The conference organized by the Komvos in November 2023 in Athens was a crucial moment in promoting sustainable development across various sectors. The key discussions focused on integrating sustainable practices into business, science, and innovation, with a common commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change, resource management, and the need for a transformation in various industries.

Key Conclusions:

• Shipping and ESG: Investments in “green” technologies and compliance with ESG standards were recognized as an integral part of business strategies.
• Space Science and Industry: Greece’s presence in the space sector is significant, and it is leveraging the industry’s prospects with dynamic steps. Coordination among Greek scientists, expatriates, and institutions is necessary.
• Sustainability and Tourism: Tourism can become a development lever if initiatives that respect the environment and local communities are strengthened.

Acknowledgments:

We extend our heartfelt thanks to:

• The outstanding speakers who shared their knowledge and experiences, providing substantial food for thought and action:
  • Shipping and ESG:
    • Christos Megalou, CEO of Piraeus Bank, Member of the Komvos Advisory Committee
    • Eleni Polychronopoulou, HEMEXPO President, Chairperson of ERMA First Group
    • George Prokopiou, Founder of Dynacom, Sea Traders & Dynagas, Owner of Skaramangas Shipyards, Member of the Komvos Advisory Committee
    • Hercules Haralambides, Professor of Maritime Economics and Logistics, Founding Member of Komvos
  • Space Science and Industry:
    • Ioannis Gekas, Head of Space and Analytics at Accenture Greece
    • Adrianos Golemis, Chief Medical Officer for Space Missions, MEDES French Institute / European Space Agency (ESA), First Greek selected in the European astronaut recruitment
    • Stamatiοs Krimigis, President of the Academy of Athens, Honorary Head of Space Exploration Department, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, and Emeritus Director of NASA Space Programs, Founding Member of Komvos
    • Anezina Solomonidou, Greek Space Center, and President of Planetary Sciences Division for the European Union of Geosciences, Member of Komvos’ Advisory Committee
  • Tourism and Sustainability:
    • Alexandra Mitsotaki, President of the World Human Forum
    • Konstantis Rokofyllos, Founder/CEO of Paleros Bay
    • Eleni Skarveli, Director of EOT UK and Ireland
    • Elizabeth Filippouli, Founder/CEO of Global Thinkers Forum
• The coordinators of the initiatives and discussions:
  • Shipping:
    • Harris Antoniou, Komvos’ Treasurer and Founder of Neptune Maritime Leasing Ltd
  • Space:
    • Stamatis Krimigis, Founding Member of Komvos & Athena Coustenis, Member of Komvos’ Board of Directors
    • Discussion Moderator: Anna Grimani, Member of Komvos Board of Directors
  • Tourism:
    • Elisabeth Filippouli, Founding Member of Komvos
    • Discussion Moderator: Angelos Chaniotis, President of the Board of Komvos
• Thanks to the Vice President of the Board of Komvos, Professor Michael Haliassos, for organizing the conference.
• All participants who contributed to creating a productive dialogue.
• Our sponsors and partners for their valuable support in the event organization.

The exchange of ideas and views strengthened our shared commitment to a sustainable and innovative future. We look forward to continuing this effort and meeting again in future actions.

Stay tuned to the Komvos website for more information about the Conference, the conclusions, and future actions.