Greece's position on the global educational and research map has been significantly strengthened over the past five years, under the leadership of Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Thanks to a series of pivotal legislative and other initiatives in the fields of education, research, and innovation, Greek universities have opened up to the world, developing international collaborations and increasing their appeal to students, professors, and researchers globally. The Greek Diaspora, with its strong presence in academic institutions and scientific centers worldwide, and its enduring interest in education, as well as its genuine desire to contribute to our country’s development, can play a crucial role in the extrovert orientation of Greece’s higher education institutions.
Recognizing this reality, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs promotes the international presence of Greek universities by leveraging and strengthening Greece’s ties with the Diaspora. Promoting studies in Greece, especially the increasing number of English-language programs that bring new dynamics to Greek tertiary education, is a central pillar of our Strategy for Public Diplomacy. Actions in this direction, particularly towards forging links of Greek universities with the Greek Diaspora, include the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Greek Diaspora. Specifically, this plan promotes the collaboration of Greek and foreign universities for the organization of courses in Greek language, culture, and history, the implementation of hosting and exchange programs for students and researchers, the creation of networks of academics and scientists of Greek descent, and the support of chairs and programs in Greek studies abroad.
To achieve the aforementioned actions, we place particular emphasis on communication and collaboration. We operate in a coordinated manner. We utilize our Missions abroad and Public Diplomacy Offices, and initiate synergies with other Ministries and bodies. We are opening new channels of communication with the Diaspora, using both traditional and modern digital tools, in order to disseminate information about the opportunities our country offers, and to assess and adjust our actions accordingly.
A recent example is the Cooperation Protocol that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed with "Study in Greece" National Agency aimed at linking Greece’s academic world with the Greek Diaspora and supporting the internationalization of Greek higher education. Our objective is to promote Greek universities and their international study programs abroad, while also fostering contacts between Greek and foreign universities for the development and implementation of joint programs and actions, as well as collaborative research. And, of course, to provide opportunities for Diaspora and foreign students and researchers to learn more about Greek history, culture, and contemporary Greece. This cooperation serves our goal of preserving the Greek identity and is part of the Ministry’s Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad.
Collaboration with Greeks living abroad to enhance the extrovert orientation of Greek universities can yield multiple benefits:
Firstly, in terms of development. The interaction of Greek universities with the rich academic and research potential of the Diaspora is expected to further enhance the quality of education and attract research investments, strengthening Greece's position in the global innovation ecosystem.
Secondly, from a demographic perspective, providing quality Education and employment opportunities in highly specialized fields acts as a safeguard against brain drain and enhances the prospects for the return of Greek scientists who left the country during the crisis.
Thirdly, in terms of our country's soft power. By supporting the internationalization of Greek universities, we promote Greek culture and contemporary Greece, and we are creating a new generation of philhellenes, enhancing our country's positive image worldwide.
By uniting our forces with the Greek Diaspora to solidify the international presence of Greek universities, we are working towards a Greece that leads in the knowledge economy, a Greece that is even stronger and more outward-looking, offering security and prospects to future generations.
May 18, 2024