The great importance of the transition to the green economy was underlined by three leading figures of the global economy, the Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Mathias Cormann, the European Commissioner for Economy and Finance, Paolo Gentiloni and the President of the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association and President of Neptune Lines, Melina Travlou, during the first day of the 9th Delphi Economic Forum which takes place in Delphi, April 10-13, and is under the auspices of A.E. of the President of the Republic, Mrs. Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

Taking the floor, the Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, Mathias Cormann, stressed that we must find the best possible solutions for the big issues, such as the crisis in Ukraine and the Middle East, as the big question is how to facilitate global cooperation to de-escalate these crises.

The goal, he said, is to improve people’s lives, living standards and take effective climate action. Also, find the way to take advantage of technological progress and especially Artificial Intelligence and strengthen economies to face future crises. The Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development emphasized that the global economy is showing resilience, despite the challenges, employment is growing, the recovery from the pandemic continues, but we must find a way to support long-term growth. As he said, this year the increase in global GDP will reach 2.9% and next year 3%, while he underlined that the Greek economy has a better performance than its average euro zone. But, as he said, geopolitical crises create new challenges for the markets and since Greek shipping represents 1/5 of world shipping, it is important to overcome the challenges. He emphasized the need to reduce emissions without limiting growth and to address the global aging population, adding that for some areas the problem is very important and immigration could be a solution.

The eulogy of Greece was woven by Paolo Gentiloni, European Commissioner for Economy and Finance, stressing that “Greece is not the same country it was ten or even five years ago”. He called our country “among the protagonists of the great transition – to the green economy” and emphasized that the only solution for the world economy is to continue with the green transition. The Finance Commissioner recalled that our country has returned to investment grade and added that “I am proud to have played a role in Greece’s success by ending the era of memoranda in 2022”. Regarding the forecast for future crises, the Finance Commissioner said that the Europeans learned the lesson of the previous crises and “we made a series of support programs”, even adding that Greece is the country that will proportionally get the most money from the Support Fund. He characterized the creation of new support packages as “part of the solutions for the future”.

“Protect the constant that unites the planet: shipping”, underlined the President of the Union of Greek Shipowners and President of Neptune Lines, Melina Travlou. “We are experiencing a challenge that is unprecedentedly universal. All-human. In this universal challenge, history can act as the wise mentor. And history is inextricably linked to man’s travels on the world’s seas. Through the sea, our planet was discovered. Ships have contributed to charting the course of the history of world civilization. Shipping is a co-shaper of our History. The long-distance shipping of the Greeks has always been the spearhead of world shipping. Always alert, in perpetual motion and with open horizons. Always a pioneer ! Our vision was and is, that our leadership is not just quantitative, but also qualitative. Beneficial for society. Thus, we created and developed the global business success story with a Greek identity and soul. The Shipping of the Greeks. Today, the Greek shipping, owning more than 60% of European shipping, is its backbone. We Greeks have contributed and are contributing substantially, so that European shipping, which constitutes 40% of the world, ensures the smooth functioning of the international ecosystem. It is of the highest priority, in this transition, that the constants that work for the good of humanity are shielded. Especially for Europe, the institutions are essential to provide in order to protect the strength and competitiveness of European shipping. The great transition calls us to a common sailing plan. It calls us to a mindset transition. He invites us to “together”. From the historic landmark of human intelligence, Delphi, I am addressing a public invitation to all leaders of states, governments, organizations, institutions, companies: Let’s move forward with empathy. To cooperate with respect in the history we are called to co-create for future generations. Shipping will always be here, a fellow traveler for the common good,” said Ms. Travlou.