The three-day 1st Blue Heritage Summit in Thessaloniki, organised by BeyondCSR and supported by Greece's Ministry of the Interior (Macedonia and Thrace sector), continued into its second day at the Thessaloniki International Fair. The focus was on "Navigating Innovation at the Geopolitical Crossroads," bringing together policymakers, scientists, and business leaders to discuss the intersection of innovation, geopolitics, and the "blue economy".
Christos Tsentemeidis, President of HELEXPO, outlined the vision for the redevelopment of the Thessaloniki International Fair. He described it as more than just an exhibition space, but a multifunctional urban park with modern facilities, green areas, and cultural venues, adding: "Our goal is to attract citizens 365 days a year."
Professor Emmanouil Tsesmelis, Principal Physicist and Head of Relations with EU and International Organisations at CERN, highlighted Greece's involvement in major scientific research. He noted: "With the experiments at CERN, we try to recreate the conditions of the Big Bang," while emphasising that ten Greek universities participate in projects with applications across sectors such as healthcare.
Dimitris Skalkos, Secretary General for International Economic Relations and Openness at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and President of Enterprise Greece, stressed the importance of environmental protection, stating: "We are trying to shape the right policy conditions in our region so that our shared cultural background can generate economic growth."
Symeon Diamantidis, President of SEVE, pointed to Greece's export strength, saying: "The products we export amount to 50 billion euros, and services such as tourism add another 50 billion," while emphasising that environmentally sustainable production is necessary to meet the increasing awareness of European consumers.
Anna Kalliani, President of the British Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, underscored UK-Greece cooperation, stating: "We believe in collaboration and connectivity between Greece and the United Kingdom," and argued that the circular economy should be viewed as a comprehensive platform driven by innovation and outward-looking strategies.
Christos Mamatzis of STELMA SA highlighted the international reach of Thessaloniki's industry, citing projects such as painting the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and called for long-term investment in shipbuilding and port infrastructure.
Deputy Minister for Social Cohesion and Family, Elena Rapti, presented initiatives to create inclusive societies. She mentioned that 80,000 employees have participated in training programmes on workplace diversity and anti-discrimination.
Agricultural Development Minister Kostas Tsiaras stressed the importance of innovation and the blue economy for Greece's primary sector. He warned about pressures from global developments, climate change, and increased imports, especially in rice cultivation.
Vicky Chatzivassiliou, Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism in Central Macedonia, highlighted efforts to decentralise tourism through the "Just 60 minutes away!" campaign, which promotes Thessaloniki as a city-break destination and nearby areas such as Lake Kerkini, Mount Olympus, and Halkidiki as accessible escapes.
Antonis Sioulis, CEO of RECO Exports Ltd and representative of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and National Geographic Traveller UK, discussed global economic and energy challenges. He stressed that Greece offers more than "sea and sun" and has potential in religious and gastronomic tourism.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni emphasised the vital role of cultural heritage in sustainable development. She described Thessaloniki and northern Greece as a meeting point for "ideas, policies and investment initiatives" linking the sea, economy, technology, and culture. She also highlighted the city's port, academic ecosystem, and cultural infrastructure.
Finally, Greece's Ambassador to UNESCO, Giorgos Koumoutsakos, detailed international efforts to protect oceans, noting UNESCO's role in sustainable marine resource management and research.
