Athens , 2 March 2010

Diaspora Hellenes vital to Green Development

The strengthening of our country’s presence abroad is among the government’s primary objectives. Within the framework of green development, which I serve, this can become feasible through the activation of the Greeks living in every corner of the globe; the active participation of Greeks abroad in implementing green development within and beyond Greece’s borders. Greece needs to address itself to all Greeks, regardless of their professions, social roles and places of residence. Through consistent and ongoing communication with them, Greece needs to awaken Greek pride in national origin and activate all Greeks with a twofold objective: On the one hand, as a source of support and know-how for the realization of the vision of a modern Greece with emphasis on green technology – with each individual contributing in the manner and to the extent that they can – and on the other, utilizing these human resources as representatives of our country for the promotion of Greece and its comparative advantages throughout the world.

On both a technical and political level, the countries where our compatriots abroad reside have extensive experience in the implementation of comprehensive programmes for environmental management and protection and can serve as a departure point for the application of solutions in our country as well, within the framework of the implementation of a “green development” policy. The Hellenes of the Diaspora are the link between their adopted countries and the motherland, and they can thus relay these ideas and this knowledge to Greece. It is imperative that there be contact with people involved in research and scholarship, with politicians of Greek origin who play a very important role in many countries, so that we can capitalize on this cooperation with entrepreneurs for economic cooperation and of course with young people, who are the most important point of contact in Greece’s relations with Diaspora Greeks.  Second-, third- and fourth-generation Greeks, who must be made to feel close to Greece. It is important that we work to ensure that children of Diaspora Hellenism speak our language. Without the Greek language, we risk losing 50% of Hellenism.

Our language is the most vital link between Greece and Diaspora Hellenism. We need to improve the manner in which the Greek language is passed on throughout the world. It is very promising that there are people in the Diaspora who can themselves continue this struggle and be trained to teach young people.

We need to maintain contact, because the Greeks of the Diaspora want to see continuity and conscientiousness from us. They need to feel and know that Greece is standing by them.

It is a great challenge, but we can meet it. We are proceeding, all together, to put a new, modern, creative and exceptional Greece on the global map of green development; to give our country its special place in this new, global era of development. Together, we – Greeks in every corner of the world – can achieve this.