Athens Talks: Attica Region Unveils Platform for Public Dialogue and Sustainable Growth

Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias presenting the “Athens Talks” platform. Photo source: Region of Attica

The Region of Attica recently launched an innovative initiative called “Athens Talks”, a comprehensive framework for dialogue and collaboration aimed at fostering sustainable development and enhancing the region’s global outlook.

The platform was officially presented during an event in Athens hosted by Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias on Tuesday.

During the presentation, Governor Hardalias described Athens Talks as a “modern policy tool” rooted in innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.

“This initiative aspires to become a lasting institution, uniting forces and promoting synergies,” the governor noted. “It enhances transparency, fosters dialogue, and facilitates joint action to address the challenges facing Attica.”

Action 1: Athens Talks conference on December 3

The Athens Talks platform will encompass diverse actions such as conferences, workshops, digital content creation, and online consultations. Its objective is to mobilize stakeholders, scientists, and citizens in “co-designing” the future of Attica.

The first round of Athens Talks activities is scheduled to begin on December 3 at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC). During this event, the Attica Region will unveil its ambitious development plan, comprising “280+1 projects” with a total investment of 2.1 billion euros.

According to the governor, these projects span nine main categories and address key aspects of daily life in the region.

165 projects focus on people, safety, prosperity

Photo source: Region of Attica

Approximately 60 percent of the planned projects, totaling 165 initiatives, will concentrate on three key pillars:

– People: Strengthening social welfare and healthcare infrastructure.
– Safety: Implementing flood protection measures and upgrading critical infrastructure.
– Prosperity: Enhancing urban green spaces and supporting development projects.

Notable efforts include 54 flood protection projects, 64 initiatives to expand green spaces, and 47 programs aimed at improving social services.

Shaping the future: Four core themes

The event at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) on December 3 will feature prominent speakers, including key government officials, European representatives, and delegates from international organizations. Keynote speakers will include Vasco Alves Cordeiro, President of the European Committee of the Regions; Olga Kefalogianni, Greek Tourism Minister; Themis Christophidou, Director General for Regional Policy and Urban Development at the European Commission (DG REGIO); and Kostis Hatzidakis, Greek Minister of National Economy and Finance.

Discussions will center on four critical themes:
– Strategies for sustainable development in European metropolitan regions.
– The role of tourism in driving economic growth.
– Urban governance and crisis management.
– Investing in culture to achieve sustainability, highlighted by 19+1 cultural projects planned for Attica.

A call for collaboration

Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias with his team from the regional authority. Photo source: Region of Attica

During his presentation, Governor Hardalias underscored the importance of coordinated action in tackling the complex challenges posed by overlapping responsibilities and jurisdictions within Attica.

“This initiative is designed to produce measurable results that will directly enhance the quality of life in the region’s neighborhoods,” he highlighted.