12th International Summer University “Greek Language, Culture and Media”

Dear friends,

It is with great pleasure that I once again extend my greetings to the International Summer University, whose 12th edition bears the title: “The Greek Language in Australia: From Memory to the Future,” and which, for yet another year, is supported by the Secretariat General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Greek language has always been, and continues to be, the connecting bond among Greeks throughout the world, no matter how far apart they may be. Greek—the oldest living language in Europe—is now globally recognized as a cultural and civilizational asset of exceptional importance and significance. In November 2025, UNESCO’s Executive Board established 9 February as World Greek Language Day, acknowledging the uniqueness and special weight of the Greek language as a vehicle of communication, identity, and memory.

For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, safeguarding the defining elements of Greek identity—such as the Greek language, history, tradition, and culture—is a priority, which has been incorporated among the objectives of the Ministry’s Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad 2024–2027. Within this framework, and with the aim of strengthening and promoting the Greek language and Hellenic Studies abroad, as well as preserving Greece’s cultural heritage, the Secretariat General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy formulated in 2024—and has since been implementing—a comprehensive strategy to support Chairs and Departments of Hellenic Studies—both Modern Greek and Classical Studies—at universities and research institutions abroad.

This strategy is based on three principal pillars: strengthening existing Chairs; identifying and monitoring those facing issues of sustainability; and encouraging the establishment of new Hellenic Studies structures internationally.

Another central priority is strengthening the links among Chairs of Hellenic Studies around the world, as well as between these Chairs and universities and institutions in Greece, with the objective of creating a dynamic international network of cooperation that will further contribute to the cultivation and reinforcement of Greek-language education and Philhellenism.

The Greek State supports the teaching and strengthening of the Greek language through the operation of Greek Schools and Greek Language Departments (T.E.G.) in many parts of the world; the development of digital educational material and platforms; the operation of the Centre for the Greek Language; the internationally recognized Certification of Attainment in Greek; and the promotion of Greek universities abroad through the Study in Greece initiative, which has been operating since 2014.

Within the same framework, the International Summer University is incorporated into the actions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad 2024–2027, and serves to further strengthen the institutions working for the teaching and dissemination of the Greek language and Greek culture, while reinforcing the ties between Greeks around the world and their motherland.

This year’s edition of this important international academic and cultural event will place particular emphasis on the connection between academic knowledge and journalism. I look forward with sincere interest to the proceedings of the 12th International Summer University, where academics, researchers, educators, journalists, and representatives of diaspora communities and international organizations will discuss the teaching and dissemination of the Greek language, the role of the media in preserving cultural identity, and the contemporary challenges the Greek diaspora faces.

The Secretariat General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, recognizing the important role of diaspora media in preserving Hellenism, remains in continuous dialogue and cooperation with Greek diaspora media outlets around the world, supporting valid and comprehensive information and strengthening the meaningful connection of the Greek Diaspora with Greece.

Furthermore, we introduced the publication of a Digital Student Newspaper of the Greek Diaspora in cooperation with To Vima newspaper and Greek diaspora schools, providing students in diaspora communities with the opportunity to express themselves through journalism and to build bridges between Greece and the country that has become their new homeland.

I would like to extend my congratulations to the members of the Greek diaspora media, to the Greek diaspora organizations, and to all Greeks who strive in Australia to preserve the Greek language, Greek identity, and Greek culture.

Strengthening ties with the vibrant Greek community in Australia is a priority for the Greek State. The community serves as a truly steadfast bridge that promotes communication and cooperation between our two countries. As distinguished member of the society having succeed in every major field and having played an active role in political, economic, social, scientific, and cultural developments, Greeks in Australia make Greece proud.

Finally, I wish to express my warmest congratulations to the University of Ioannina, the participants, and the co-organizers of the International Summer University for establishing and successfully running it for twelve years. I wish every success to this year’s proceedings.