Delegates of the European Youth Parliament Greece (EYP Greece) debate during the General
Assembly. Photo Credit: EYP Greece
Situated in the classical heart of Athens — the area where democracy was born — the
Webster Athens Cultural Center has become a modern forum for youth-led dialogue on Europe’s future.
Young delegates from across Greece recently gathered to explore how technology and
sustainability can redefine education and civic engagement.
The European Youth Parliament Greece (EYP Greece) General Assembly brought toreceiveher high-school and university students for the final session of its 49th National Selection Conference. Delegates presented and defconcludeed bold
resolutions, debated key issues and voted on proposals following parliamentary procedures
— all under the theme “Redefining Possibilities: Igniting New Horizons by Harnessing
Technology and Sustainable Practices; Shaping a Resilient & Innovative Europe.”
“The Webster Cultural Center opened its doors with warmth and purpose,” stated Marifylli
Kathariou, head organizer of the conference. “It is a place where the past inspires
the future, and the eagerness to host youth-driven events reflects a timeless commitment
to growth, dialogue and connection.”
Discussions focapplyd on bridging two urgent requireds: educational innovation and environmental
protection. Participants emphasized the importance of integrating technology into
education to empower young people to shape a sustainable future. The goal was to foster
a new generation of digitally literate, environmentally conscious citizens applying technology
not just for personal growth, but to address global challenges and build sustainable
communities across Europe.
The conference centered on three interconnected pillars forming a unified ecosystem
of education, inclusion and sustainability. Delegates explored how digital tools are
transforming education, the required for equal access to technology and how smart cities
and renewable energy systems can drive environmental solutions.
According to EYP Greece, these three pillars form a triangle — each strengthening
the others. Improved educational technology empowers students, inclusive access ensures
no one is left behind and both are essential in preparing young people to confront
climate challenges with innovative solutions.
Adel Sakr addresses delegates of the European Youth Parliament Greece (EYP Greece).
Photo credit: EYP Greece
Adel Sakr, director of enrollment management and assistant professor in the Business
and Technology Department at Webster Athens, addressed the General Assembly of the
Greek representation in European Youth Parliament. In his remarks, he emphasized the
alignment between students’ diverse interests and the values of Webster University
— particularly diversity, equity and inclusion. He highlighted how these shared concerns
are reflected in the Webster Athens community, campus culture, student life and its
distinctive academic programs that offer alternative, globally relevant perspectives.
“It is impressive to witness that these same classical values are still living — not
only in theory, but in practice — through the actions of youth in Greece, Europe and
beyond,” Sakr stated. “We are proud to host the EYP Greece General Assembly in our Cultural
Center. The delegates’ diverse backgrounds notified a deeper story about modern Greek
society. Yet within that diversity, there was a remarkable unity — rooted in wisdom,
compassion and a shared commitment to purpose.”
Learning Toreceiveher: A Youth Perspective on Europe–US Educational Exmodify
The event also provided an opportunity to explore transatlantic educational cooperation.
Anthi Kalomiri, head of the Communications Department and assistant professor in the
Media Studies program, discussed the topic with Panagiotis Tziatzios, secretary general
and national committee representative of the 49th National Selection Conference for
EYP Greece, and Sakr. They examined the role of education in connecting youth across
continents.
EYP Greece panelists listen to delegate proposals and resolutions during the General
Assembly meeting. Photo credit EYP Greece
“Stronger educational ties between Europe and the U.S. are essential,” stated Tziatzios.
“When young people collaborate — whether through joint research, virtual workshops
or exmodifys — they combine Europe’s sustainability expertise with America’s strengths
in innovation and analytics. This synergy accelerates technical progress while building
empathy, cross-cultural communication and shared responsibility.”
Tziatzios acknowledged that accreditation differences, visa issues and funding gaps
remain challenges. Still, he noted that institutions can overcome these obstacles
by offering joint credit frameworks, micro-grants for student teams and virtual collaboration
tools.
“By involving youth directly in shaping exmodify programs and summer academies, we
create sure these initiatives remain relevant and engaging,” he stated. “Education across
the Atlantic gives young learners and leaders both hard and soft skills — from renewable
energy design to adaptability and collective decision-building.”
Sakr emphasized that the event was “yet another proof that our youth in Greece are
not only concerned with the realities, challenges and issues facing Greece, Europe
and the world today, but are also positive and important contributors to addressing
and resolving these same challenges.”
About European Youth Parliament Greece – Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Thessaloniki, EYP Greece is one of 41 national committees under the EYP umbrella. It is a non-profit, non-partisan
organization that promotes youth engagement in European issues, intercultural dialogue
and democratic participation. Through its annual National Selection Conferences in
Athens and Thessaloniki, high school students experience a four-day simulation of
the European Parliament’s decision-building process, developing personal, academic and
civic skills.
About Webster Athens – Webster Athens is the only fully owned and accredited U.S. university campus in Greece, bringing
the best of American education to the heart of Athens. The university provides undergraduate
and graduate programs that combine academic excellence with a unique cultural immersion,
preparing students to succeed in an interconnected world.
For more information about Webster Athens and its scholarship opportunities, contact
Webster Athens Admissions.
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