The 2nd Greek Youth Diaspora Conference (Greek Youth Diaspora Symposium) concluded its sessions in Athens at the “Hellenic Cosmos” Cultural Center, bringing together young members of the Greek diaspora from 31 countries and five continents.

The event was organized by the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and ran from November 25 to 28, 2025. Sessions were coordinated by the Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Mayra Myrogianni.

Opening the conference, Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Gerapetritis noted that the Symposium has now become an institution. He referred to the National Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad — a three-year initiative designed, as he said, “to create a foundation for Hellenism, bringing Greeks abroad closer to us, and enabling us to stay connected with them.”

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giannis Loverdos expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing that it “showcases the dynamism of the new generation of the Greek diaspora” and reaffirming that strengthening ties with young Greeks abroad is a government priority. Secretary General Mayra Myrogianni added that the goal is “to listen to young people and develop actions aligned with their concerns.”

In a panel discussion, Minister of Education Sofia Zacharaki addressed efforts to reinforce Greek-language education overseas. Deputy Minister of Development for Research and Innovation, Stavros Kalafatis, led the session on innovation and entrepreneurship, highlighting opportunities in the Greek economy. Deputy Minister of Digital Governance, Christos Dermetzopoulos, focused on empowering and connecting young diaspora Greeks through digital innovation. Secretary General for Communication and Information, Dimitris Kirmikiroglou, discussed Greece’s modern global image with young panelists.

Bishop Theologos of Talantio conveyed greetings and blessings on behalf of Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, congratulating the organizers and welcoming young diaspora Greeks “back to their homeland.”

Representing the Patriarchate of Alexandria, Metropolitan Ioannis of Zambia and Mozambique highlighted the Olympic spirit as a universal value of Hellenism and spoke about plans for an Olympic History Museum in Lusaka.

Filippos Fortomas, Chair of Parliament’s Committee for Greeks Abroad, underscored the importance of the Greek language and cultural heritage. Professor Kostas Ifantis of Panteion University discussed the role of Greek higher education, while a conversation on internationalizing Greek education took place between the President of Study in Greece, Professor Christos Michalakelis, and the Director of Columbia Global Center, Stefanos Gandolfo. Sofia Koune­naki-Efremoglou, Vice President of the Foundation of the Hellenic World, presented joint initiatives with the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad.

This year’s Symposium featured prominent coordinators, including the former General Director of the Athens Authentic Marathon Sotiris Kyranakos, ERT journalist Eleni Karagianni, American College Director of Student Affairs Haris Daskalothanasis, legal advisor Ioanna Theodoropoulou, Brain ReGain President Konstantinos Kesentes, attorneys Porfylenia Kanellopoulou, Orfeas Georgiou, and Konstantinos Anagnostopoulos, AXIOS Project co-founder Giorgos Gemelas, Endeavor Greece CEO Panagiotis Karampinis, Posidonia Exhibitions CEO Theodoros Vokos, ASPnet Greece Coordinator Vera Dilari, Ambassador Stylianos Chourmouziadis, THI representative Michalis Printzos, and theater director Lefteris Giovanidis.

The opening of the conference was attended by the ambassadors of Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Georgia, the UAE, Canada, Moldova, and South Africa, as well as representatives from the embassies of Australia, Austria, Luxembourg, and Turkey.

Secretary General Mayra Myrogianni awarded the title of “Greek Youth Diaspora Ambassador 2025” to this year’s participants and honored last year’s ambassadors for their actions promoting the Greek diaspora worldwide. The conference drew interest both from in-person attendees and from Greeks across the world who followed the sessions online.