Athens Columbia Global Center Launches Inaugural Event with Focus on AI and Climate Change

The Athens Columbia Global Center held its inaugural event in Athens on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for the Greek capital as it joined the network of 11 global centres established by Columbia University.

The event, which focused on leveraging artificial intelligence to address climate change, drew notable attendees, including Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The Athens Columbia Global Center is part of Columbia University's effort to create regional hubs for addressing pressing global challenges. These centers aim to facilitate dialogue, share technical expertise, and foster collaboration between academics, experts, and leaders across a range of disciplines.

In his address, Prime Minister Mitsotakis highlighted the growing impact of climate change and the need to adapt responses accordingly, using technology as a powerful tool. He emphasised that artificial intelligence is already contributing valuable solutions, particularly in managing natural disasters like wildfires. Mitsotakis welcomed the opening of the Athens Center, emphasising its role as a place for dialogue and the practical application of knowledge to solve real-world issues.

US Ambassador George Tsunis also spoke at the event, underlining the importance of the Center in strengthening the next generation of Greek leaders. He praised Columbia University's initiative to foster educational exchanges by encouraging more American students to study in Greece and supporting Greek students in traveling to the United States.

Interior Minister Niki Kerameus, who laid the groundwork for establishing the Athens Center during her tenure as education minister over four years ago, also addressed the gathering. Wafaa El-Sadr, executive vice-president of Columbia Global, and Stefanos Gandolfo, director of the Athens Center, shared their visions for the Center's future. Gandolfo announced upcoming events focusing on issues such as climate, migration, health, business, antiquity, and the arts.

"For us, it is important for everyone to come together to find common solutions to global-level challenges that people face," Gandolfo emphasised, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind the Center's mission.