Establishment of “Georgios M. Mihalos Foundation”

The Georgios M. Mihalos Foundation for the Sustainability of Nisyros NPO was founded in 2021 and aspires to be an international center for exchange of views on environment, cultural heritage and sustainability.

Panagiotis (Peter) G. Mihalos’ idea for his ancestral island of Nisyros, is being implemented along with close friends, who share his vision for the advancement and sustainable development of the island and are now the members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

The Georgios M. Mihalos Foundation NPO aims to contribute in the protection and promotion of the natural and cultural heritage of Nisyros, by placing them on the global narrative and in the context of sustainable development.

To highlight the island’s unique local characteristics, displaying every element of its uniqueness, with the aim of protecting its natural environment and promoting the well-being of its inhabitants.

To enrich the public debate by creating a politico-economic content with views, thoughts and reflections, which will be utilized by the academic and scientific communities, decision-makers, public opinion makers, representatives of civil society and political leadership, thus contributing to education and creation of new business opportunities, for the region’s environmentally sustainable development and make Nisyros an attractive location for settlement and relocation.

Mr. Panagiotis (Peter) G. Mihalos, founder and president of the Foundation, comments: “The creation of an international center for exchange of views and fruitful dialogue on issues of environment, cultural heritage and sustainable development, with the volcanic island of Nisyros at its core, arose from a personal need. It’s a way of expressing gratitude to my father, after whom the foundation is named. My father deeply respected this place on earth, it’s every corner, every path and every stone.” And he continues: “The five-year Memorandum of Cooperation, signed by the Georgios M. Mihalos Foundation NPO with the Organization for Natural Environment and Climate Change (NECCA), is of catalytic importance in achieving the goal of promoting all actions to highlight the unique volcanic environment of the island, with emphasis on enhancing local development.”

Board of Directors

mixalos-panagiotis

Panagiotis G. Mihalos

Founder & President

Entrepreneur, fmr Secretary General for International Economic Relations, MFA

kagevinas

Alexis Kogevinas

Vice-President

Ambassador a.h.

mathioudakis

Konstantinos Mathioudakis

Secretary General

Professor, National Technical University of Athens, fmr Secretary General for Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry of Environment and Energy

karantani

Christina Karantani

Treasurer

Tour Guide Lecture

user-icon

Klea Kechagioglou

Cultural Advisor

Art Historian and Author of Ancient and Contemporary Art Publications

kormas

George I. Kormas

Exec. Gen'l Manager, Piraeus Bank Group
Exec. Chairman of the Board, Piraeus Bank Real Estate
maniatis

Yannis Maniatis

Professor

fmr Minister of Environment,
Energy and Climate Change

paraskeuopoulos

Dimitris Paraskevopoulos

Ambassador a.h.

fmr Secretary General of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

ralli

Theodora Ralli

fmr ESIEA (Journalists' Union)

Int’l & Public Affairs Executive

theodorou

Theodoros Theodorou

Executive Director
Ambassador a.h.
boganatsis

Dimitris Voganatsis

Mineral Resources Engineer, MBA

Co-founder EQS THALIS

Honorary President

thomas-niles

Ambassador (Ret.)
Thomas M.T. Niles

Vice chairman US Council for International Business
fmr Asst. Secretary of State for Europe & Canada
fmr Ambassador to Greece

Advisory Committee

maniatis

Yannis Maniatis

President

Professor
fmr Minister of Environment,
Energy and Climate Change

alexiadis

Sokrates Alexiades

Architect engineer
fmr Secretary General of Urban
Zoning & Environmental Planning
C.-Antonopoulos-photo

Konstantinos Antonopoulos

Chairman and CEO
INSPIRING EARTH SA
steve-bamundo

Steve Bamundo

Managing Partner, BAMUNDO, ZWALP & SCHERMERHORN LLP, NY
bernitsas

Panayotis Bernitsas

Managing Partner, Bernitsas Law Firm
Associate Professor of International Economic Law
karokis

Evangelos Carokis

Ambassador a.h.
coccossis

Hary Coccossis

Professor, Urban Planning and Environmental Planning
eliades

Zenon Eliades

Entrepreneur, Cyprus
kalogeropoulos

Aristeidis Kalogeropoulos - Stratis

fmr Secretary General for European Affairs, MFA
fuad-kawar

Fuad Kawar

Entrepreneur, Jordan
korasidis

Moschos Korasidis

Agronomist, MSc MBA in Agribusiness
fmr Secretary General Ministry of
Rural Development and Food
lalaouni

Aikaterini Lalaouni

CEO, GREEK GOLD ΑΒΕΕ
user-icon

Ariadne Mihalos

Environmental & Humanitarian Assistance
jeff

Jeffrey R. Olesen

Diplomat
U.S. Senior Foreign Service Officer, Ret.
ries

Ambassador (Ret.)
Charles Ries

Adjunct Senior Fellow Rand Corporation
fmr US Ambassador to Greece
user-icon

Ambassador
Raed Al Rifai

fmr Ambassador of Kuwait to Greece
daniel-smith

Ambassador (Ret.)
Daniel B. Smith

fmr Acting Secretary of State USA
fmr US Ambassador to Greece
tsitouras

Dimitris Tsitouras

Lawyer - Art Collector

The Georgios M. Mihalos Foundation for the Sustainability of Nisyros NPO, in cooperation with the Organization for Natural Environment and Climate Change (NECCA) announces the first Symposium “Nisyrian Dialogues”, in the crater of the island of Nisyros, June 16-19, 2022.

The first Symposium “Nisyrian Dialogues” aims to explore the Green, Fair and Sustainable Development of Small Islands, the Geopolitics of Green Transition and how Geoparks and protected areas can be growth tools for development and evolution.

Rapporteurs of the Dialogues are Prof. Yiannis Maniatis fmr Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and Prof. Nikolaos Zouros President of the Global Geoparks Network, University of the Aegean, Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest Director.

The internationally renowned composer Mr. Dimitris Papadimitriou will present his creations.

We invite everyone to attend and follow the “Nisyrian Dialogues”. It will be a unique opportunity to visit the island of Nisyros as well! Admission to the Symposium is free.

Nisyrian Dialogues Leaflet

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Nisyrian Dialogues Leaflet

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In Cooperation with

With the Support

Under the Auspices of

Our Confirmed Speakers

geron-xalkidonos

His Eminence
Elder Metropolitan
Emmanuel of Chalcedon

nathanail

His Eminence
Metropolitan Nathaniel
of Kos & Nisyros

Keynote Speaker

samaras

Antonis K. Samaras

fmr Prime Minister of Greece

Dialogue Moderator

pretenteris

Yannis Pretenteris

Journalist/Columnist

Dialogue Moderator

tasouli

Alexia Tasouli

Journalist

Rapporteur

maniatis

Prof. Yannis Maniatis

fmr Minister of Environment,
Energy and Climate Change

Rapporteur

zouros

Prof. Nikolaos Zouros

President of the Global Geoparks Network, University of the Aegean, Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest Director
amiras

George Amiras

Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy
C.-Antonopoulos-photo

Constantinos Antonopoulos

Chairman and CEO, INSPIRING EARTH SA
chatzigeorgiou

Ioannis K. Chatjigeorgiou

National Technical University of Athens Vice Rector of Research and Lifelong Education
Professor at the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
georgiadis

Adonis Georgiadis

Minister of Development & Investments
kitsellis

Manos Kitsellis

Vice Mayor of Kessariani
Μember of the board of SPAY
(Union for the Protection
and Development of Hymettus)
In charge of the development of the
network of paths of Hymettus
korasidis

Moschos Korasidis

fmr Secretary General Ministry of
Rural Development and Food
kormas

George I. Kormas

Exec. Gen'l Manager, Piraeus Bank Group
Exec. Chairman of the Board, Piraeus Bank Real Estate
mathioudakis

K. Mathioudakis

Professor, National Technical University of Athens, fmr Secretary General for Energy and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Environment and Energy
papastergiou

Dimitris Papastergiou

President of Central Union of Greek Municipalities, Mayor of Trikala
papadopoulou

Maria Papadopoulou

Professor NTUA
Board Chair N.E.C.C.A.
paraskeuopoulos

Dimitris Paraskevopoulos

Ambassador a.h.

fmr Secretary General of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

thomas-niles

Ambassador (Ret.)
Thomas M.T. Niles

Vice chairman US Council for International Business

fmr Asst. Secretary of State for Europe & Canada
fmr Ambassador to Greece
Honorary President of the Foundation
Zoom inprerecorded Dialogue 

ries

Ambassador (Ret.)
Charles Ries

Adjunct Senior Fellow Rand Corporation

fmr US Ambassador to Greece
Zoom inprerecorded Dialogue

sdoukou

Alexandra Sdoukou

Secretary General for Energy & Mineral Resources
sxoinas

Margaritis Schinas

Vice-President European Union

Promoting our European Way of Life
Video message

daniel-smith

Ambassador (Ret.)
Daniel B. Smith

fmr Acting Secretary of State US

Afmr US Ambassador to Greece
Zoom inprerecorded Dialogue

stathakis

Yiorgos Stathakis

Fmr Minister of Environment & Energy

Professor at the University of Crete

Nisyrian Dialogues Program

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Nisyrian Dialogues Program

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Press Release

Nisyros, 14/6/2022

The Sustainable Development of Small Islands and the Geopolitics of Green Transition
A unique event, next to the crater of the volcano of Nisyros

June 16-19, 2022
1st Symposium “Nisyrian Dialogues” by the Georgios M. Mihalos Foundation

A spark of ideas, faith, perseverance, but also constant effort are sufficient foundations for dreams to become reality.
In the enchanting island of Nisyros, a breath away from the natural beauty of the volcano’s crater, the vision of Mr. Panagiotis G. Mihalos will take shape for the first time.

The 1st Symposium “Nisyrian Dialogues” will take place June 16 – 19, where prominent personalities from Greece and abroad will exchange key views on the sustainable development of the island and all small islands, the geopolitical importance of the green transition, as well as the ways in which geoparks and protected areas can become growth tools.

Keynote Speaker of the “Nisyrian Dialogues” is fmr Prime Minister of Greece Antonis K. Samaras, with rapporteurs Prof. Yannis Maniatis, fmr Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and Prof. Nikolaos Zouros (President of the Global Geoparks Network, University of the Aegean, Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest Director).

The first day of the Symposium (Friday, June 17) starts with the Keynote Presentation of Prof. Nikolaos Zouros, on the UNESCO Geoparks and the prospects of protected areas as growth tools, and the “Dialogue” participants are the Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy George Amyras, Professor of NTUA and Board Chair of N.E.C.C.A. Maria Papadopoulou, the Mayor of Trikala and President of Central Union of Greek Municipalities Dimitris Papastergiou, as well as the Vice Mayor of Kessariani, Member of the board of SPAY (Union for the Protection and Development of Hymettus) and in charge of the development of the network of paths of Hymettus Manos Kitsellis.

The “Dialogue” continues with the presentation of a Study for the Holistic Development of Nisyros, within the context of the future of the primary sector in Small Islands, by 6 graduate students of the University of Piraeus, commissioned by the Foundation. The “Dialogue” on the findings of the study is led by the Agronomist, MSc MBA in Agribusiness, fmr Secretary General Ministry of Rural Development and Food Moschos Korasidis and Chairman & CEO of Inspiring Earth S.A Constantinos Antonopoulos.

The second day, Saturday June 18, the “curtain” of the “Dialogues” on the Green & Sustainable Development of Small Islands, and the Geopolitics of the Green Transition, will be opened with the Keynote Presentation of Prof. Yannis Maniatis fmr Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, while opinions, thoughts and reflections will be submitted on the subject of Green and Sustainable Development, by Alexandra Sdoukou Secretary General for Energy & Mineral Resources, Prof. Konstantinos Mathioudakis, National Technical University of Athens, fmr Secretary General for Energy and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Environment and Energy, Ioannis K. Chatjigeorgiou, National Technical University of Athens, Vice Rector of Research and Lifelong Education, Professor at the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, as well as George I. Kormas, Exec. Gen’l Manager, Piraeus Bank Group, Exec. Chairman of the Board, Piraeus Bank Real Estate.

The “Dialogue” on Geopolitics of the Green Transition, will be led by Prof. Yannis Maniatis, the Minister of Development & Investments Adonis Georgiadis, fmr Minister of Environment & Energy, Professor at the University of Crete Yiorgos Stathakis, Ambassador a.h., fmr Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dimitris Paraskevopoulos, while present in the public debate – via Zoom in, pre-recorded Dialogue – will be the Vice Chairman of US Council for International Business, fmr Ambassador to the EU, fmr Asst. Secretary of State for Europe & Canada, fmr Ambassador to Greece and Honorary President of the Foundation, Ambassador (Ret.) Thomas M.T. Niles, Adjunct Senior Fellow Rand Corporation, fmr US Ambassador to Greece, Ambassador (Ret.) Charles Ries, as well as fmr Acting Secretary of State USA, fmr US Ambassador to Greece, Ambassador (Ret.) Daniel B. Smith.

Welcome remarks will be given by the Founder & President of the Foundation Panagiotis G. Mihalos, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (video message), the Vice President of the European Union, Promoting our European Way of Life Margaritis Schinas (video message), and the Mayor of Nisyros Christofis Koronaios.

It is worth mentioning that the initiative belongs to “Georgios M. Mihalos Foundation – Sustainability of Nisyros” NPO, in cooperation with Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency (N.E.C.C.A.).

Press Release

Athens, May 2, 2022

Signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between
The Organization of Natural Environment & Climate Change
(N.E.C.C.A.)
And
Georgios M. Mihalos Foundation for the Sustainability of Nisyros NPO

The Organization for Natural Environment and Climate Change (NECCA) and Georgios M. Mihalos Foundation for the Sustainability of Nisyros NPO signed a five-year Memorandum of Cooperation, with the aim of promoting all actions that contribute to the promotion of the internationally unique character of the island of Nisyros, with emphasis on the enhancement and local sustainable development.

The Board President of N.E.C.C.A. Professor Ms Maria Papadopoulou, stated:

“The creation of essential collaborations with civil society organisations, which aim at the preservation and sustainable development of the natural environment of our country, is a dominant pillar of N.E.C.C.A. Today’s signing of the memorandum of cooperation with Georgios M. Mihalos Foundation NPO confirms the will of N.E.C.C.A. to align with local societies with a common goal that of their sustainable prospects.”

The Founder and President of the Georgios M. Mihalos Foundation Mr. Panagiotis (Peter) G. Mihalos, stated:

“At a time when development can only be sustainable, with a positive manifestation for the natural environment as well as for the people who live in it, the Georgios M. Mihalos Foundation NPO seeks to enter into strong collaborations and partnerships, in order to promote its agenda for the environment and sustainable development of Nisyros, as a model for all the small islands in general, in Greece and beyond. The best possible start was made with the Memorandum of Cooperation, which we signed with N.E.C.C.A.. Already, in this context, the first of a biennial Conference/Symposium «Nisyrian Dialogues», is being implemented on the island of Nisyros, June 16-19 2022. The first of a series of Conference/Symposium «Dialogues» scheduled under the same umbrella.”

A few words about Georgios M. Mihalos Foundation for the Sustainability of Nisyros NPO:

The Georgios M. Mihalos Foundation for the Sustainability of Nisyros NPO is a Civil Non – Profit Organisation. It was founded in 2021 by Panagiotis G. Mihalos as a way of expressing gratitude to his father, after whom the foundation is named.

The Georgios M. Mihalos Foundation NPO aims to contribute in the protection and promotion of the natural and cultural heritage of Nisyros, by placing them on the global narrative and in the context of sustainable development.

To enrich the public debate by creating a politico-economic content with views, thoughts and reflections, which will be utilized by the academic and scientific communities, decision-makers, public opinion leaders, representatives of civil society and political leadership, thus contributing to education and creation of new business opportunities, for the region’s environmentally sustainable development and make Nisyros an attractive location for settlement and relocation.

The Foundation aspires to be an international center for exchange of views on environment, cultural heritage and sustainability. Highlighting the island’s unique local characteristics, displaying every element of its uniqueness, aiming to protect its natural environment and promoting the well-being of its inhabitants.

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