Distinguished Greeks abroad traveled to Athens to receive the ARGO 2025 AWARDS, which are now an annual institution, from the former President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
Among them is the correspondent of SKAI, in Istanbul, Manolis Kostidis, who received an award for service to the public.
This is an initiative of the International Union ARGO – NETWORK OF GREEKS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, a think tank and action within the framework of the European Union, based in Brussels.
The first objective of the Argo Awards is to highlight and reward those who have distinguished themselves in the fields of Sports, Humanitarian Offer, Gastronomy, Sciences, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Culture and Arts, and Public Offer. Second goal, exemplification
of Greeks, young and not, both inside and outside the Greek borders. And the third goal, the utilization of this potential for the benefit of Greece.
Beginning in 2019, the 7th Argonautic Expedition has already been completed, bringing back eight distinguished Greeks abroad.
The President of the Network, Spyros Pappas, in his introductory speech referred to Greece outside the borders which is characterized by advancement and progress, which knows how to preserve the global Greek values, “it is a steady riser, it is only triumphs, it has no disasters”. Because, as Nikos Kazantzakis said, “life here requires discipline, order, cooperation – and these are what we lack the most”, because when Greeks are abroad they are forced to rely on themselves. Recognizing the right to vote for Greeks abroad, as an important step for the reintegration and utilization of Greeks abroad, he emphasized that we must take other steps in this direction, proposing the establishment of a “New Friendly Society”, which could drag the rest of Greece towards the steady rise, rationalize and advise it, because the golden fleece, wealth, is the knowledge and this knowledge remains untapped. Concluding his greeting, he welcomed all those present and those participating online, the Bishop of Tanagra, Apostolos Kalyviotis, Director of the Representation of the Church of Greece in the EU, the representative of the Prime Minister, Minister of State Akis Skertsos, the Secretary General of Hellenism in Abroad Maira Myrogiannis, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giannis Loverdo where was represented by Katerina Nezeritis, the President of the Council of State and the Vice Presidents Diomidis Kyrillopoulos and Spyridoula Chrysikopoulou, the Deputy Prosecutor of the Supreme Court Vassilis Floridis. Finally, he thanked the members of the ARGO AWARDS Committee and the late President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the “President of our heart and of all Greeks”.
The Chairman of the ARGO AWARDS Committee, Nikiforos Diamantouros, Emeritus Professor E.K.P.A. and Vice-President of the Academy of Athens thanked Spyros Pappa, characterizing him “as the soul of Argos that allows us to always move forward and open new horizons”. Pointing out that
the Greeks Abroad excel, as the institutional framework allows them to do so, he acknowledged that great steps have been taken in Greece as well, so that the institutions ensure predictability and provide rules, but also that much still remains to be done. As he pointed out, the aim of the project, among other things, is to
recognize the Greeks abroad who, within the institutional frameworks that allow them, highlight
Greece’s global position.
Afterwards, the General Secretary of Hellenism Abroad, Myra Myrogianni, addressed a greeting, stressing that “the institution supports distinguished Greeks abroad”, as the Greeks of the Diaspora are among the most powerful institutions of Hellenism, contributing to the preservation of our cultural identity. He congratulated Spyros Pappas and the Awards Committee for carrying out this initiative emphasizing the new generation, but also the respect we must give to expatriates of all ages.
The Award Ceremony was presented by the distinguished journalist Katerina Lymberopoulou, in the presence of representatives of the state, the church and civil society.
The musical note at the Award Ceremony was given by the cellist Despina Kornilaki, a senior official of the European Commission and co-founder of the Brussels Chamber Ensemble.
The SPORTS AWARD was received by Konstantinos Karetsas, leading international Greek football player. From a young age he showed his talent in football and at the age of nine he joined the academies of Genk. In 2023, aged just 15, he became the youngest goalscorer in the history of Belgian professional football.
Today, he is a key member of Genk’s first team and has attracted the interest of major European clubs. At the same time, after playing in the small national teams of Belgium, he decided to wear the shirt of Greece, honoring his roots. With maturity, ethics and talent, Konstantinos Karetsas represents the future of Greek football.
The HUMANITARIAN CONTRIBUTION AWARD was received by Alexandra Paschalidou, who has emerged as one of the most recognizable voices of journalism and humanitarian action. Journalist, writer and presenter with an international career, she has given a voice to those who live on the margins, with work that combines
sensitivity, courage and social responsibility. As president of UN Women Sweden and War Child, she has traveled to war zones and refugee camps, supporting women and children. Its course, from Rinkeby of immigration to major international forums, is a reminder that the power of memory and
solidarity can transform the world.
The GASTRONOMY AWARD was received by chef Dimitrios Moudios, starting his career at the Bayerischer Hof Atelier. With an international career at renowned restaurants in Europe and Latin America, such as Boragó in Chile and Alchemist in Copenhagen, he highlighted a creative, investigative approach to cooking. In 2023, he established the restaurants Ōre and Lahnyai in Bangkok, which stood out for their innovative philosophy and excellent reviews. Educated at HarvardX and MITx, he combines science with culinary art, expressing gastronomy as a global language of innovation and culture.
The SCIENCE AWARD was awarded to Leah Mermiga. With an international career in research and management of large particle accelerator projects, she has held positions at Jefferson Lab, Canada’s TRIUMF, SLAC, and as of 2022 is the first female Director of Fermilab in the US. At the same time, it has developed
initiatives that encourage young men and women to pursue careers in the sciences. With international distinctions and a leading presence in high-energy physics, Lia Mermiga unites scientific excellence, innovation and social responsibility, being a source of inspiration for the next generations of researchers.
Alcibiades Thomas received the ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD. With many years of leadership positions in companies such as PKI and AEROTEC Engineering, he developed international collaboration networks and pioneering development strategies. In 2010 he founded ALTHOM GmbH and then companies in Greece and Poland, establishing them as reliable partners of the European industry. At the same time, he has been distinguished for his voluntary and social action, as well as for his contribution to the strengthening of Greek-German relations. With technical knowledge, vision and dedication, Alcibiades Thomas represents a type of leader who transforms the cooperation of peoples into a driving force for progress and innovation.
The INNOVATION AWARD was awarded to Kleanthis Xanthopoulos, who made a decisive contribution to the Human Genome Project. As the founder and head of innovative biotech companies – Anadys, Regulus, Shoreline Biosciences – he has contributed to the development of pioneering treatments for
hepatitis, cancer and autoimmune diseases. Internationally honored for his work, he combines scientific knowledge with business vision, proving that innovation can serve life and people.
The CULTURE AND ARTS AWARD was received by Eugenia Kotanidis. She dedicated her life to spreading the Greek language and culture in Georgia. For more than 25 years he has been teaching Greek and Pontic, while as president of the Federation of Hellenic Communities of Georgia he has founded schools, libraries
and cultural programs that connect new generations with their roots. With an academic background, social action and selfless contribution, Eugenia Kotanidis is a shining example of Hellenism in the diaspora and a cultural bridge between Greece and the Caucasus.
The PUBLIC OFFER AWARD was received by Manolis Kostidis, who, with a constant presence in international reports and deep knowledge of Greek-Turkish relations, has informed the Greek public about critical developments in Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean. His consistency, cool eye and commitment to the truth have established him as a trusted voice in journalism. Through his work, Manolis Kostidis has contributed to the creation of bridges of understanding between the two peoples, serving the public interest with ethics and responsibility.
The awardees received their awards with emotion, not only from the distinction and honor given to them by the Committee, but also from the fact that the award was presented to them by the former President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, who, she emphasized among other things, “in the wake of the death of our one and only Dionysis
Savvopoulos, the Argo Awards bring together commendable and diverse people, all successful in their work, and highlight an admirable virtual conversation, a peculiar dialogue of the sciences, culture and contribution to man and society, with entrepreneurship,
innovation, sports and gastronomy”.
Source :Skai
I am Frederick Tuttle, who works in 247 News Agency as an author and mostly cover entertainment news. I have worked in this industry for 10 years and have gained a lot of experience. I am a very hard worker and always strive to get the best out of my work. I am also very passionate about my work and always try to keep up with the latest news and trends.
