Symposium’s proceedings, the Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Maira Myroyianni, conferred the title of “Greek Youth Diaspora Ambassadors 2025” on this year’s participants and awarded last year’s participants for the initiatives they carried out during the previous year relating to the promotion and showcasing of the Greek Diaspora around the world.
The Conference was followed with interest both by participants attending in person and by expatriates around the world via live broadcast.
- Sports Without Borders: The Role of Sports in Promoting Greek Identity Across the Globe Andreas Andrews, Australia
- 3 rd Panel 15:15 Language and Artificial Intelligence Artyom Hovhannisyan, Armenia Maria Kakali, Australia
- 4 th Panel 16:20 Democratic Governance and Human Rights: The Voice of the New Generation Demi Marie Bourdopoulos, Australia
- 5 th Panel 17:05 Youth and Brain Regain — Regaining the Future by Connecting Talent with Opportunity Josefina Salangis, Argentina Aliki Souliotis, Australia
- 6 th Panel 10:15 Innovative solutions towards a green economy and a sustainable environment Tas Mitaros, Australia
- 8 th Panel 11:40 Youth in energy transition: Opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and participation Eugenia Hatch, Australia
- 13th Panel 11.20 The role of volunteering in personal growth, social cohesion, and strengthening young diaspora ties with Greece Victoria Paneras, Australia
- 15th Panel 14:00 Next-Generation Governance: Empowering and Connecting the Greek Youth Diaspora through Digital Innovation Paris Lazarus Karakikes, Australia
