In the presence of a large number of high-ranking UN officials, Permanent Representatives and other officials of the member states, as well as Ministers of Foreign Affairs, an event was held on Monday, 24 February 2025, at the headquarters of the international Organization, chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. George Gerapetritis. The high-level event marked the beginning of our country’s term on the Security Council, for the period 2025-2026, which began on 1 January.

The event also served as an important opportunity to highlight Greece‘s priorities and its role as a bridge builder during the current term on the Security Council. The large turnout, which exceeded 350 people, confirmed the confidence in the ability of our country, a founding member of the United Nations, to function as an active pole of dialogue and understanding.

In fact, as part of the event, the work of the important Greek sculptor Frosos Efthymiadi – Menegaki, entitled “Supplicants” (1958), was presented, offering attendees a unique cultural experience. The work, which belongs to the collection of the National Gallery – Alexandros Soutsos Museum, is being presented for the first time in the United States on the occasion of our term in the UNSC.

During his speech, the Minister of Foreign Affairs pointed out that the country was elected a member of the Security Council, in one of the most difficult periods in the history of the UN. Despite the challenges, he stressed, Greece remains committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes, to full respect for international law and the Charter of the United Nations and to the promotion of multilateral cooperation through sincere dialogue and the continuous effort to bridge international differences. He also underlined the importance of promoting modern Greek culture, beyond its traditional dimension, projecting the dynamic image of modern Greece.

The Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, welcoming the attendees, expressed his particular joy for the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, at an event that marks the beginning of our term in the UNSC, as well as the great honor and responsibility that participation in the Security Council entails for the Permanent Representation.

The event was also graced with the presence of the Minister of Culture, Ms. Lina Mendoni. as well as the Director of the National Gallery – Alexandros Soutsos Museum, Ms. Syrago Tsiara and the President of the Board, Ms. Olga Mentzafou. Ms. Tsiara, presenting the sculpture to the public, spoke about the history and significance of the “Iketida”, highlighting the power of the work that manages to convey, through the artist’s impeccable technique, the deepest meanings of ancient Greek tragedy, while simultaneously highlighting the timelessness and influence of Greek art from antiquity to modern times.

Sculptor Froso Efthymiadis – Menegaki (1911-1995), a pioneer of Greek sculpture with international recognition (São Paulo Biennale Award – 1959), is the first female member of the Academy of Athens (1980). The sculptural work “Supplicants” draws its inspiration from Aeschylus’ tragedy and expresses timeless and universal issues, such as resistance to injustice, recognition of human dignity and the protection of vulnerable individuals.