Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, President of the Hellenic Parliament’s Committee on the Environment and MP for Ilia with New Democracy, has been recognized for her global contributions to environmental and climate issues with the prestigious Women Leadership Award in Mumbai, India. This distinguished award, established in 2013, celebrates female leaders excelling in business, politics, education, arts, science, and social entrepreneurship—women who have left a positive mark on their communities through their achievements.

As the sole recipient from Europe, Dr. Avgerinopoulou was honored for her leadership in environmental protection and marine conservation. A politician on the frontlines of sustainability efforts, she serves as the Special Envoy of the Greek Prime Minister for the Oceans and was the Chair of the 9th Our Ocean Conference. She also holds key positions in international organizations, including Vice President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Geneva, former Vice President of the Global Water Partnership Organization in Stockholm, and leader of Mediterranean parliamentary initiatives for sustainable development.

Advocating for Women in Leadership

Upon accepting the award, Dr. Avgerinopoulou expressed her gratitude and emphasized the crucial role of women in leadership. She praised Greece and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for their commitment to environmental policies and highlighted the importance of increasing female representation in leadership positions across government, business, and public organizations.

She urged women to actively contribute to society through social responsibility, environmental consciousness, and sustainable practices, encouraging them to strive for leadership roles and personal and professional success. “Recognizing female leaders proves that women can achieve anything when given the right opportunities and support. The Women Leadership Award is an important step toward building a more equitable and empowered future for all of us. It underscores the need for strong female leaders who shape their communities, promote equality, and drive sustainable development,” she stated.

Dr. Avgerinopoulou highlighted the indispensable role of women in tackling today’s most pressing environmental challenges. “The world is facing unprecedented ecological crises—from climate change and ocean degradation to plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. Women’s leadership in these areas has proven to be both transformative and essential,” she noted. She emphasized that women, often disproportionately affected by environmental and climate crises, must be empowered to lead change.

“Women have been at the forefront of climate and environmental leadership for decades, driving progress through expertise, strategic thinking, and unwavering determination. From political leaders and scientists to educators and entrepreneurs, women are paving the way for a more sustainable future,” she added.

Female Leadership in Environmental Action

Citing studies from the World Bank, Dr. Avgerinopoulou pointed out that women can be highly influential in environmental policy, bringing diverse perspectives to climate legislation and sustainability strategies. She drew inspiration from legendary female leaders such as Wangari Maathai, Sylvia Earle, and Vandana Shiva, whose contributions have reshaped global environmental efforts. She also honored modern icons like Christiana Figueres, Inger Andersen, Amina Mohammed, and Ursula von der Leyen, who have championed sustainability and green policies at an international level.

“History has shown us that when passion and purpose align, transformative leadership emerges. Women leaders are on the frontlines of global environmental affairs, pioneering innovative solutions and sustainable practices to protect our planet,” she emphasized.

Strengthening Greece-India Collaboration on Sustainability

Dr. Avgerinopoulou also highlighted the growing partnership between Greece and India on sustainability, environmental protection, climate action, and ocean conservation. She spoke about the strategic cooperation between the two nations, strengthened by the visits of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Greece in 2023 and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to India in 2024.

This collaboration includes joint initiatives on maritime safety, oceanic ecology, disaster risk reduction, science and technology exchange, and sustainable trade and connectivity. “We have many opportunities for collective action within our existing cooperation frameworks. I urge all of you to take part in these efforts for the environment and future generations. Let’s take this next step—together,” she concluded.