Inaugural event of the UNESCO Chair "Creative Cities in Motion" at the University of Piraeus Wednesday, October 25th, 2023
It is a significant distinction, as it represents the first UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) University Chair awarded to the University of Piraeus.
The aim of the Chair is to establish an Academic Center of Innovation and Excellence and contribute to the creation of sustainable human-centric smart cities and the revitalization of their cultural life.
The inaugural event, which was successfully held, saw participants from the academic and scientific community, public and private sector figures, who attended both in person and virtually, on a national and international scale. Moreover, it attracted new researchers and postgraduate students.
The Inaugural Event was addressed by Professor Dimitrios D. Vergados, holder of the UNESCO Chair and Director of the Postgraduate Program "Digital Culture, Smart Cities, IoT, and Advanced Digital Technologies" at the University of Piraeus; Ms. Aikaterini Tzitzikosta, President of the Greek National Commission for UNESCO on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Domna-Maria Michailidou, Deputy Minister of Education, Religion, and Sports; Ms. Gulnara Roll, Secretary to the Committee on "Urban Development, Housing, Land Management" representing the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Geneva, Switzerland and Associate Professor Mr. Spyridon Roukanas, Vice-Rector for Academic and Administrative Affairs and Student Welfare, at the University of Piraeus.
As part of the Inaugural Event of the UNESCO Chair, two panels were organized in two areas of great interest nowadays. The first panel was titled: SUSTAINABLE CITIES, ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT, AND MODERN TECHNOLOGIES, with distinguished guest speakers: Petros Varelidis (PhD), General Secretary of Natural Environment and Water, Ministry of Energy and Environment - Dimitrios Psychogios, Vice President of the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy, and Water, RAAEY, Associate Professor of Finance & Investments, Department of Industrial Management & Technology, University of Piraeus - Evangelos Vagias (PhD), Technology & Digital Transformation Director, DEMO S.A. Pharmaceutical Industry - Stavros Papapanagiotou (PhD), General Director of Internet Business Hellas - Vasilios Skliros, Co-founder of Hellenic Drones company.
The second panel was titled: CREATIVE SMART CITIES IN MOTION: TOWARDS A HUMAN-CENTERED SUSTAINABLE APPROACH, with distinguished guest speakers: Professor Iosif Stefanou, Emeritus Professor of Urban Planning, Department of Civil Engineering, National Technical University of Athens - Konstantinos Karatsolis, Lawyer, Urban Planning and Environmental Law, DTK Law Firm - Konstantina Sioundri, Architect Engineer, Member of the Coordination Committee, Lecturer of the Postgraduate Program "Digital Culture, Smart Cities, IoT, and Advanced Digital Technologies", member of the Scientific Committee of the UNESCO Chair - Antony Cassano, Director of Business Development, UNISYSTEMS S.A.
At the inaugural event, the President of the Greek National Commission for UNESCO, Ms. Aikaterini Tzitzikosta, after congratulating Professor Mr. D. Vergados for this significant achievement, emphasized her commitment to close collaboration and highlighted the importance of the new Chair, which is directly linked to the Commission's future actions at a pan-European level. She stressed that the Greek National Commission for UNESCO is a pillar of support for the Chair.
Representing the Ministry of Education, Religion, and Sports, Deputy Minister Ms. Domna-Maria Michailidou, in her address, emphasized the full support of the Ministry for this initiative. She noted that the subject of the UNESCO Chair "Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources" is one of the most significant priorities of the United Nations' Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. She also pointed out that the work of the Chair will make a significant contribution both at the level of education and in the realm of services for the creation of modern cities with a human-centered character.
Ms. Gulnara Roll, a representative of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) based in Geneva, highlighted the close collaboration of the UNESCO Chair "Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources" with UNECE and other international organizations. She also spoke about the planned joint actions and emphasized the Chair's participation in the Global Initiative for Smart Cities. Additionally, she invited the holder of the UNESCO Chair, Professor D.D. Vergados, to the upcoming World Mayors Forum
Additionally, greetings were extended by the Vice-Rector of Academic and Administrative Affairs and Student Welfare of the University of Piraeus, Mr. Spyridon Roukanas, who placed particular emphasis on the significance of the UNESCO Chair award for the University of Piraeus and the academic community. He noted that it is a significant distinction that elevates the university's position on the global academic map
During the event, and within the panels, prominent speakers expressed their support for the Chair, emphasizing its importance.
Mr. Petros Varelidis, Secretary-General of the Natural Environment and Waters of the Ministry of Energy and Environment, emphasizing the Ministry's support for the actions of the Chair, discussed the importance of Digital Policy, noting the Ministry's digital transition actions with data collection, while also mentioning the significance of transitioning to automated processes.
The Vice-President of the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy, and Water and Associate Professor at the University of Piraeus, Mr. Dimitrios Psychogios, emphasized the importance of the UNESCO Chair in promoting research. He noted that the Chair will act as a springboard for innovation in the context of urban development and sustainable mobility, leading to the sustainability of cities. He also pointed out that the Chair serves as an educational hub not only for students but also for relevant economic entities and the local community.
Representing DEMO S.A. Pharmaceutical Industry, the Director of Technology and Digital Transformation, Mr. Evangelos Vagias, briefly introduced the company, discussing its promotion of sustainable growth through its investments, its digital transformation, and its priorities aimed at transitioning into a “Smart Pharma”. The company's investment in constructing a new modern factory in Tripoli is a prime example, where Technology and Industry collaborate to create modern Sustainable Ecosystems in the province, a goal where this new UNESCO Chair can significantly contribute.
Mr. Stavros Papapanagiotou, the General Director of Internet Business Hellas, described the company's areas of operation, emphasizing that the UNESCO Chair will enhance the accessibility, usability, and safety of the city, as well as rejuvenate the cultural life of cities.
Mr. Vasilios Skliros, co-founder of Hellenic Drones, in his speech, discussed the enhancement of sustainable urban mobility through the utilization of drones. Among other things, he explored the areas of sustainable urban aerial mobility using drones and also emphasized the importance of drones in harnessing cultural resources
Mr. Iosif Stefanou, Emeritus Professor of Urban Planning at the Department of Civil Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens, lecturer and member of the Scientific Committee of the MSc program "Digital Culture, Smart Cities, IoT, and Advanced Digital Technologies" at the University of Piraeus, focused on issues related to the conception, expression, and perception of urban space morphology. He also emphasized the importance of urban regeneration, the promotion of culture, and mentioned his long-term collaboration with the holder of the UNESCO chair, Mr. Vergados.
The legal expert, Mr. Konstantinos Karatsolis, specializing in Urban Planning and Environmental Law at the DTK Law Firm, referred to the actions of the European Commission, the need for modern ecosystems, and the role of the regulatory and legal framework, highlighting the role of the UNESCO Chair in the global environment.
From UNISYSTEMS S.A., Mr. Antony Cassano, Director of Business Development and Head of iQnovus-Innovation Center of the Quest Group, referred to the company's initiatives and pointed out the contribution of the private sector to the laboratory's work and the need for collaboration on innovation matters.
Ms. Konstantina Sioundri, Architect Engineer, Lecturer of the MSc program "Digital Culture, Smart Cities, IoT, and Advanced Digital Technologies" at the University of Piraeus and member of the Scientific Committee of the Έδρας της UNESCO “Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources", presented the relationship between sustainable development and Smart Cities. She described examples of best practices from both Greece and Europe, emphasizing the importance of cities' climate neutrality and highlighting that the pillars of sustainable development include the environment, economy, society, and culture.
Professor Mr. D.D. Vergados, who coordinated the event, pointed out that the purpose of the Chair is to contribute educationally, research-wise, and consultatively to the gentle integration of technology into the urban environment. It provides new services promoting sustainable and smart cities, climate-neutral ecosystems, and sustainable mobility with an emphasis on creativity and innovation.
The event concluded by emphasizing the significance and contribution of the UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources” in creating sustainable human-centric smart cities, promoting creative collaboration for sustainable development.
UNESCO Chair: "Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources”
Laboratory of "Digital Culture, Smart Cities, Internet of Things (IoT) and Advanced Digital Technologies and Services"
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Ms. Aikaterini Tzitzikosta, President of the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO, with Professor Mr. Dimitrios D. Vergados, Holder of the UNESCO Chair "Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources" at the University of Piraeus, at the Inaugural Event on Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Professor Mr. Dimitrios D. Vergados,Chair Holder of the UNESCO Chair "Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources" at the University of Piraeus, at the Inaugural Event on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
Ms. Domna-Maria Michailidou, Deputy Minister of Education, Religion, and Sports, greets the Inaugural Event of the UNESCO Chair "Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources" on Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Ms. Gulnara Roll from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Geneva, Switzerland, sends greetings from Geneva to the Inaugural Event of the UNESCO Chair "Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources" on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. Also on screen is Ms. Domna-Maria Michailidou, Deputy Minister of Education, Religion, and Sports, and on the panel, Professor Dimitrios D. Vergados, holder of the UNESCO Chair, and Dr. Eleni Varvarousi, member of the Chair's Research Team.
Mr. Spyridon Roukanas, Vice Rector for Academic and Administrative Affairs and Student Welfare at the University of Piraeus, at the Inaugural Event of the UNESCO Chair "Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources" on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
The presentation of the UNESCO Chair "Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources" by Ms. Malliri A-Natassa, Nika Christina, and Tsiga Eleni, members of the Chair's Coordination Team, along with Professor Dimitrios D. Vergados, holder of the UNESCO Chair, on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the University of Piraeus
The first panel of the Inaugural Event of the UNESCO Chair 'Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources' on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the University of Piraeus, focused on the topic: SUSTAINABLE CITIES, ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT, AND MODERN TECHNOLOGIES. The invited speakers included: Petros Varelidis (PhD), Secretary-General of the Natural Environment and Waters, Ministry of Energy and Environment - Dimitrios Psychogios, Vice President of the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy, and Water (RAAEY), Associate Professor of Finance & Investments, Department of Industrial Management & Technology, University of Piraeus - Evangelos Vagias (PhD), Technology & Digital Transformation Director, DEMO S.A. Pharmaceutical Industry - Stavros Papapanagiotou (PhD), General Director of Internet Business Hellas - Vasilios Skleros, Co-founder of the company Hellenic Drones. The panel was moderated by Professor Dimitrios D. Vergados, holder of the UNESCO Chair
The second panel of the Inaugural Event of the UNESCO Chair 'Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources' on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the University of Piraeus, was centered on the theme: CREATIVE SMART CITIES IN MOTION: TOWARDS A HUMAN-CENTRIC SUSTAINABLE APPROACH. The invited speakers included: Professor Iosif Stefanou, Emeritus Professor of Urban Planning, Department of Architectural Engineering, National Technical University of Athens - Konstantinos Karatsolis, Lawyer, specializing in Urban Planning and Environmental Law, DTK Law Firm - Konstantina Sioundri, Architect Engineer, Member of the Coordination Committee, Lecturer of the Postgraduate Program 'Digital Culture, Smart Cities, IoT, and Advanced Digital Technologies', and member of the Scientific Committee of the UNESCO Chair - Antony Cassano, Director of Business Development, UNISYSTEMS S.A.
The commemorative photo from the Inaugural Event of the UNESCO Chair 'Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources' on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the University of Piraeus. Identifiable in the photo are: Aikaterini Tzitzikosta, President of the Greek National Commission for UNESCO, Dimitrios D. Vergados, Professor and Holder of the UNESCO Chair, Dimitrios Psychogios, Vice President of the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy, and Water, RAAEY, - Iosif Stefanou, Emeritus Professor of Urban Planning, Department of Architectural Engineers, National Technical University of Athens - Konstantina Sioundri, Architect Engineer and member of the Scientific Committee of the UNESCO Chair - Evangelos Vagias (PhD), Technology & Digital Transformation Director, DEMO S.A. Pharmaceutical Industry - Stavros Papapanagiotou (PhD), General Director of Internet Business Hellas - Konstantinos Karatsolis, Lawyer, specializing in Urban Planning and Environmental Law, DTK Law Firm - Vasileios Skliros, Co-founder of the company Hellenic Drones - Antony Cassano, Director of Business Development, UNISYSTEMS S.A., as well as members of the UNESCO Research Team and postgraduate students of the Master's Program 'Digital Culture, Smart Cities, IoT, and Advanced Digital Technologies' of the University of Piraeus.
Ms. Aikaterini Tzitzikosta, President of the Greek National Commission for UNESCO, with Professor Mr. Dimitrios D. Vergados, Holder of the UNESCO Chair 'Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources', at the University of Piraeus, during the Inaugural Event on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
Ms. Malliri A-Natassa, Ms. Nika Christina, and Ms. Tsiga Eleni, members of the Coordinating Team of the UNESCO Chair 'Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources', on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the University of Piraeus.
The commemorative photo featuring the speakers and the coordination/support team of the UNESCO Chair 'Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources' at its inaugural event on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the University of Piraeus. Identified from left are: Evangelos Vagias (PhD), Technology & Digital Transformation Director, DEMO S.A. Pharmaceutical Industry - Eleni Varvarousi and Vicky Georgakopoulou, members of the Chair's Research Team - Stavros Papapanagiotou, General Director of Internet Business Hellas – Dimitrios D. Vergados, Professor, Holder of the UNESCO Chair - Iosif Stefanou, Emeritus Professor of Urban Planning, Department of Architectural Engineering, National Technical University of Athens - Vasileios Skliros, Co-founder of the company Hellenic Drones - Malliri A-Natassa, Tsiga Eleni, Kartelia Anastasia, Bakou Maria-Despoina, Emmanouil Skondras, members of the Coordination/Support Team of the UNESCO Chair 'Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources', on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the University of Piraeus.
25 Oct 2023
