“With the right conditions for a return, the Greek minority in Constantinople can contribute to the economic life of the area,” Peoplecert’s CEO said.
The city is not just a story – it is a challenge, a life experience, says Byron Nikolaidis, founder and chief executive of Peoplecert, in a discussion with journalist Manolis Kostidis as part of the 10th Delphi Economic Forum.
Asked by Manolis Kostidis what would he say to a Greek student or Roman student to persuade him to come to the city for the rest of his life, Peoplecert’s CEO said with a focus addressing the younger generation: “If you want to be a unique cultural one, then It won’t be easy. But it will be worth it. “
Born and raised in the city, V. Nikolaidis immigrated to Greece in 1981 “with just $ 100 in his pocket”, as he said during the debate, but with deep roots, family values ​​and the power of Roman identity. The Roman of the city is a way of life, he said. It combines Byzantine, Greek, Ottoman and cosmopolitan. He learned to live with dignity, to progress in difficult conditions.
Despite the dramatic decline in the population of Constantinople, Byron Nikolaidis does not adopt a fatal stance. On the contrary, it sees the possibility of reversing the course. A typical example, as he says in response to a question by M. Kostidis, is the Imbroswhere today about 700 Romans live, families who returned and children who are again attending Greek schools, when the presence there had almost disappeared. Peoplecert is actively supporting this effort, undertaking a study to build a new nursing home on the island. They are not only symbols, they are acts that shape perspective, he stresses.
Similar is the initiative of the study of the study Good Neighbor Economic Integration Support Program, in collaboration with EY Greece and EY Turkey. The plan provides for the increase in bilateral trade from 5.6 billion to 10 billion euros in five years, mapping opportunities in areas such as tourism, education, shipping, energy and technology. But for Mr Nikolaidis, the deepest issue is to create a framework for sustainable cohabitation: The revival of Rome in Constantinople can be a lever for both countries, building cooperation bridges Through innovation, culture, entrepreneurship and investment. The bet is to go from strategy to application.
Asked about the discussion of the Reopening of the Halki Theological School And the return of the homogeneity and the ability to help revive the Greek community, he said, among other things, that these are important symbolic steps, but must be accompanied by interventions in everyday life: schools, jobs, housing, elderly care. Recognizing the importance of strengthening the local community, Peoplecert, he notes, contributes to the Ecumenical Patriarchate to prepare a new nursing home in the city, a practical move that shows that we do not remain in words but contribute to structures that have a substantial impact on our lives.
To the question of whether there is a realistic goal of population growth, it answers with moderation and vision: stabilization is the immediate issue. But we can also talk about 3,000 or 5,000 people even more if there is a plan. Not numbers for numbers, but for a critical mass that will keep our culture and presence alive. And he explains: The Greeks go where there are professional horizons and opportunities. It is not a matter of nostalgia or identity only; it is also practical. Today about 10,000 Greeks live in Dubai. Why? Because there they found opportunities. In the fields of medicine, aviation, shipping, economy, technology. No “national target” was pulled, but the ability to build their future. So let us create the opportunities – here, in the city, in Imbros, let’s make the conditions to return a new generation. It can be 3,000, 5,000 or more. Not to “catch numbers”, but to rebuild a community. With life, creation and duration.
Education is also a key for the Renaissance. Peoplecert has established scholarships for young people from Constantinople, Imbros and Tenedos, enhancing returning and perspective. Return is a matter of the younger generation, he says. That is why we are strategically investing in it, he says. As for the role of minorities in Greek -Turkish relations, he says that he was always a bridge of friendship – but they can also be a lever for growth and stability.
The presence of Rome, he said, is not just a historical residue – is an active rejuvenation force. He also added that the Greek minority in Constantinople, historically, contributed decisively to the economic life of the region: trade, shipping, processing, arts, education. This does not belong to the past. It is a real possibility for the present and the future, as long as the appropriate conditions for return and active participation are created.
Source: Skai
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