Economist Conferences – Greece
28th Annual Economist Government Roundtable
July 2-4 2024 | Grand Resort Lagonissi, Athens & Glyfada Golf Club of Athens
Spiralling through the conflicts in search of opportunities | Geopolitics • Environment • Technology
Almost half of the world’s population goes to the polls in 2024 with global ramifications. The year ahead will be a major test of democratic rule as an estimated 4 billion people in more than 50 nations are set to vote in elections. As top analysts have reported, the outcomes will likely shape global politics for many years to come.
As we bear witness to the escalation of geopolitical conflicts, challenges for the environment and the global economy, opportunities for a more equitable world emerge and are mainly driven by technological disruption. Europe seems more resilient than expected, however June’s European Parliament election shall give a new mandate on what priorities need to be set.
Against this setting, Economist Impact and its official representative, Hazlis & Rivas, are proud to announce the organisation of the 28th Annual Economist Government Roundtable entitled “Spiralling through the conflicts in search of opportunities | Geopolitics • Environment • Technology”.
This year’s event is scheduled to take place in Athens (July 2nd-4th 2024, Grand Resort Lagonissi & Glyfada Golf Club of Athens), whereby high-ranking government and state officials and prominent personalities from politics, business, finance, international institutions and academia will join us once again for a meaningful and constructive dialogue to navigate the present and prepare for the future.
With the support of
Disclaimer: The conference receives financial support from the European Parliament. Sole liability rests with the organisers, the European Parliament is not responsible for the activity.
Speakers
Stefanos Agiasoglou
Chief executive
Dumitru Alaiba
Deputy prime minister, Minister for economic development and digitalisation
Panos Alexandris
Secretary-general of justice & human rights
Nikos Androulakis
Leader of the main opposition, Greece, President
Most Reverend Anthimos
Metropolitan of Alexandroupolis, Traianoupolis and Samothrace
Michael Arghyrou
Head of the Economics Office of the prime minister of Greece
Kostas Axarloglou
Dean and professor of international business and strategy
Dora Bakoyannis
MP, chairperson, Parliamentary Standing Committee on National Defense and Foreign Affairs, Former minister of foreign affairs of Greece
Agenda
- 02 Jul 28th Annual Economist Government Roundtable - DAY 1 - July 2nd 2024
- 03 Jul 28th Annual Economist Government Roundtable - DAY 2 - July 3rd 2024
- 04 Jul 28th Annual Economist Government Roundtable - DAY 3 - – July 4th 2024
Arrival of delegates - Registration
Welcome by the conference chairs:
THE ECONOMIST’S OUTLOOK ON EUROPE, THE US ELECTION AND TRANSITIONS
• The aftermath of the European elections
• The need to foster peace amidst global conflicts: finding new paths
• Is there a common denominator between the war in Ukraine and the war in Gaza?
• Can we accelerate the green and digital transition without increasing inequalities?
• Protectionism on the rise – the impact on the global economy
Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, United States, The Economist
Joan Hoey, editorial director, The Democracy Index, Europe consultant, The Economist Group
Alasdair Ross, countries editor, The Economist – The World Ahead 2024
OFFICIAL OPENING:
• Conflicts in Europe’s neighbourhood: how is the EU responding?
• EU’s goals within the context of strategic autonomy
Keynote speaker:
Rumen Radev, president of the Republic of Bulgaria
Chair: Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, United States, The Economist
Discussion
WHAT DO THE EUROPEAN ELECTIONS SIGNIFY FOR THE WESTERN BALKANS AND EASTERN EUROPE?
• EU integration: next steps to be taken
• Democratic governance policies to promote peace, stability, and prosperity
• Building cohesive and inclusive nations
• The Prespes agreement: is the implementation in jeopardy?
Keynote speaker:
Dorin Recean, prime minister, Moldova
Chair: Joan Hoey, editorial director, The Democracy Index, Europe consultant, The Economist Group
Discussion
PEACE AND PROSPERITY IN THE REGION: IDENTIFYING NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Guest of honour and keynote speaker:
Abdullah Gül, former president of Turkey
Chair: Joan Hoey, editorial director, The Democracy Index, Europe consultant, The Economist Group
Discussion
WHY IS THE FORTHCOMING US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION SO CRITICAL?
• In which ways can the outcome affect Greece and the broader region?
• Washington and the world: the new geopolitics of great power competition
Wess Mitchell, former US assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs; principal, The Marathon Initiative
Markos Kounalakis, visiting fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University
John Sitilides, geopolitical strategist, Trilogy Advisors; senior fellow for national security, Foreign Policy Research Institute; fmr diplomacy consultant, U.S. Department of State (2006-23)
Dora Bakoyannis, MP, president, standing committee on national defence and external affairs, former minister of foreign affairs, Greece
Chair: Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, United States, The Economist
Discussion
SECURITY CHALLENGES AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE ENERGY SECTOR
The Economist in dialogue with:
Konstantinos Mavros, vice-president and CEO, PPC Renewables
Chair: Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, United States, The Economist
Coffee break
EUROPE’S FUTURE AFTER A RENEWED MANDATE*
• Can the complex challenges be overcome?
• The UK election and its future role
• The outlook of the French election
Guy Verhofstadt, former member of the European Parliament, former prime minister of Belgium, President, European Movement International
Tomi Huhtanen, executive director, Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies
Pavlos Marinakis, deputy minister to the prime minister of Greece and government spokesperson
Chair: Joan Hoey, editorial director, The Democracy Index, Europe consultant, The Economist Group
* in cooperation with WMCES
Discussion
GLOBALISATION IN A FRAGMENTED WORLD
• A new world order? The future of free trade
• US and EU relations in view of the presidential election
• Economic growth and climate change
• New economic nationalism
Guest of honour and keynote speaker:
Paul Krugman, nobel laureate, distinguished professor of economics, graduate centre, City University of New York
The business perspective:
Alexandros Exarchou, vice-chairman and CEO, Intrakat
Chair: Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, United States, The Economist
Discussion
THE NEXT STEPS TO SAVE THE PLANET – IS IT TOO LATE?
• COP29: A battle against time
• Climate change and government efficiency - The legacy of COPs
• The two scenarios of climate policy after the US election
Setting the stage:
Sir Alok Sharma, president for COP26
YOUNG GENERATION’S ACHIEVEMENTS
IN THE BATTLE FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
• How can the UN Sustainable Development Goals be implemented in STEM education?
• What are the innovative ideas that young people bring forward?
• How optimistic is the young generation about the future?
Roundtable discussion:
Maria Korda, gymnasium deputy director, Pierce-The American College of Greece
Members of "Seewache" team: winner of the Pan-European Competition
"Future League" of Science on Stage Europe (November 2023)
Dafni Sideraki, team captain, Model High School of Heraklion, Crete
Konstantinos Kanakoudis, robotics expert, Anatolia College of Thessaloniki
Chair: Alasdair Ross, countries editor, The Economist – The World Ahead 2024
Discussion
GEOPOLITICAL CONFLICTS: WHAT ARE THE PRECONDITIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE PEACE?
• A multipolar world or a new world disorder?
• Europe’s role in an era of great-power competition
• The rise of populism – what does defending democracy mean in our times?
• South-east Europe and the eastern Mediterranean:
reinforcing co-operation and partnerships in a fragile region
• Is the West’s commitment to Ukraine still strong?
Giorgos Gerapetritis, minister of foreign affairs, Greece
Cristina Gherasimov, deputy prime minister for European Integration, Moldova
Dmytro Kuleba, minister of foreign affairs, Ukraine (via connection)
Chair: Joan Hoey, editorial director, The Democracy Index, Europe consultant, The Economist Group
Discussion
HOW CAN EUROPE MITIGATE THE CURRENT SECURITY THREATS?
• In need of a new Euro-Atlantic defence and security architecture?
• A new global arms race? How can Europe manage the risks?
• EU’s Red Sea naval mission
• The role of the defence industry in turbulent times
• Energy security as a pillar for Europe’s resilience and unity
Nikos Dendias, minister of national defence, Greece
George Tsunis, US Ambassador to Greece
David Harris, executive vice-chair, Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP), former chief executive officer, American Jewish Committee
James Stavridis, admiral (retired), former supreme allied commander, NATO, partner and vice-chair, global affairs, The Carlyle Group (via connection)
Commentator:
Sergei Konoplyov, director, Black Sea Security Programme, Harvard Kennedy School of Government
Chair: Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, United States, The Economist
Discussion
Networking luncheon
End of day sessions
Arrival of guests - Cocktails
Prime Minister’s Opening Gala Dinner
The Economist in dialogue with:
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, prime minister of Greece
Enrico Letta, EU rapporteur on the future of the single market, president, Jacques Delors Institute, former prime minister of Italy
Chair: Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, United States, The Economist
End of dinner
Arrival of delegates
HOW IS THE GEOPOLITICAL CRISIS TRANSFORMING THE ENERGY LANDSCAPE IN SE EUROPE AND THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN?
• Hydrocarbons: assessing the impact of the sanctions on Russia
• How is the region contributing to Europe’s energy security?
• Natural gas projects: what lies ahead?
• The momentum for energy interconnection in the region
• Greece’s ambition to evolve as an inter-regional energy hub
Setting the stage:
Geoffrey Pyatt, U.S. assistant secretary of state for energy resources, Bureau of Energy Resources, U.S. Department of State (video message)
Theodoros Skylakakis, minister of environment and energy, Greece
Victor Parlicov, minister of energy, Moldova
Osama Mobarez, secretary-general, East Mediterranean Gas Forum
Business leaders respond:
Matthew Bryza, former US deputy assistant secretary of state for European & Eurasian Affairs, former US ambassador to Azerbaijan, member of the BoD, Overgas
Fabrizio Mattana, CEO, IGI Poseidon
Maria Rita Galli, CEO, DESFA
Aristotelis Chantavas, CEO, Principia, president, SolarPower Europe
Antonis Metaxas, managing partner, Metaxas & Associates Law Firm
Chair: Joan Hoey, editorial director, The Democracy Index, Europe consultant, The Economist Group
Discussion
THE GLOBAL DEBATE ON GREEN TRANSITION
• Sustainability – efficiency – affordability
• How is the renewables market penetration evolving?
• The significance of electrical interconnections
• Fossil fuel phase-out: where do we stand?
Eleni Tsakopoulos Kounalakis, lieutenant-governor of California
Alexandra Sdoukou, deputy minister, Ministry of Environment & Energy, Greece
Business leaders respond:
Manousos Manousakis, chairman & CEO, Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO)
Ioannis Karydas, chief executive officer, Renewables and Energy Storage, Copelouzos Group
Aristofanis Stefatos, CEO, Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company (HEREMA)
Notis Sardelas, managing partner, Sardelas Petsa Law Firm
Chair: Alasdair Ross, countries editor, The Economist – The World Ahead 2024
Discussion
Coffee break
HOW IS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMING GOVERNMENTS AND BUSINESS?
• New horizons ahead – and new challenges: what are the next steps?
Dimitris Papastergiou, minister of digital governance, Greece
Dumitru Alaiba, deputy prime minister, minister for economic development and digitalisation, Moldova
Valeriya Ionan, deputy minister for Eurointegration, Ministry of Digital Transformation, Ukraine (via connection)
Business leaders respond:
Iwona Sikora, senior vice-president and general manager, EMEA, Iron Mountain
Nikos Maniatis, general manager, Greece & Cyprus, IBM
Fotis Konstantellos, CEO, Aambience Services
John Georgoulas, non-executive director, ECOMMBX
Chair: Joan Hoey, editorial director, The Democracy Index, Europe consultant, The Economist Group
Discussion
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF AI & TECHNOLOGY? DOES IT BRING MORE OR LESS DEMOCRACY TO THE WORLD?
• What drives the global democratic backsliding today?
• AI and technology as tools to achieve sustainable growth
• Examining the relation between “strongman” style of leadership and global conflicts
Francis Fukuyama, senior fellow, Centre on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law, Stanford University
Haris Broumidis, CEO, Vodafone Greece
Chair: Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, United States, The Economist
REFLECTING ON AI’S LIMITS – Session I
• The challenges of creating digital afterlife
• How is AI expected to affect human relationships?
Most Reverend Anthimos, Metropolitan of Alexandroupolis, Traianoupolis and Samothrace
Kostas Axarloglou, dean and professor of international business and strategy, Alba Graduate Business School, The American College of Greece
Theofanis Tasis, lecturer of contemporary philosophy, Alpen-Adria University, Austria
Chair: Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, United States, The Economist
REFLECTING ON AI’S LIMITS – Session II
• The business perspective
• Social values and AI’s impact on society
Panayotis Georgiopoulos, CEO, NOVA Greece
Kostas Axarloglou, dean and professor of international business and strategy, Alba Graduate Business School, The American College of Greece
Chair: Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, United States, The Economist
Discussion
THE STRATEGY FOR AN INCLUSIVE AND RESILIENT PUBLIC HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
• Financial and demographic challenges to be addressed
• Are we ready for the next pandemic?
• Tech disruption at the service of public health
• The role of the pharmaceutical industry
Adonis Georgiadis, minister of health, Greece
Theodore Tryfon, president, Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Industry Association (PEF)
Adrian Van den Hoven, director-general, Medicines for Europe
Chair: John Yfantopoulos, professor of health economics and social policy, University of Athens, Greece
Discussion
CIRCULAR ECONOMY: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES FOR NEW INVESTMENTS AND NEW JOBS
The Economist in dialogue with:
Takis Theodorikakos, minister of development, Greece
Niki Kerameus, minister of labour and social security, Greece
The business perspective:
Panagiotis Mourgos, managing director, TEXAN Environmental Management
Chair: Alasdair Ross, countries editor, The Economist – The World Ahead 2024
TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS: REASSESSING THE FRAMEWORK
• Infrastructure projects in Greece: the next day
• Achieving connectivity in the broader region
• Paving the way for regional development through infrastructure and cooperation
• Highlighting the priority of safety
Christos Staikouras, minister of infrastructure and transport, Greece
Thanassis Kontogeorgis, deputy minister to the prime minister, Greece
The business perspective:
Stefanos Agiasoglou, CEO, Public Road Transport
Chair: Joan Hoey, editorial director, The Democracy Index, Europe consultant, The Economist Group
Discussion
The Economist in dialogue with:
Nikos Androulakis, president, PASOK - Movement for Change
Networking luncheon
End of day sessions
Arrival of guests - Cocktails
Leader of the Main Opposition’s Gala Dinner
Keynote speaker:
Stefanos Kasselakis, leader of the main opposition, Greece, president, SYRIZA PA
Chair: Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, United States, The Economist
End of dinner
Arrival of delegates
WHEN INNOVATION BECOMES A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH
• The advances in cancer treatments
• Are we fully prepared for future pandemics?
• Geopolitics and supply chains – lessons from the pandemic
The Economist in dialogue with:
Albert Bourla, chairman and chief executive officer, Pfizer
Chair: Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, United States, The Economist
PAVING THE WAY TO INNOVATION IN CARE
• What to expect in the future?
• Is Greece ready to embrace the new era of innovation?
Marios Themistocleous, deputy minister of health, Greece
Ansgar Hebborn, head, access policy affairs Europe, Roche
Nikos Maniadakis, professor, University of West Attica
Chair: Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, United States, The Economist
Discussion
ONLINE GAMING: PROSPECTS, CHALLENGES, RESPONSIBILITY
• Protecting the society: examining the institutional framework against illicit practices
• The industry’s growth impact on the Greek economy
• Steering towards a safer and thriving online gaming environment
Panos Alexandris, secretary-general of justice & human rights, Ministry of Justice, Greece
Dimitrios Papadopoulos, chief operation officer, Hellenic Gaming Commission
Christos Panagopoulos, president, Hellenic Gaming Association
Chair: Alasdair Ross, countries editor, The Economist – The World Ahead 2024
Discussion
ENHANCING THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT THROUGH GROWTH, STABILITY AND CO-OPERATION
• Partnerships for growth in fragile regions
• Reforms that unleash competition and innovation
• Pro-business reforms and increased business confidence
• Paving the way for business growth through digital solutions
Makis Voridis, minister of state, Greece
Deborah Wince-Smith, president, United States Council on Competitiveness
The industry leaders respond:
Dimitris Chanis, CEO, HERACLES Group, member of Holcim
Thomas Tzokas, CEO, winmasters
Nikos Papadoglou, deputy CEO, Nexi Greece
Chair: Alasdair Ross, countries editor, The Economist – The World Ahead 2024
Discussion
Coffee Break
GREECE’S STRATEGY TO ACCELERATE INVESTMENT
• RRF & the government’s priorities
Nikos Papathanasis, alternate minister of national economy & finance, Greece
Ioannis Tsakiris, vice-president, European Investment Bank (EIB)
Lampros Papakonstantinou, chairman, IDEAL Holdings
Rade Ljumović, managing partner, office head Montenegro and Greece, Henley & Partners
Chair: Joan Hoey, editorial director, The Democracy Index, Europe consultant, The Economist Group
Discussion
The Economist in dialogue with:
Dean Metropoulos, chairman and CEO, Metropoulos and Co
John Koudounis, chief executive officer, Calamos Investments
Chair: Joan Hoey, editorial director, The Democracy Index, Europe consultant, The Economist Group
THE FINANCIAL OUTLOOK FOR EUROPE
• What does the US election signify for the global & the European economy?
• Supervisory insights: ensuring the stability and integrity of the European banking sector
• Digital transformation in the banking sector
Elizabeth McCaul, member, supervisory board, European Central Bank
Gikas A. Hardouvelis, chairman of the BoD, National Bank of Greece, chairman, Hellenic Bank Association, professor of finance and economics, University of Piraeus Greece
Nicolas Véron, senior fellow at Bruegel and at Peterson Institute for International Economics, Washington, DC.
Chair: Alasdair Ross, countries editor, The Economist – The World Ahead 2024
Discussion
THE SCORE OF THE GREEK ECONOMY
Declan Costello, deputy director-general, DG ECFIN, European Commission
Martin Bijsterbosch, mission chief for Greece, ECB
Colin Ellis, global credit strategist, Moody’s Investors Service
Dimitrios Tsakonas, director-general, Public Debt Management Agency
Chair: Vassilis Kostoulas, senior editor, Economist Impact SE Europe
Discussion
GREEK DEBT: WHAT’S NEXT?
• Growth rates: how sustainable?
• Reforms: to-do list
• Greek banks: how resilient?
• Benefits of investment grade
Julia Lendvai, mission chief for Greece, European Commission
Joong Shik Kang, mission chief for Greece, IMF
Paolo Fioretti, mission chief for Greece, European Stability Mechanism
Michael Arghyrou, chairman, Council of Economic Advisors, Greece
Chair: John Papageorgiou, journalist, EU affairs reporter, Athens Municipal Radio, founder & head, Athens Digest
Discussion
The Economist in dialogue with:
Nikos Stathopoulos, chairman, BC Partners Europe
Chair: Joan Hoey, editorial director, The Democracy Index, Europe consultant, The Economist Group
THE EUROPEAN ECONOMY: AN INTROSPECTION
• The Greek economy: picking up speed?
Keynote speakers:
Paschal Donohoe, president of the Eurogroup, minister for public expenditure, national development plan delivery and reform, Ireland
Kostis Hatzidakis, minister of national economy and finance, Greece
The banking response:
Pavlos Mylonas, chief executive officer, National Bank of Greece
Chair: Joan Hoey, editorial director, The Democracy Index, Europe consultant, The Economist Group
Discussion
Networking luncheon
End of day sessions
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Option A: Conference sessions
€1.800 tax/VAT excl.
- Full 3-day conference
- 3 networking luncheons
- Coffee breaks
Option B: Conference sessions and dinners
€2.200 tax/VAT excl.
- Full 3-day conference 3
- networking luncheons coffee breaks and cocktail receptions
- 2 Gala Dinners
Corporate table
€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
Venue
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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