Demographic change poses pressing challenges to societies and nations across the world, including Greece.
This more than interesting event took place at the Hellenic Residence in the heart of Mayfair; an evening of insightful talks to discuss the shifting population dynamics, their far-reaching implications and the responses at the international and European, national and local levels to address them.
Titled “Demographic trends: Challenges and Responses” the event on January 29th brought together representatives from international organisations, academia and the civil society to provide a tour d’ horizon of this critical issue and foster meaningful exchanges between stakeholders.
Great to have such an exceptional lineup of speakers including:
- Mónica Ferro, Director of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) London Office, for an engaging In Conversation session with Ambassador Yannis Tsaousis that set the tone for the evening’s discussions and provided an overview of the global demographic situation and of UNFPA’s crucial work, research and programmes.
- Prof. Melinda Mills, MBE Professor of Demography and Population Health at the University of Oxford and Director of the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science, University of Oxford for sharing with us a very informative comparative review and evidence-backed assessment of Greece’s demographic challenges.
- Jaime de Villota, Head of the Citizens and Justice and Home Affairs Section at the European Union Delegation to the United Kingdom for a thorough presentation of the EU’s approach and the demography toolbox launched to support Member States in this policy area.
- Two members of the Greek Diaspora in Great Britain and civil society representatives: Renos Dimitriou, who showcased the wide range of programmes and initiatives that HOPEgenesis NPO implements for remote regions across Greece, and world acclaimed film director George Th. Lemos for his presentation of the work that the UK-registered charity Oinoussai Benevolent Fund does to support the Greek island of Oinoussai and its local community for the past 83 years. TEO, since its establishment in 1942, has contributed significantly to supporting the social, cultural, sports, environmental and educational needs of Oinousses, as well as to important infrastructure projects. The guests also had the opportunity to watch a very interesting and moving video by MARBLEMEN productions about life on the island, with special reference to the Merchant Marine Academy of Oinousses, which was officially founded in 1965.
- Panagiota Diamanti, School Teacher and President of the non profit “New Life in the Village” for sharing with us her inspiring initiative to breathe new life and tackle rural depopulation in Fourna village, central Greece – Municipality of Karpenisi. What an epilogue that was! Ms. Panagiota Diamanti, spoke to the audience via video conference about how, together with the priest Father Konstantinos, they created the non-profit organization “New Life in the Village” to attract families with children, with the aim of strengthening the local population in Fourna and developing the local community.
The event was honored with the presence of representatives of UNFPA , representatives of foreign diplomatic missions in the UK, representatives of the Greek diaspora, members of the academic, scientific, business and the strong London Greek shipping community, as well as representatives of diaspora media.
Photos by John Kolikis/ Narrō Studio and John Faraclas / allaboutshipping.co.uk
