8 May 2025

This week, the Athens Institute successfully organized its annual international conferences, bringing together more than 100 participants from 33 countries (Australia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and the United States) gathered in Athens to present their work, engage in academic dialogue, and build lasting collaborations. The conferences opened on Monday morning with welcoming remarks from the President of the Institute, Gregory T. Papanikos, who emphasized the importance of international academic cooperation and the mission of the Institute to foster interdisciplinary research. Later that day, at noon, a special symposium titled “What’s Next for US Universities?” was organized, featuring prominent speakers from American and Canadian institutions who discussed the future of higher education, academic freedom, funding challenges, and innovations in teaching and learning. A highlight of the week was the cultural event 

held on Tuesday afternoon, when the President hosted An Ancient Athenian Symposium: Continuous Dialogues, Timeless Flavors. The gathering featured authentic ancient Athenian dishes, local wine, and sweet delicacies, offering participants a unique opportunity to experience the flavors and spirit of classical Athens while continuing their scholarly exchanges in a warm and informal setting.