ICC Hellas Honors the Global Hellenic Diaspora and Strengthens International Business Ties

With great success and the presence of numerous distinguished guests, the Hellenic National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce – ICC Hellas hosted an official luncheon at the Athens Club, in honor of 55 Greek-origin Senators and Members of Parliament from around the world, members of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (WHIA – Πα.Δ.Ε.Ε.).

The event marked the beginning of a strategic networking initiative aimed at strengthening ties between the Greek business community and the Global Hellenic Diaspora, to foster extroversion, innovation, and international partnerships.

The President of ICC Hellas, Mr. Petros Doukas, together with members of the Board of Directors, warmly welcomed the 55 parliamentarians, acknowledging their role as bridges between Greece and the global community, highlighting the importance of such gatherings for enhancing international collaboration and supporting Greece’s global image.

More than 45 parliamentarians of Greek descent, who continue to honor Greece through their public service, engaged in constructive dialogue with ICC Hellas leadership, setting the tone for future cooperation focused on Greek entrepreneurship and global outreach.

Mr. Petros Doukas stated:

“This is a great day not only for ICC Hellas, but for Greece itself. One of our nation’s greatest assets is the Hellenic Diaspora.
Our goal is to facilitate meaningful networking between exceptional Greek entrepreneurs and Greek-origin lawmakers who represent our nation with pride, action, and strong reputations.
By honoring them, we also expand the reach of Greek business and open doors to new international markets.”

He further noted:

“Today we proudly welcome:
• 24 Greek-origin Senators and MPs from the United States (WHIA members)
• 6 from Canada
• 9 from Australia
• 1 from France
• 1 from Sweden
• 1 from Ukraine
• 1 from Hungary
• 1 from Kenya
• 1 from Zimbabwe
• 2 from Albania

Greece needs its diaspora not just as visitors, but as active allies in our economy, technology, culture, and national presence. We are not 10, but 20 million Greeks united around the world.”

In his remarks, WHIA President Mr. Leonidas Lou Raptakis emphasized:

“Our mission is to build bridges between the countries that elected us and Greece and Cyprus – through business, education, tourism, and investment.
We carry the message of Hellenism, not from majority-Greek constituencies, but through deep conviction and shared values.
WHIA currently includes nearly 100 elected officials globally, and we are committed to supporting Hellenism through public service, advocacy, and international cooperation.”

More than 200 guests attended the event, including:

• H.E. Laurence Auer, Ambassador of France to Greece
• Representatives of the Greek Government and Chambers of Commerce
• Prominent business leaders
• The President and Executive Director of the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce NY
• Delegates from AHEPA
• Media representatives & journalists, also honored the event with their presence, contributing to the broad visibility and outreach of this important initiative.

Through initiatives like this, ICC Hellas reaffirms its mission to promote meaningful engagement with the Hellenic Diaspora and develop strategic international alliances that support entrepreneurship, economic growth, and global connectivity.