The 2nd Greek Youth Diaspora Symposium, held from November 24th to November 30th, built on the energy and achievements of its successful 2024 debut. More than an annual gathering, the Symposium has become a vibrant platform designed to spark collaboration, foster meaningful connections, and amplify the voices of young Greeks across the world. Set against the backdrop of global challenges and emerging opportunities, this year’s program invited participants to dive into themes ranging from cultural heritage and identity to artificial intelligence and cutting-edge innovation—revealing the breadth of curiosity and the forward-looking spirit that define today’s Greek youth.
Study in Greece played a central role in this year’s iteration as well. Supported by the Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maira Myrogianni, the President of Study in Greece, Professor Christos Michalakelis, joined Stefanos Gandolfo – Director of the Columbia Global Center and member of the Study in Greece Advisory Board – for an engaging fireside chat titled “Internationalizing Higher Education and Engaging the Youth of the Diaspora”. What was originally planned as a concise 20-minute exchange quickly evolved into a lively, hour-long conversation, with young Greeks from more than 30 countries actively contributing and continuing the discussion informally even after the session concluded.
A particularly inspiring highlight was the presence of several attendees who had also participated in the inaugural 2024 Symposium and have since enrolled in programs at Greek universities. Their journeys stand as a testament to the growing impact of Study in Greece’s mission to broaden access to Greek higher education and support international students seeking transformative academic experiences.
With its strong turnout, high engagement, and clear enthusiasm from participants, this year’s Symposium sends a powerful message: the internationalization of Greek higher education is not just an opportunity – it’s an imperative. Young Diaspora Greeks are increasingly eager to reconnect with their roots, contribute to Greece’s global presence, and shape the country’s future. Continued investment in this direction will ensure that Greece remains a welcoming and inspiring destination for students worldwide.
