On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of UNESCO’s founding, the Greek National Commission for UNESCO, the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Cultural Center of the Region of Central Macedonia co-organized commemorative events in Thessaloniki on 12 December 2025, dedicated to the Organization’s contribution and multifaceted work.
The events were supported by the UNESCO Center for Women and Peace in the Balkans, the Municipality of Thessaloniki, the Municipality of Pylaia–Chortiatis, and the Region of Central Macedonia.
A conference highlighting Greece’s contribution to promoting UNESCO’s programs and priorities was held at the auditorium of the Region of Central Macedonia.
Opening remarks were delivered by Maria Myrogianni, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; UNESCO Assistant Directors-General Stefania Giannini (Education), Lidia Brito (Sciences), and Ernesto Ottone (Culture); the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis; and the Deputy Regional Governor for Culture.
In his address, Ambassador George Koumoutsakos, Permanent Delegate of Greece to UNESCO, reviewed Greece’s achievements over the past two years, including the recognition of the International Day of the Greek Language and the country’s election to several UNESCO bodies and programs.
Experts and academics presented UNESCO’s activities through its programs in three key areas: Culture, Natural and Social Sciences, and Education.
Among the speakers, Dr. Angeliki Kottaridi presented the archaeological research at Aigai, the ancient capital of the Macedonians and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dora Vyzoviti moderated the Culture panel, Professor Nikolaos Zouros chaired the Natural and Social Sciences panel, and Professor Fotini Asderaki moderated the Education discussion.
