Panagiotis G. Mihalos: Geopolitics and Energy in the «Nisyros Dialogues®»

Interview by Katerina Tsamouri

Panagiotis G. Mihalos, Founder and President of the "Georgios M. Mihalos Foundation – Sustainability of Nisyros" NPO, spoke to “Parapolitika”, a major weekend newspaper, about the goals of this year's "Dialogues" which will attract high-profile speakers and guests and feature Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as the keynote speaker.

-Mr. Mihalos, for the third year in a row, the «Nisyros Dialogues» will take place on the island of Nisyros. Tell us how this whole project started and if you envisioned its development.

Since day one, our goal for the «Nisyros Dialogues» was to be established as a significant and high-profile institution that fuels public discourse on issues of geopolitics, energy, security, environment, climate change, cultural heritage, and sustainable development. The entire project was a personal dream of mine, as I wanted to showcase not only these specific issues but also my hometown, Nisyros island. «Nisyros Dialogues» are held by the "Georgios M. Mihalos Foundation – Sustainability of Nisyros" NPO, which was founded in memory of my father and aims to protect and promote the natural and cultural heritage of the island among other goals. It's not just a personal endeavor, as many distinguished individuals with knowledge, experience, and significant background participate and contribute to the organization in the Board of Directors and Advisory Committee. The «Dialogues» of previous years were held in collaboration with high-profile organizations and institutions such as the National Technical University of Athens, the Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy, etc., as will happen this year. It is also very important for us that the «Nisyros Dialogues» are under the Auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarch, which confirms their increased status.

-What is the thing that makes «Nisyros Dialogues» unique and how do they differentiate themselves from other forums?

The «Nisyros Dialogues» have a very specific direction. They do not cover all issues but focus on the topics I mentioned earlier: geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean, energy and security, environment, insularity, regional development, and isolated border areas. Another point that sets us apart is the location. Nisyros is not just a small island on the barren line; it is a volcano, a unique landscape, and a distinct reference point in the Southeastern Mediterranean. The locations where the «Dialogues» take place – particularly the crater "Stefanos" – offer a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience to the visitor. It's not just a typical venue for discussions; instead, the visitor comes in touch with the energy, nature, and history of the island. Hence, despite being only in their third year, they are already considered a top example of conference tourism. It is of utmost importance that through the "Dialogues” our island is highlighted even more as, beyond attracting visitors, actions benefiting the local community are implemented. This year, for example, our aim is to integrate Nisyros island into the GR-eco Islands initiative.

-What can we expect from this year's «Nisyros Dialogues»?

This year, we have the honor of hosting the Prime Minister, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis as the keynote speaker, who will address everything concerning Greece's position in the Eastern Mediterranean, current geopolitical developments, energy security, as well as climate change, sustainability, and insularity issues. The presence of the Prime Minister and all the other prestigious speakers who do us the honor to participate in our thematic “Dialogues”, is particularly significant for us and the «Nisyros Dialogues» initiative.

-Would you like to tell us some of the names and themes?

The four themes of this year's "Dialogues" are: First, geopolitical developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and energy security. Second, climate change and sustainability of the islands and coastal Greece. Third, GR-eco Islands and Smart islands Initiatives. And fourth, tourism - overtourism and management limits. The names of the participants are announced progressively through weekly newsletters and the "Dialogues" website, and can be found there. However, apart from the Prime Minister, ministers, members of the government, politicians from all parties, distinguished academics, former diplomats from Greece and abroad, geopolitical analysts, representatives of organizations, businessmen, and high-ranking executives have already confirmed their participation, as well as prestigious journalists who will act as moderators. I am sure that this year's "Dialogues" will enrich the public debate in a very fruitful and substantive way.