Komvos-Node welcomes the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ initiative to engage in a public dialogue regarding the key pillars of a strategic plan for Global Hellenism. The shared vision of fostering meaningful two-way communication with the Greek diaspora, strengthening the Greek element worldwide, and addressing important national issues through the global Greek community is essential for the development of Greece and enhancing its international standing. 

Below is the full text of the Non-Profit Organization Komvos-Node: Networks of Global Hellenism regarding its participation in the public consultation for the creation of the strategic plan for Global Hellenism. 

Participation of Komvos-Node in the Public Consultation 

Proposals by Komvos-Node: Networks of Global Hellenism in the public consultation on the strategic plan for Global Hellenism 

The Non-Profit Organization Komvos-Node: Networks of Global Hellenism warmly welcomes the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ initiative for a public dialogue on the main aspects of a strategic plan for Global Hellenism. We align with the vision that includes meaningful two-way communication with the Greek diaspora, strengthening the Greek identity worldwide, and promoting important national issues through the actions of Greek expatriates. As an organization founded precisely to leverage the global Greek community for the development of Greece and improving its international position, Komvos-Node is glad to participate in the consultation. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ document is a good initial mapping of needs that should ideally be addressed. The proposed actions are well-intentioned, aiming to address these needs for Global Hellenism. However, we hope that the public consultation will help strategically prioritize goals and establish a realistic timeline—elements that are currently unclear in the document. The six general axes and thirty-nine different initiatives, involving multiple ministries (e.g., Education, Culture, Development and Research, Labor, Electronic Governance), along with the absence of a practical timeline, could complicate rather than ease the implementation of the plan. The proposed three-year timeline (2024–2027) seems overly optimistic. 

A. Mapping the Diaspora 

A Mapping should be made of the people and activities of the diaspora to capture the current state in the following aspects: 

• Mapping of the Geographic, social, and professional distribution of Greek citizens living abroad, utilizing electronic census data similar to the most recent domestic census in Greece. 

• Creating a registry of diaspora organizations with international certification based on their verified activity over a certain period. 

• Cataloguing institutions and university chairs related to Hellenism. 

• Documenting large donations from Greeks and Greek institutions to organizations abroad (universities, culture and arts spaces, public organizations). 

This mapping will form the foundation for a database that allows for the search of thematic sections to foster synergies and collaboration between relevant organizations in Greece and abroad. Komvos-Node has placed this initiative among its top three priorities and is ready to contribute in its implementation with its network and expertise. 

B. Institution for Greek and Diaspora Hellenism 

The establishment of an institute for advanced studies, an international academy, or another relevant institution would facilitate organizing research activities related to both domestic and global Hellenism. Successful examples from countries in the European Union (Germany, Ireland, Netherlands), Asia (China, South Korea, Thailand), and Africa (e.g., Stellenbosch Institute in South Africa) demonstrate the positive effects of international scholarship programs for combined education and research across national borders. An institution like this, financially supported by the diaspora and thus located abroad, would drive research and innovation, promoting academic institutions in Greece, which so far has not achieved significant private investment. Furthermore, such a project could assist in bringing expatriates back to Greece or enabling their involvement with educational leave programs. 

C. Global Ambassadors Network 

There is also a need for the creation of a network of global ambassadors for Greece by utilizing influential figures from the diaspora and the creation of a new generation of Philhellenes to promote a positive image of the country and combat misinformation about national issues. For this purpose, the following actions should be considered: 

• Podcasts in English on Greek and global current affairs, serving as informational sources and reference points for those advocating for Greece-related issues. 

• Global Presence on popular social media. 

• Summer schools in Greece, that Greeks, expatriates, and foreigners can join, in order to increase global recognition of distinguished Greeks in fields such as art, science, and business. 

This network of ambassadors, working alongside consular support services, can become an essential tool for pioneering forms of diplomacy, including: 

• Cultural diplomacy 

• Scientific diplomacy 

• Tourism diplomacy 

D. New Means for the Greek Language 

The utilization of new means to promote the learning of the Greek language and culture, as well as to strengthen the Greek education system for expatriates. A thorough enhancement of Greek language teaching for the offsprings of Greeks of the diaspora requires bold interventions. The current education structures should be reformed to employ well-trained and fairly compensated teachers, supervised by educational bodies from both Greece and abroad, rather than local communities. It is also crucial to provide quality Greek language education and cultural programs for children attending international schools, without the need for them to be placed exclusively in Greek institutions or programs. 

The Ministry’s plan also includes symbolic ideas like creating a Museum of Global Hellenism and establishing a Global Hellenism Day. However, beyond symbolic actions, there is an urgent need to create solid foundations for strengthening diaspora ties with Greece. To achieve this, priority should be given to fewer but more immediate actions. Komvos-Node has developed plans for relevant initiatives, and its conclusions are available for the Ministry’s consideration. 

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Komvos-Node: 

• Angelos Chaniotis – President, Professor of Ancient History and Classical Studies, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, USA 

• Konstantinos Drosatos – General Secretary, Professor of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, USA 

 

Note: The central image of the article is royalty-free from Pixabay.