The UNESCO Chair "Creative Cities in Motion" at the UNESCO 80th Anniversary Conference
Announcement
The UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion” at the Anniversary Conference Celebrating 80 Years of UNESCO
The UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility & Utilization of Cultural Resources” of the University of Piraeus participated in a high-symbolism anniversary conference dedicated to the 80th anniversary of UNESCO’s founding, held on 12 December 2025 in Thessaloniki.
The conference was jointly organized by the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO, the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Cultural Center of the Region of Central Macedonia. The event brought together senior officials of UNESCO, as well as distinguished representatives from the Greek political, academic, and institutional community.
Within the framework of the conference, the Head of the UNESCO Chair, Dimitrios D. Vergados, Professor and Director of the Master’s Programme “Digital Culture, Smart Cities, IoT and Advanced Digital Technologies” at the University of Piraeus, presented, through his keynote address, the vision, work, and actions of the Chair. He highlighted its role as a living hub of innovation, education, and research, dedicated to the development of more sustainable, human-centered, and digitally mature cities at both national and international levels.
At the same time, he emphasized the significant contribution of the UNESCO Chair to the promotion of strategic priorities and public policies, with a focus on sustainable development, digital transformation, and the strengthening of international scientific cooperation.
This anniversary meeting highlighted in a distinctive way the enduring value and contemporary relevance of UNESCO, as well as its essential role for Greece and the world. Founded on 16 November 1945 and currently comprising 196 Member States, UNESCO continues to serve its mission with dedication by promoting education, science, and culture, values which today, more than ever, constitute the foundation for a sustainable and peaceful future.
The UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion” remains committed to continuing its dynamic and creative trajectory, contributing substantively to international cooperation and to the implementation of UNESCO’s objectives in the fields of digital innovation, smart and sustainable cities, and contemporary digital culture, placing people and the societies of the future at its core.
The Head of the UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion”, Dimitrios D. Vergados, during his keynote address at the anniversary conference celebrating 80 years of UNESCO, Thessaloniki, 12 December 2025.
The President of the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO, Aikaterini Tzitzikosta, and the Head of the UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion”, Dimitrios D. Vergados, at the anniversary conference celebrating 80 years of UNESCO, Thessaloniki.
The Head of the UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion”, Dimitrios D. Vergados, and the Permanent Representative of Greece to UNESCO, Georgios Koumoutsakos.
The Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maira Myrogianni, and the Head of the UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion”, Dimitrios D. Vergados.
12 Dec 2025
