With the National Anthem performed by the children’s choir, as well as Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”, which is the anthem of the European Council, the work of the 8th Delphi Economic Forum, which takes place in Delphi from 26 to 29 April and is under the auspices of the President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

Opening his papers Forum The President of the Republic herself referred to the international geopolitical context in which the VIII Delphi Economic Forum is taking place, describing it as “an international institution that has become a point of reference“.

Caterina Sakellaropoulou characteristically stated that “we are now in a multi-polar world with growing disorder. The global liquidity environment requires the emancipation of Europe and the need for unity, autonomy and strength to protect its values ​​and interests.“.

At the same time, in conclusion, wishing success to the work of the Forum, he noted: “We are accustomed to the European Union, which develops and prospers on the basis of economic interdependence and soft power. Soft power also needs hard power. We are accustomed to the fact that the world is interconnected, but this world in the midst of globalization no longer exists. Streams are not unhindered. The origin of the import matters. Interdependence can become a vulnerability factor and an offensive weapon.”

Welcoming the participants of the event, Simeon Tsomokos, founder and president of the Delphi Economic Forum, noted that “we live in an era when great challenges prevail. If one thing has become clear through successive crises, it’s how interconnected the world is. To what extent decisions need discussion, consensus, composition.

In addition, he thanked the 950 prominent figures from Greece and other countries, as well as from 71 countries “who honored with their presence” the Forum, “25 collaborating agencies from the European Union, the Arab world and the United States”, as well as sponsoring companies supporting event. As he noted on behalf of the Forum, “we think that if we try to change the habitual foundations, if we accept innovations, then we will gradually be able to find the necessary solutions to critical problems.”

In a discussion moderated at the opening of the Forum by journalist Ali Aslan, former German President Christian Wulff spoke of “the demons of the 20th century that are still in the foreground at the European level”, explaining that “there are some who want to question boundaries.” He elaborated that “in the 21st century, there is no need for border disputes. We are all against the demons who want to change something. Whoever wants to change the borders in Ukraine or elsewhere will hear “no” because it is sacred.”

Asked about Germany’s energy dependence on Russia, he said that “Germany often told others what to do and what not to do. But she learns from her mistakes. He trusted US security, Russian energy, but we are making progress,” while urging his country to follow the example of Greece in the field of renewable energy.

“Whatever the question, the answer is a man.” With these words, Andre Breton, the regional governor of Central Greece, Fanis Spanos, wished success to the work of the Forum, welcoming the guests. The governor of the region also spoke of “people who lack the courage in the face of the dizzying speed with which the world is moving, to unite positions and oppositions and to be more reasonable about what they are entrusted with.”

For his part, the mayor of Delphi Panagiotis Tagalis, inviting the participants of the 8th Delphi Economic Forum to visit the municipality in their spare time, noted that the organizing company “not accidentally chose this area.” He also stressed that “topical issues are discussed at the Forum. Artificial intelligence, climate change, geopolitical events put people and the concept of Democracy in the first place.

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Marianna Vardinogianni spoke about the “Global Impact Institute”, which in her speech said: “I deeply believe that the way to a better future lies through cooperation and solidarity. We are part of a big chain and every link is valuable. This year’s Forum is the perfect opportunity to join our voices and send a powerful message of cooperation, solidarity and, above all, peace from this place.”

The goals and future of the European Cultural Center in Delphi, where the opening ceremony of the VIII Economic Forum took place, was addressed by the President of the European Cultural Center in Delphi, Panagiotis Roylos. He spoke about the contribution of the Minister of Culture, Linas Mendoni, whose actions will allow the Center to be completely renovated after the inclusion of the project in the Recovery Fund, which, according to him, “will make a decisive contribution to its international orientation.” “.

P. Roylos also said that the largest offer the Center has ever received from a private person is providing the Delphi Dialogues program for at least three years, and this year he spoke about the event, which will be held from June 21 to 22 in framework under the auspices of S.A. the President of the Republic. As he noted, “they will focus (ss: Delphic Dialogues) on one of the most pressing issues of the century, Democracy and Technology.

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