His Excellency, Stavros Venizelos, Ambassador of Hellenic Republic to Australia.

Non-resident Ambassador to New Zealand, Republic of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Nauru, Samoa and Tonga

It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest greetings to all of you attending the 4th Conference on Greek Diaspora and Language. As we gather to delve into the intricacies of the Greek diasporic experience and celebrate the richness of the Greek language, I cannot help but commend the outstanding efforts of Charles Darwin university and its remarkable achievements.

First and foremost, I must commend Darwin University for the success of its previous 3rd conference on the Greek diaspora and Greek language. The publication of an impressive volume on the perspectives of the Hellenic Diaspora stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to scholarly excellence and the dissemination of knowledge. The insightful and thought-provoking presentations not only on Greek Diaspora but also on the Indigenous experience undoubtedly contributed to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding immigration to Australia, the Greek diaspora and its linguistic heritage. Congratulations to Associate Professor George Frazis, to his team and to the numerous scholars who contributed to the effort.

Furthermore, I would be remiss not to acknowledge the University’s dedication to the promotion and preservation of the Greek language. From scholarships, innovative language programs for students, teachers and other professionals, to community outreach initiatives, the university has been at the forefront of efforts to ensure the vitality of the Greek language in Australia and beyond. The partnerships with two excellent educational institutions in Greece such as the Aegean and Macedonia Universities who actively participate in this conference underscore the commitment to fostering academic collaboration and cultural exchange on an international scale.

I would also like to take this opportunity to commend the university for taking part in the Hellenic Initiative’s program “Boroume” in Athens and Thessaloniki. The educational trips to Greece offer students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Hellenic world. These trips not only provide valuable firsthand experiences but also foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation among students, laying the groundwork for future generations of Greek-Australian scholars and leaders.

In conclusion, as we embark on this fourth conference, let us reflect on the progress we have made and the challenges that lie ahead in preserving Greek culture and language in Australia, especially for the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th generations of Greek Australians. Australia is a successful example of a peaceful, democratic multicultural society. Australian leadership at all levels demonstrates a profound commitment to fostering cultural diversity. Let us draw inspiration from your achievements. It is in our power to rededicate ourselves to the work of preserving and promoting the Greek language and diasporic heritage. We can continue to build bridges across continents, forging connections that transcend borders and enrich our shared cultural tapestry.

Professional experience, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Greece:

Previous professional experience:
1987-1995 Attorney at Law, Athens

Studies: Law, Political studies

Foreign Languages: English, French, Russian

Marital status:    Married, one son

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