by Katerina Tsourtsoula*,
The event of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC Hellas) was held with great success on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, at the Athens Club, featuring Dr. Richard Damania, Chief Economist of the World Bank, as keynote speaker. Titled “Rebooting Economic Growth: Rethinking Development for a Changing World,” the event served as a key point of reference for dialogue on today’s economic challenges and the prospects of sustainable development.
The event opened with remarks by the President of ICC Hellas, Mr. Petros Doukas, who warmly thanked Dr. Damania for his participation and highlighted ICC Hellas’ role, as the National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce, in shaping positions and initiatives on critical issues related to the economy, trade, and international cooperation. As he noted, the ICC serves as a channel of communication between states, businesses, and international organizations, promoting dialogue, stability, and growth through stronger trade ties and the exchange of expertise.
This was followed by the address of Ms. Rania Aikaterinari, Chair of the Executive Committee and Vice President of SEV (Hellenic Federation of Enterprises), who underlined, among other points:
“Nature degradation is not only an environmental issue; it constitutes a significant economic risk. Europe has been a pioneer in setting sustainability targets; however, implementation has largely evolved into a bureaucratic process. What is needed today is not more procedures, but better design and tangible results—at scale and with speed. Policies that link productivity with investment and environmental protection, so that we can create more value with fewer resources.”
Keynote speaker Dr. Richard Damania expressed his pleasure in addressing business leaders and executives, presenting the key economic challenges and opportunities of sustainable development, and emphasized that economic progress cannot be achieved without safeguarding and restoring both natural and social capital. He also praised the Sustainability Cluster initiative of ICC Hellas, noting that it is an important platform for dialogue and collaboration, and stated that he would be pleased to support the Cluster and its future initiatives.
In his speech titled “Reboot Development: The Economics of a Livable Planet,” Dr. Damania highlighted that natural resources—land, air, and water—which supported development for decades, are now under increasing strain, with direct economic consequences. He presented data showing that more than 90% of the world’s population is exposed to poor air quality, land degradation, or water stress, while deforestation and pollution undermine health, productivity, and human potential. At the same time, he placed solutions at the center, stressing that investing in nature and improving the efficiency of critical resource management—such as nitrogen, as well as forest ecosystem restoration—deliver benefits that far exceed costs, strengthen resilience, and create new pathways for growth and employment.
Dr. Richard Damania is the lead author of “Rebooting Development – The Economics of a Livable Planet,” the World Bank’s flagship publication, which demonstrates with clear economic evidence how nature degradation and the climate crisis translate into fiscal risk, investment uncertainty, and lost development opportunities.
The event was held on the occasion of the launching of the Sustainability Cluster of ICC Hellas, a new initiative aiming to serve as a meaningful platform for dialogue and collaboration for the business community.
It brought together a strong presence from both the public and private sectors, with the participation of business leaders, executives, representatives of institutions and organizations, as well as ministers and representatives of the State, reaffirming the pivotal role of ICC Hellas in shaping an impactful and actionable dialogue on sustainability, competitiveness, and the new development direction.
* Katerina Tsourtsoula | Head of PR & Communications, ICC Hellas Head of Agricultural Development | Board Member, ICC Hellas
Photo credits: Angeliki Hristoff and John Faraclas
