Athens Summit 2008 – The Challenge of Change

“Building on the success of the Athens Summit 2008, the Advisory Board has decided to announce the next Summit for Spring 2009 as an annual opportunity for thinking, deciding and acting about the hot issues of energy and the environment.“

Upon the successful conclusion of the “The Athens Summit on Climate Change and Energy Security” which was held in Athens, Greece, May 5-7, 2008, it is with great honor and pride that we announce the establishment of the Athens Summit as an annual event that will gather important personalities from the fields of Energy and Environment and will substantially raise awareness about the key issues at a global level.

Highlights

Among the highlights of the Athens Summit 2008 was the presence of H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic, Dr. Karolos Papoulias, the Prime Minister of Greece, Dr. Kostas Karamanlis, Greek Ministers, the Mayor of Athens, Mr. Nikitas Kaklamanis, the European Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Stavros Demas and Ministerial delegations from 22 countries. Politicians, local authorities and 35 top representatives of international bodies and organizations from the energy and environment sectors, met in Athens with more than 800 participants and shared their concerns and opinions and suggested solutions during the Athens Summit 2008.

Ministerial Meeting

An important initiative was undoubtedly the Athens Declaration Ministerial Meeting. The Greek Minister of Development, Mr. Christos Folias, took the initiative to invite his counterparts from many European, Mediterranean, Arab and Caspian states and meet with them during the Athens Summit 2008. They all committed to undertake a joint combat against climate change and to attain of reciprocal energy security.

Topics Discussed

In the framework of the Athens Summit 2008, issues of crucial importance regarding global climate and energy security were discussed, such as: reflections on the pros and cons in the use of nuclear energy, the potential role of Greece as an energy hub, the perspectives of the use of wind and solar energy, the estimations about oil reserves and pricing, the socio-economic implications of climate change and the interdependence of energy security and environmental protection.

Participation

Highly esteemed companies such as Endesa, Delloite & Touche, Sonatrach, Costa Navarino, Wingas, Hellenic Petroleum, DEPA (Hellenic Public Gas Company), DESFA (Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator), PPC Renewables, Petroleum Finance Company, Total Gas, Heracles General Cement Co. (Lafarge Group), BMW and important organizations such as International Energy Agency, United Nations Environment Programme, International Energy Forum, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, Black Sea Trade and Development Bank and Eurelectric, participated in the Summit. Publicity wise, the Athens Summit 2008 was supported by CNN, MEGA Channel, “TA NEA” and “IMERISIA”.

Stay tuned to www.athens-summit.com to learn about the dates of the Athens Summit 2009 or join our mailing list to receive updates.

Supporting Organisations