The “1st World Conference on ‘Smart’ Islands” took place on the island of Pserimos, Greece on September 4th and 5th, 2024. The event was co-organized by the International Hellenic Association (IHA), the municipalities of Vari/Voula/Vouliagmeni, Kalymnos, and Kifissia, with the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE) placing it under its auspices.
The conference aimed to continue the EU’s 2018 initiative to transform Greek islands into “smart” islands, focusing on sustainable energy, tourism, and local development. It featured panels and sessions with notable speakers, including government officials, mayors, and academics, discussing topics such as renewable energy, digital services, and island governance. The event was attended both physically and virtually, with online broadcasting via various platforms.
Professor Dr. Athanasios Sarantopoulos of the Business and Technology Department at Webster University Athens, who serves as Secretary of the Presidium of the Euro–Mediterranean Academy of Arts and Sciences and is a member of the Executive Council of the International Hellenic Association participated in the conference. During the event, he chaired sessions focused on “Education and Medical Care” and “Water Shortage in the Greek Islands.”
The International Hellenic Association played a crucial role in the renovation and preparation of the school on the island of Pserimos, enabling its reopening after 14 years of closure. The school, which had been shut down since 2009, was officially reopened on September 3, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the efforts to revitalize the island. The renovation was a collaborative effort involving the International Hellenic Association, the Municipality of Kalymnos, various government offices, and the Citizen Association of Pserimos.
