The Strategic Plan 2024-2027 for Greeks Abroad

The Strategic Plan 2024-2027 for Greeks Abroad was presented on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at an event held at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The presentation, delivered by Deputy Foreign Minister Giorgos Kotsiras and Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy Maira Myrogianni, opened with a speech by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis. The event concluded with a speech by the Prime Minister accoding to greek city times

The basic objectives of the Strategic Plan are to strengthen the country’s ties with the Greek Diaspora, enhance mutual communication with them, and promote the Greek identity worldwide. The Strategic Plan includes more than 100 operational actions, structured around six Strategic Pillars:

The operational actions of the Strategic Plan include, among others, the creation of a Register of Greek and foreign Non-Governmental Organizations; the establishment of networks among Greek academics, scientists, and businesspeople worldwide; the promotion of Greek Studies; educational and scientific exchanges; the enrichment of the Greek learning platform staellinika.com; the expansion of programs to host diaspora youth; the modernization of consular services through digitization; and initiatives to attract the brain-drain generation.

In his speech, the Prime Minister stated, among other things: “I must first and foremost congratulate Deputy Minister Giorgos Kotsiras, who is in charge of the Strategic Plan, because it is an initiative that strengthens the links of the diaspora with the motherland. It is also a conscious choice, reflecting the state’s decision to formulate a multi-level diplomacy that will promote the country’s interests and improve its international image. These challenges are addressed through what the Minister, Deputy Minister, and the Secretary General of Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy have explained to us earlier. This brief presentation also crystallizes many proposals submitted by our diaspora organizations from around the world. As mentioned before, the draft Plan underwent public consultation and was the subject of a vibrant and creative dialogue.”

Minister Gerapetritis remarked that this Plan “[…] provides a vision for connecting Metropolitan Hellenism with the Greek Diaspora. It is a Plan that addresses the specific needs of Greeks Abroad, recognizing that they are not always a homogeneous group. [The Plan] leverages modern technologies, which allow us to bridge distances through digital media. And, of course, it provides improved services through personalization […]. I would like […] to emphasize that Diaspora Hellenism is not just a part of our soft power. It is also about the feeling of belonging that Greeks Abroad must possess. We strive to enhance this feeling of belonging in every way, from the smallest details to the largest initiatives. I read about the 13 cities in the world that have populations of Greek origin or Greek citizens. Out of these 13 cities with populations exceeding 100,000, 6 are in metropolitan Greece, and 7 are abroad. We have 7 cities globally with populations of more than 100,000 people of Greek origin. This is our great strength […].”

You can watch the entire presentation on the official YouTube channel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs accoding to greek city times

Πηγή: pagenews.gr