27th Conference of Greek Teachers in Europe – The role of education in promoting the European way of life – EC Vice President Margaritis Schinas as key-note speaker
Τhe 27th Conference of Greek Teachers in Europe (CGTE) was held with great success οn 10 December 2020, in a complete virtual format, for the first time, due to the sanitary crisis measures. The Conference was co-organized by the Office of the Education Coordinator of the Greek Embassy in Brussels, the European Commission (DG Communication’s Visitors Centre) and Dr. Theodoros Kallianos, Visiting Professor at the University of Bonn and performed under the auspices of EU Vice-President Margaritis Schinas, who was also the keynote speaker. This year’s chosen topic for the conference “The role of Education in promoting the European way of life” was developed by the Vice-President in an excellent approach and analysis of the values that we all share in Europe.
The conference was inaugurated by the Minister of Education and Religious Affairs of Greece, Ms. Niki Kerameos, while greetings were addressed by the Deputy Minister of Hellenic Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, Ms. Sofia Zacharaki, the Secretary General for Public Diplomacy and Greeks Abroad, Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Professor Mr Ioannis Chrysoulakis, the Secretary General of Primary, Secondary Education and Special Education, Ms. Anastasia Gika, the Ambassador of Greece in Belgium, Mr Dionysios Kalamvrezos and and Father Philadelfos, Representative of the Metropolitan of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, His Eminence Athenagoras.
Highly interesting presentations were made by the Metropolitan of Achaia, Director of the Representation of the Greek Church by the EU, His Eminence Athanasios, the Coordinator of Education Office in Brussels, Ms. Fotini Kollara, Professor of Philosophy, Mr Lambros Kouloumbaritsis, the Director of Directorate-General for International, European Affairs, Expatriate Education and Intercultural Education, Mr Panagiotis Passas, the representatives of the Directorate-General for Education and Culture, Ms. Maria Gkountouma and Dr. Aggelos Agalianos. Presentations with examples of special programs (Erasmus +) focusing on EU values with the participation of students were made by Ms. Corinna Pertsinidou, Director of the 2nd High School of Gerakas –Attica (Ambassador Teachers4Europe), and Ms. Eugenia Tsolopoulou and Ms. Tzampika Karakiza, Teachers in Hellenic High School Düsseldorf (Teachers4Europe, teens4Europe).
The rich program of the conference was attended by about 200 delegates from 12 European countries (BENELUX countries, UK, Germany, Portugal, France, Spain, Greece, a.o.) in more than 30 cities. The coordination of the event was under Dr. Theodoros Kallianos’ responsibility, who also delivered the closing speech of the 27th CGTE, with the assistance of Ms. Marga Espino, from the Directorate General Communication of the European Commission in Brussels, for all the technical parts.
A meaningful and fruitful dialogue took place during this conference as it was an excellent opportunity to exchange with the distinguished panelists present. Furthermore, important suggestions and reflections were made on the significant role of Teachers, and Education in general, shaping the Future of Europe and its citizens. The conference received many appraising comments both for its high-level composition and for its excellent organisation.
Contact: +322 5455520 – Ms Athina Kladi
Info: www.gsev.gr – https://sites.google.com/view/27-synedrio-ekp-bru
