Economist Conferences – Greece
27th Annual Economist Government Roundtable
October 24th - 26th 2023 | Grand Resort Lagonissi & October 30th 2023 | Athenaeum Intercontinental, Athens
The great transition: Geopolitics - Environment - Technology
A pandemic, a war in Europe, geopolitical upheavals, energy and environmental crises: the world has come across unpredictable risks recently, while threats which were considered eliminated seem to be back. At the same time, important transformations shaping the 21st century are currently in process, signifying an era of great transition:
● While the war in Ukraine has led to a fragmented and polarised world, at the same time we see countries striving for democracy, peace and co-operative solutions.
● The role of hydrocarbons will still prevail for a certain period, however green transition and electrification are gathering pace.
● Technology continues to radically transform the world, making digital health, digitalisation of government services and AI chatbots parts of everyday reality.
Moreover, unity and solidarity have become a priority in the European Union, while 2023 is an important election year for Greece. The country’s performance in the investment and business landscape, the progress in the digital and green transition, but also priorities in the labour market and the prospects for the younger generation will be –among others– at the centre of the discussions during the 27th Annual Economist Government Roundtable entitled “The great transition: geopolitics, environment, technology”, which has been scheduled to take place in Athens (October 24th-26th 2023, Grand Resort Lagonissi & October 30th 2023, Athenaeum Intercontinental, Athens – Prime Minister’s Gala Dinner).
High-ranking government and state officials and prominent personalities from politics, business, finance, international institutions and academia will join us once again for a fruitful and meaningful dialogue.
With the support of
Speakers
Kostas Athanasakis
Assistant professor in health economics and health technology assessment
Kostas Axarloglou
Dean and professor of international business and strategy
Ezat Azem
General manager
Dora Bakoyannis
MP, chairperson, Parliamentary Standing Committee on National Defense and Foreign Affairs, Former minister of foreign affairs of Greece
Lena Belsi
President
Martin Bijsterbosch
Deputy head of the Euro area external sector division
Andreas Borgeas
CEO of Greece-Africa Power Interconnector
Alexandros Bregiannis
Chief executive
Agenda
- 24 Oct 27th Annual Economist Government Roundtable - DAY 1
- 25 Oct 27th Annual Economist Government Roundtable - DAY 2
- 26 Oct 27th Annual Economist Government Roundtable - DAY 3
- 27 Oct 27th Annual Economist Government Roundtable - DAY 4
Arrival of delegates - registration
Welcome by the conference chairmen:
A WORLD IN TRANSITION: THE ECONOMIST’S OUTLOOK
- Will the war in Ukraine end soon?
- What does the exacerbation of the Middle East conflict signify?
- Are energy-security policies undermining the green transition?
- How might tech disruptions affect the geopolitical and environmental challenges?
Daniel Franklin, executive and diplomatic editor, The Economist
Joan Hoey, editor, The Democracy Index, & senior analyst for Greece, The Economist Group
Alasdair Ross, countries editor, The Economist – The World Ahead
Setting the stage: THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR AND IMPLICATIONS FOR THE REGION: AN UPDATE
The Economist in dialogue with:
Noam Katz, ambassador of Israel to Greece
Opening session
DEEPENING SOLIDARITY: HOW CAN EUROPE EMERGE STRONGER FROM THE CURRENT GEOPOLITICAL TURMOIL?
- Can Europe respond to the security challenges of our times?
- The EU’s priorities for its eastern and south-eastern neighbours
- EU integration: the next steps
-
How can democracy and solidarity contribute to global peace?
Nancy Pelosi, speaker emerita, United States House of Representatives (video message)
Albin Kurti, prime minister, Kosovo
Yulia Tymoshenko, MP, former prime minister of Ukraine
Zoran Zaev, former prime minister, North Macedonia
Armen Sarkissian, former president and former prime minister, Armenia
Dora Bakoyannis, MP, president of the standing committee on national defence and external affairs, former minister of foreign affairs, Greece
Chair: Joan Hoey, editor, The Democracy Index, & senior analyst for Greece, The Economist Group
Questions and discussion
Networking break
14 YEARS AFTER THE GLOBAL CRISIS: HOW SECURE IS THE ECONOMY?
- A forecast for Europe
- Addressing inequalities
- The financial-services turmoil: what should we expect?
- Is Greece on the right track?
Keynote address:
Joseph Stiglitz, professor, Columbia University, Nobel laureate
In dialogue with business:
Evangelos Mytilineos, chairman and CEO, MYTILINEOS Energy and Metals
Chair: Daniel Franklin, executive and diplomatic editor, The Economist
Questions and discussion
THE GREAT TRANSITION IN ENERGY: WHAT LIES AHEAD?
- Challenges and opportunities
- What lies ahead for Europe?
- Energy security and supply in the midst of geopolitical turmoil
Guest of honour and keynote speaker:
Francis Fannon, former US assistant secretary for energy
The business perspective:
Aristofanis Stefatos, CEO, Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company (HEREMA)
Chair: Daniel Franklin, executive editor, The Economist
Questions and discussion
AI, TECHNOLOGY AND DEMOCRACY IN A WORLD OF TRANSITION
- AI and technology as tools to achieve sustainable growth
- Digital transition: exploring possible obstacles and threats
The Economist in dialogue with:
Nuria Oliver, chief scientific adviser, Vodafone Institute
Chair: Alasdair Ross, countries editor, The Economist – The World Ahead
Networking luncheon
FROM GLOBALISATION TO REGIONALISATION?
- The new world order after the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Hamas’s assault on Israel
- Europe’s landscape in the coming year
- Eastern Mediterranean: exploring opportunities for co-operation in challenging times
Georgios Gerapetritis, minister of foreign affairs, Greece
Wess Mitchell, former assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs,
US Department of State
David Harris, senior strategic adviser, The Henry Jackson Society, London, fmr chief executive officer, American Jewish Committee (via connection)
Chair: Daniel Franklin, executive and diplomatic editor, The Economist
Questions and discussion
THE EUROPEAN ECONOMY IN THE MIDST OF A TURBULENT ENVIRONMENT
The Economist in dialogue with:
Enrico Letta, president, Jacques Delors Institute, former prime minister of Italy,
rapporteur for the EU Council on the Future of the Single Market
The business response:
Alexandros Exarchou, vice-chairman of the BoD and CEO, Intrakat
Chair: Joan Hoey, editor, The Democracy Index, & senior analyst for Greece, The Economist Group
DEFENCE AND SECURITY IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN REGION
- In need of a new Euro-Atlantic security architecture?
Nikos Dendias, minister of national defence, Greece
Florence Parly, former minister of the armed forces, France
Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, former minister of defence, Germany
Hryhoriy Nemyria, first deputy chairman, foreign affairs committee, Parliament of Ukraine, former deputy prime minister, Ukraine
Chair: Joan Hoey, editor, The Democracy Index, & senior analyst for Greece, The Economist Group
Questions and discussion
End of day sessions
Cocktail reception
Hosted by the Government of Kosovo
Arrival of guests - registration
CLIMATE CHANGE: TIME FOR ACTION
Sir David King, chair, Climate Crisis Advisory Group, UK, fmr permanent special representative for climate change
The business perspective:
Georgios Peristeris, chairman of the BoD and managing director, GEK Terna Group
Chair: Alasdair Ross, countries editor, The Economist – The World Ahead
Questions and discussion
THE ENERGY LANDSCAPE IN SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE
- The 3+1 alliance: strengthening regional co-operation in the Eastern Mediterranean
- Energy security in times of geopolitical turmoil
- How is the region contributing to Europe’s energy security and efficiency?
- How are the pipelines shaping the region?
- An update on the Alexandroupolis FSRU project
- Strategic alliances to unlock the full potential of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Western Balkans
Theodoros Skylakakis, minister of environment and energy, Greece
George Tsunis, US ambassador to Greece
Osama Mobarez, secretary-general, East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF)
Prominent representatives from the business sector:
Fabrizio Mattana, CEO, IGI Poseidon
Maria Rita Galli, CEO, DESFA
Aristotelis Chantavas, head of Europe area, Enel Green Power, president, SolarPower Europe
Andreas Borgeas, CEO of Greece-Africa Power Interconnector, Eunice Group
George Satlas, executive officer and board member, ICGB
Commentator: Antonis Metaxas, managing partner, Metaxas & Associates Law Firm
Chair: Joan Hoey, editor, The Democracy Index, & senior analyst for Greece, The Economist Group
Questions and discussion
Networking break
EVALUATING THE GREEN TRANSITION THROUGH RENEWABLE ENERGY: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR THE ECONOMY AND SOCIETY?
- Renewables and their market penetration
- Energy storage
- The important role of interconnectors for the region
Ioannis Margaris, deputy chairman, Independent Power Transmission Operator
Konstantinos Mavros, CEO, PPC Renewables
Notis Sardelas, managing partner, Sardelas Petsa Law Firm
Konstantinos Chatzifotis, director of European affairs, Motor Oil Group
Questions and discussion
ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS: HOW IS THE ECONOMY AFFECTED?
Petros Varelidis, secretary-general, natural environment and waters, Ministry of Environment and Energy, Greece
Giorgos Sarelakos, head, Aegean Rebreath
Nikolas Farantouris, Jean Monnet professor of EU & Energy Law, University of Piraeus, Greece
Chair: Alasdair Ross, countries editor, The Economist – The World Ahead
Questions and discussion
CITIES OF THE FUTURE
- A new vision for Athens of the future
- How can cities cope with new challenges?
- New concepts of urban development and global cities
Haris Doukas, mayor-elect, City of Athens
The business perspective:
Christian Kälin, president, Henley & Partners
Eleni Belsi, member, European Confederation of Recycling Industries (EuRIC)
Chair: Alasdair Ross, countries editor, The Economist – The World Ahead
Questions and discussion
TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS: REASSESSING THE FRAMEWORK
- Infrastructure projects in Greece: the next day
- Achieving connectivity in the broader region
- Highlighting the priority of safety
Christos Staikouras, minister of infrastructure and transport, Greece
Chair: Joan Hoey, editor, The Democracy Index, & senior analyst for Greece, The Economist Group
Questions and discussion
Networking luncheon
TECHNOLOGY: WITNESSING A GREAT TRANSITION
- Technology’s dynamics today
- The impact of the AI revolution: pros & cons
- Can aging organisations run technology marathons?
- Greece’s digitalisation: the new government’s vision
Dimitris Papastergiou, minister of digital governance, Greece
- How are AI, innovation and digitalisation altering the business landscape
Michael Jacobides, Sir Donald Gordon professor of entrepreneurship and innovation; and professor of strategy, London Business School
- The business response
Iwona Sikora, senior vice-president and general manager, Europe, Iron Mountain
Alexandros Bregiannis, CEO, Nova ICT
Carlos Escario, principal partner, Huete&Co
Chair: Daniel Franklin, executive and diplomatic editor, The Economist
Questions and discussion
LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY & AI FOR SOCIETAL BENEFITS
- Enhancing collaboration among government and business for optimal results
- Global cross-border benefits in a digital era
- Making people’s lives easier through digital advancements
- Technology impact and the right people’s capabilities
Konstantinos Kyranakis, deputy minister of digital governance, Greece
Αnny Chatzikonstantinou, managing partner, Greece & Cyprus, Boyden
Kostas Axarloglou, dean and professor of international business and strategy, Alba Graduate Business School, The American College of Greece
John Georgoulas, non-executive director, ECOMMBX
Chair: Joan Hoey, editor, The Democracy Index, & senior analyst for Greece, The Economist Group
Questions and discussion
YOUNG INVENTORS SHINING IN THE CRISIS
- What motivates young inventors today?
- War, energy crisis, unpredictability: do young people feel optimistic?
- What does a young inventor consider a priority in today’s world?
- Are there enough prospects and opportunities in Greece of 2023?
- Unemployment and human resources: explaining the mismatch in Greece’s labour market
Adonis Georgiadis, minister of labour and social welfare, Greece
Alexandros Katsaronas, member of “Microgreens Magicgreens”, 2nd Experimental High School of Kilkis, Greece, first pan-European Award, Best Student Enterprise in Europe for 2022
Konstantinos Koukakis, member of “Microgreens Magicgreens”, 2nd Experimental High School of Kilkis, Greece, first pan-European Award, Best Student Enterprise in Europe for 2022
Korina Malasidi, member of “Isometricks”, Experimental High School of University of Macedonia, Greece, first pan-European Award, Best Student Enterprise in Europe for 2023
Giannis Terpsiadis, member of “Isometricks”, Experimental High School of University of Macedonia, Greece, first pan-European Award, Best Student Enterprise in Europe for 2023
Chair: Daniel Franklin, executive and diplomatic editor, The Economist
Questions and discussion
End of day sessions
Arrival of guests - registration
ESG AND SUSTAINABLE FINANCE
- Reshaping Europe’s financial landscape
- New trends and services
Thanasis Kontogeorgis, deputy minister to the prime minister, Greece
George Pagoulatos, ambassador, permanent representative for Greece, OECD
Nikos Pappas, MP, Hellenic Parliament, SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance
Chair: John Papageorgiou, journalist, EU affairs reporter, Athens Municipal Radio, founder & head, Athens Digest
Questions and discussion
THE FINANCIAL PROSPECTS FOR THE COUNTRY AND THE REGION
- Greece’s investment grade & future prospects
- RRF and Greece’s economy: an update
Thanasis Kontogeorgis, deputy minister to the prime minister, Greece
Paolo Fioretti, mission chief for Greece, ESM
Martin Bijsterbosch, mission chief for Greece, ECB
Chair: Joan Hoey, editor, The Democracy Index, & senior analyst for Greece, The Economist Group
Questions and discussion
THE GREEK PATH TO SUSTAINABLE GROWTH: WHAT’S NEXT?
- Public debt: A growing threat again?
- Investment and productivity: the Greek economy in transition?
- The European recovery funds: opportunities for southern countries
- Can fiscal prudence and social resilience be combined in the current economic context?
Kostis Hatzidakis, minister of national economy and finance, Greece
Pierre Gramegna, managing director, European Stability Mechanism
- A banking perspective:
Pavlos Mylonas, CEO, National Bank of Greece
Chair: Alasdair Ross, countries editor, The Economist – The World Ahead
Questions and discussion
Networking break
ON THE RIGHT TRACK FOR A NEW GROWTH MODEL IN THE REGION
- The new Greek government’s priorities
- Building resilience through investment
- ESG and new investment opportunities
Kostas Skrekas, minister of development, Greece
Andreea Moraru, regional head of Greece & Cyprus, EBRD
Athanasios Papanikolaou, board member, Federation of Hellenic Food Industries, CEO, Vivartia
Chair: Joan Hoey, editor, The Democracy Index, & senior analyst for Greece, The Economist Group
Questions and discussion
AN UPDATE ON EUROPE’S FINANCIAL LANDSCAPE IN TIMES OF TURMOIL
- How likely is another crisis like the Global Financial Crisis of 2007-09?
- How long can high inflation and high interest rates last?
- The outlook for Greece
The Economist in dialogue with:
Gikas A. Hardouvelis, chairman of the BoD, National bank of Greece, professor of finance and economics, University of Piraeus Greece
Colin Ellis, global credit strategist, Moody’s Investors Service
Chair: Daniel Franklin, executive and diplomatic editor, The Economist
IMPROVING GREECE’S INVESTMENT CLIMATE AMID A GEOPOLITICAL TURMOIL
The government's viewpoint:
Kostas Fragkogiannis, deputy minister for economic diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Greece
The business perspective:
Marios Rafail, head of Geneva office, Henley & Partners
Chair: Joan Hoey, editor, The Democracy Index, & senior analyst for Greece, The Economist Group
Questions and discussion
INVESTING IN UNPREDICTABLE TIMES
An investor's viewpoint:
Nikos Stathopoulos, chairman, BC partners
Chair: Joan Hoey, editor, The Democracy Index, & senior analyst for Greece, The Economist Group
Questions and discussion
PRESENTING GREECE’S NEW PRIORITIES FOR THE HEALTHCARE AND PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY
Michalis Chrisochoidis, minister of health, Greece
Chair: Alasdair Ross, countries editor, The Economist – The World Ahead
Discussion
COMPETITIVENESS OF THE EUROPEAN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PATIENTS’ COVERAGE
- The importance of RRF in Greece’s healthcare sector
Theodore Tryfon, president, Panhellenic Union of Pharmaceutical Industry (PEF)
Theano Karpodini, head & chairman of the BoD, National Organization for the Provision of Health Services (EOPYY)
Orestis Kavalakis, governor, Greek Recovery and Resilience Agency, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Greece
Chair: Alasdair Ross, countries editor, The Economist – The World Ahead
Questions and discussion
Networking luncheon
ONLINE GAMING: PROSPECTS, CHALLENGES, RESPONSIBILITY
- The industry’s growth impact on the Greek economy
- Steering towards a safer and thriving online gaming environment
Harry Theocharis, deputy minister of finance for tax policy, Greece
Dimitrios Ntzanatos, president, Hellenic Gaming Commission
Christos Panagopoulos, president, Hellenic Gaming Association
Thomas Tzokas, vice-president, Hellenic Gaming Association, CEO, winmasters
Chair: Alasdair Ross, countries editor, The Economist – The World Ahead
Questions and discussion
LEVERAGING INNOVATION FOR TRANSFORMATION AND GROWTH
- Innovation fuels economic growth: hospitals at the forefront
- Fostering sustainable innovation in Greece
- Optimising the benefits for the economy and society
Marios Themistocleous, deputy minister of health, Greece
Ezat Azem, general manager, Roche Hellas
Kostas Athanasakis, assistant professor, University of West Attica
Chair: Daniel Franklin, executive and diplomatic editor, The Economist
Questions and discussion
End of day sessions
Cocktails
OFFICIAL GALA DINNER
THE GREAT TRANSITION FOR GREECE:
GEOPOLITICS, ENVIRONMENT, TECHNOLOGY
Guest of honour and keynote speaker:
Stefanos Kasselakis, leader of the main opposition, Greece, president, SYRIZA PA
End of evening
Cocktails
OFFICIAL GALA DINNER
GREECE’S PRIORITIES IN A WORLD OF TRANSITION
Guests of honour and keynote speakers:
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, prime minister of Greece
Francis Fukuyama, senior fellow, Centre on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law, Stanford University
End of evening
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- networking luncheons coffee breaks and cocktail receptions
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€7.500 tax/VAT excl./ table (8 seats)
- This option includes participation of 8 persons at: full 3-day conference 3 networking luncheons coffee breaks
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Escape in a haven of relaxation and grandeur by the azure of the sea, delve in the pleasures of luxury and experience the epitome of indulgence in the dreamiest island-like resort of the Athenian Riviera. Nuzzled in a 72-acre private peninsula in the Athenian Riviera with stunning views to the Saronic Gulf, the 5 star Grand Resort Lagonissi exceeds all expectations of a luxury sea front summer resort.
Grand Resort Lagonissi 40th km Athens Sounion, Lagonissi Attica, Athens
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