The Samothraki Open Forum gives a unique stage to reflect, discuss and promote the sustainable development on the Island of Great Gods, Samothrace.

The Forum, under the auspices and great support of the Municipality of Samothrace and the Hellenic-Dutch Commercial and Industrial Association, is organized annually by the privately held consulting company Aero Iasion Development.

This year the Samothraki Open Forum is scheduled to take place on June 26th – 28th of June, 2020 at the “Nikolaos Fardis” Cultural Centre in Hora of Samothraki dedicated to “Actions for Climate Change: Protecting our Cultural Heritage and Natural Environment”. This year’s Forum, therefore, addresses the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 of the Agenda 2020, “Climate Action”.

Distinguished Greek and foreign scientists, entrepreneurs, governmental and non-governmental organizations will discuss with the local community on climate change issues, actions for protecting our cultural and natural heritage, the role of entrepreneurs, as well as potential synergies and developments in Samothrace. During the second day of the Forum, discussion panels are scheduled regarding Women Entrepreneurship, Smart Agriculture, Sustainable Tourism, Sustainable Gastronomy etc. aiming at boosting local entrepreneurship, presenting best business practices, promoting mature projects and subsequently increasing local revenues in a sustainable way.  The third and final day is devoted to first-hand, local business experience as well as designing a strategy for sustainable development in Samothrace.

The Samothraki Open Forum became quickly a local institution for the Island of the Great Gods. Its success lies mainly in local synergies with the Municipality, the distinguished volunteers from Greece and abroad and of course the invaluable support of the sponsors and supporters. Last but not least, the Forum is part of the overall effort to connect the Island of Great Gods with Sustainable Development in the minds of residents and visitors as the Sustainable Island!

It is recalled that the first Forum of the year 2018 was dedicated to “Sustainability, Development and Tourism”, i.e. dedicated to the SDG 11: “Sustainable Cities and Communities”. The second Forum was held in June 2019 on “Development through Synergies”, and supporting thus the SDG 17, “Collaboration for Targets”.

The conclusions and recommendations are posted on the Forum’s site and form the basis for Samothraki’s sustainable development strategy.

More Information and registration at the Forum: www.samothrakiopenforum.com

At Samothraki Open Forum we implement the motto of UNESCO: Think global, act local!