The institution of the International Summer University is taking place for the tenth consecutive year, this time in Boston, U.S.A., with an anniversary character, focusing on the dissemination and teaching of the Greek language in the Greek-American diaspora. The General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs once again provides its support and auspices for this commendable effort.

The wide range of topics covered by the Conference extends from the specific characteristics of teaching Greek in Diaspora schools to the ways in which technology and artificial intelligence are utilized in education. It also includes and examines the role and contribution of Chairs and Programs of Greek Language in its teaching and dissemination in America. This highlights, develops, and maintains the cultivation of extroversion and collaborations with prominent international entities in education, culture, and media for this purpose.

In an extremely competitive modern international environment, the Greek language asserts its position, on the one hand, by strengthening its comparative advantage and, on the other hand, by leveraging modern tools in the educational procedure. Those who study the Greek language today do not do so merely for utilitarian reasons but, primarily, due to their deep desire to explore significant texts on major issues. They gain a more comprehensive understanding of the intrinsic nature of our language, history, and culture because, ultimately, language is thought, tradition, and our very identity as Greeks.

For all these reasons, at the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we support every effort related to the promotion of Hellenism, the preservation and strengthening of the identity of our Diaspora, and ultimately, the promotion of Greek language as a significant contributor to the soft power of our country abroad. Our aim is for Greeks, wherever they may be, to feel close to their homeland, and for their children to know their roots and the unique wealth they have inherited. We want those who love Greece to be able to participate in Greek education, and for the bright light of Greek culture to be passed on to future generations. So that our homeland continues to be the beacon of values and love for humanity worldwide.

We actively and systematically support every initiative aimed at highlighting and promoting the Greek language and contemporary Greek cultural production, as well as the enhancement and establishment of new Chairs of Greek Language at universities abroad.

I wholeheartedly congratulate the organizers of the 10th International Summer University, and I wish everyone every success for their work.