In the presence of a large number of representatives of senior UN executives, permanent representatives and other executives of the Member States, as well as Ministers of Foreign Affairs, on Monday, February 24, 2025, an event was held at the headquarters of the International Organization, quoted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. George Gerapetritis. The high-level event marked the start of our country’s term of office for the period 2025-2026, which began on January 1st.

The event was also an important opportunity to highlight Greece’s priorities and its role as a bridge during the current term in the Security Council. The widespread turnout, which exceeded 350 people, confirmed the confidence in our country’s ability, a founding member of the United Nations, to act as an active pole of dialogue and understanding.

Indeed, as part of the event, the work of the important Greek sculptor Frosos Efthimiadis – Menegaki, entitled “Ikelettes” (1958), was presented, offering the attendees a unique cultural experience. The project, which belongs to the collection of the National Gallery – Alexandros Soutsos Museum, is presented for the first time in the United States on the occasion of our term in SAE.

In his speech, the Foreign Minister pointed out that the country was elected a member of the Security Council in one of the most difficult periods in the UN history. Despite the challenges, he stressed, Greece remains committed to peaceful resolution of disputes, full respect for international law and the statute of the United Nations and promoting multilateral cooperation through honest dialogue and constant efforts to bridge international differences. He also emphasized the importance of promoting modern Greek culture, beyond its traditional dimension, highlighting the dynamic image of modern Greece.

Greece’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Mr. Evangelos SekerisWelcome to the attendees, he expressed the special pleasure for the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, at an event that marks the beginning of our term of office in the SAE, as well as the great honor and responsibility involved in the Security Council for the permanent delegation.

The event was honored with her presence by the Minister of Culture, Mr. Lina Mendoni. as well as the Director of the National Gallery – Alexandros Soutsou Museum, Ms. Syra Tsiara and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ms. Olga Mentzafou. Ms. Tsiara, presenting the sculpture to the public, talked about the history and importance of the “Ikeids”, pointing out the power of the work he manages to convey, through the artist’s artist, the deep meanings of the ancient Greek tragedy, the deepest meanings of the ancient Greek tragedy.

Sculptor Froso Efthymiadis-Menegaki (1911-1995), a pioneer of Greek sculpture with international recognition (Sao Paulo Biennale Award) is the first woman-a member of the Academy of Athens (1980). The sculptural work “Ikates” draws its inspiration from Aeschylus’ tragedy and expresses over time and universal issues, such as resistance to injustice, recognition of human dignity and protection of vulnerable people.