12th International Summer University

“Greek Language, Culture and the Media”

Dear participants,
Distinguished guests,

It is a great pleasure and an honour for me to be here and to take part in the proceedings of the 12th International Summer University, devoted this year to the theme: “The Greek Language in Australia: From Memory to the Future.”

I have had the honour of witnessing the development of this institution, which is now completing twelve years of a creative and dynamic journey — from the time when the Summer University took its first ambitious steps in the city of Ioannina, to this year’s edition, which represents, for me personally, a particularly important milestone.

Throughout all these years, I have supported this journey in a dual capacity: as a journalist with academic interests, and as a representative of the Parliamentary Television Channel of the Hellenic Parliament.

Today, I feel deeply moved, as I have, in a sense, come of academic age alongside this institution. I therefore identify strongly with the evolution of a programme that continues to mature year after year, driven by love, dedication and a genuine passion for the Greek language.

It is truly remarkable to reflect on this journey — from the Greek periphery to the other side of the world, with the academic community and the mass media serving as vehicles for the dissemination and promotion of the Greek language.