l to r: Kristian Teleki, Alexandra Mishko, Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou and H.E, hte Greek Ambassadoe Ioannis Tsaousis
by Gina Panayiotou*, Stakeholder Engagement & Media Relations, Our Ocean Greece
In the context of the upcoming Our Oceans conference* which will be hosted in Athens between the 15-17 of April, 2024 the Greek Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for the Oceans and Coordinator of the Conference, Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, hosted a private reception in London. The reception was held under the auspices of Greece’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Mr. Ioannis Tsaousis, at the Ambassador’s Residence and supported by Mr. Krisitan Teleki, CEO, International Wildlife Conservation Charity Fauna & Flora and Mrs. Alexandria Mishko, representing John Kerry’s office from the United States Department of State.
Attracting an array of diverse stakeholders, the reception was marked with great success, attended by representatives from the International Maritime Organization, the UK Department of Trade, Lloyds Group, the Greek Union of Bankers in the UK, the National Oceanography Centre, Borealis Maritime, Plastic Oceans, Blue Marine Foundation, Blue economy funds, as well as the shipowning community based in London and International Media such as BBC new, TradeWinds, All about Shipping etc.
Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou surrounded with organisers, supporters and media friends
Alexandria Miskho, representing John Kerry’s team from the US Department of State, explained how the Our Ocean conference was first hosted in 2015 in Washington D.C and annually thereon in locations around the world, brining nations and stakeholders together to not only discuss important topics around ocean health but also come out with tangible actions. Miskho explained that in its’ 8 years of existence, the conference counts 2100 announcements valued at approximately 128 billion dollars.
The key aim of the reception was to discuss Greece’s vision for the upcoming Our Ocean conference and foster stakeholder engagement for active participation, encouraging new and bolder commitments to be delivered at closing of what will be the 9th Our Ocean conference. Dr. Avgerinopoulou shared her vision for the upcoming Conference, noting the main themes being oceans and climate change, maritime protected areas (MPAs), blue economy, sustainable fishing, maritime security and pollution, sustainable tourism and plastic pollution. With Greece being a leading maritime nation, Dr. Avgerinopoulou, explained that there will be a heighted emphasis on green shipping this year, conveying the Greek Prime Minister’s commitment to this sector also.
It is worth noting that during her visit to London, Dr. Avgerinopoulou attending a series of meetings with relevant stakeholders, to discuss areas of collaboration, partnerships and ensure the conference showcases the great work done in the ocean conservation space, as well as the areas which require further visibility and support during the conference.
*The Our Ocean Conference, will be hosted for the 9th time this year during the 15-17 April and is aimed at raising awareness, fostering innovation and finding solutions for ocean health, as a key contributor to human existence. This year’s conference will take place at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and the agenda will cover a diverse range of issues, while it is anticipated to host more than 20 side events. Further details and proposals for side events here: https://ourocean2024.gov.gr/
*Gina Panayiotou_LLB, LLM, CBA, MBA
Founder & CEO, Oceans Arenal UK Ambassador, Seatrade Maritime Club l 20under40 Seatrade Maritime List l WISTA UK Board – Secretary l WISTA International Environmental Committee Co-Chair l G100 UK Chair, Sustainable Brand Creation & Marketing l 100 Women @ Davos l Philanthropy Advisory Committee Member, NOC l Associate, World Ocean Council l Brand Women as Leaders Concept Founder l Oceans Arena Stage Host l
Mob (UK): +44 7444366957
W: https://www.oceans-arena.com/
